Discover Sonargaon, the ancient capital of Bengal, on a day trip from Dhaka. Just 30 km away, this heritage site offers a glimpse into Bangladesh’s rich past. Explore the abandoned Panam City, the 16th-century Goaldi Mosque, and the Folk Art & Craft Museum. Visit Jamdani weaving villages to see the world-famous fabric still crafted by hand. With history, culture, and local life all in one place, Sonargaon is the perfect escape from Dhaka for curious travelers.
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Jamdani was originally known as Dhakai named after the city of Dhaka, one of many ancient textile weaving centers in Bengal region.[5] Under the Mughal Empire the Persian term Jamdani came to be in popular use, since it was the court language of the Mughals. Jamdanis are popularly known as Dhakai Jamdani or simply Dhakai. The earliest mention of jamdani and its development as an industry is found into Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Jamdani is a hand loom woven fabric made of cotton, which was historically referred to as muslin. The Jamdani weaving tradition is of Bengali origin. It is one of the most time and labor-intensive forms of hand loom weaving, and is considered one of the finest varieties of muslin, and the most artistic textile of Bangladeshi weavers. Traditionally woven around Dhaka and created on the loom brocade, jamdani is rich in motifs. In the first half of the nineteenth century, James Taylor described the figured or flowered jamdani; in the late 19th century, T. N. Mukharji referred to this fabric as jamdani muslin.
Whether figured or flowered, jamdani is a woven fabric in cotton. This is a supplementary weft technique of weaving, where the artistic motifs are produced by a non-structural weft, in addition to the standard weft that holds the warp threads together. The standard weft creates a fine, sheer fabric while the supplementary weft with thicker threads adds the intricate patterns to it. Each supplementary weft motif is added separately by hand by interlacing the weft threads into the warp with fine bamboo sticks using individual spools of thread. The result is a complex mix of different patterns that appear to float on a shimmering surface. The pattern is not sketched or outlined on the fabric, but is drawn on a graph paper and placed underneath the warp. Jamdani is a fine muslin cloth on which decorative motifs are woven on the loom, typically in grey and white. Often a mixture of cotton and gold thread was used.
Built in 1519, the graceful, single-domed Goaldi Mosque is the most impressive of the few extant monuments of the old capital city, and a good example of pre-Mughal architecture. This mosque is one of the few remnants from the Sultanate period in Sonargaon, during the reign of Sultan Hussain Shah in 925 Hijri (1519 AD). It was built by Mulla Hizabar Akbar Khan in the early 16th century, during the reign of Alauddin Husain Shah at a place called Goaldi – half a mile northeast of Panam village in Sonargaon. Sonargaon was the administrative center of medieval Muslim rulers of East Bengal. It became as the capital of Bengal during Isa Khan’s ruling. The area falls under present-day Narayanganj District, Bangladesh. This mosque is more elegant and ornate in comparison to the earlier Sultanate mosques at Bagerhat.
There is a folk art and craft museum for the visitors & tourist travelling in Sonargaon. Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum remains open from morning to afternoon (9 AM to 5 PM). Wednesday and the Thursday, this museum is closed for weekend. This is prosperous with several unique collection those you’ll never find at any other place. Some are lost from our country, and only those are remains. The main museum building is placed at the “Sardar Bari”. “Sardar Bari” was built by a Hindu Zamindar of Sonargaon in 1901. Alike the other Zamindar house of that period, this one also looks like Indian houses, but the shape of the house was looked like the European Palaces. The baroque decoration and the elaborated painting on the plaster of the building are really eye catching.
Panam City is situated at Sonargaon, Narayanganj in Bangladesh. It is an ancient historical city in Bangladesh. Among the three cities of boro nogor (Big City), khas Nogor, Panam City, it was most attractive city. There are many historical buildings which were built centuries ago and those are related with the history of Baro-Bhuyan. It covered 20 km area of Sonargaon. Panam City is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bangladesh. As the capital of the fifteenth-century Bengal ruler Isa Khan, and once an important trading and political center, Sonargaon boasts architecture of the Sultanate, Mughal, and colonial periods. For travelers making their way along the 2,500-kilometer Grand Trunk Road from Peshawar in the Hindu Kush, Sonargaon marked the end of the line. Threats to the site include flooding, vandalism, unauthorized occupation, illegal development etc.
it is a beautiful island location in the middle of the Megha river, to go and visit there we will go by boat to enjoy the river beauty and village life of Bangladesh
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a vibrant city where ancient history meets modern dynamism. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and iconic landmarks, Dhaka offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. The city is a melting pot of diverse experiences, from exploring historic sites to indulging in flavorful street food.
Lalbagh Fort is a 17th-century Mughal fort complex that offers a glimpse into Dhaka's rich history. The fort features beautiful architecture, gardens, and museums.
Ahsan Manzil, also known as the Pink Palace, is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture. It served as the residence of the Nawabs of Dhaka and now houses a museum.
The Bangladesh National Museum is the largest museum in Bangladesh, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical items.
Dhakeshwari Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Bangladesh, dedicated to the goddess Dhakeshwari. It is a significant cultural and religious site.
Ramna Park is a large urban park in the heart of Dhaka, offering a green oasis amidst the bustling city. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The Star Mosque, or Tara Masjid, is a beautiful mosque known for its unique star-shaped tile work. It is a prime example of Mughal and colonial architecture.
Fermented rice served with fried hilsha fish, pickles, and various side dishes. It is a traditional dish often enjoyed during the Bengali New Year.
A traditional Bangladeshi dish made with rice, fish, and various side dishes. It is a staple food and a must-try for any visitor.
A flavorful curry made with hilsha fish, a popular fish in Bangladesh. It is often served with rice and is a staple dish in Bangladeshi cuisine.
A traditional Bangladeshi biryani made with partially cooked rice, meat, and spices. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is a must-try for any visitor.
The best time to visit Dhaka is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and cool. This period is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Dhaka is a bustling city with a mix of modern and traditional elements. While it offers a rich cultural experience, travelers should be aware of common safety issues such as traffic congestion, pickpocketing, and scams.
Kamalapur Railway Station, Dhaka Railway Station
Mohakhali Bus Terminal, Sadharghat Bus Terminal
Dhaka has a vast network of buses, including government-run and private services. Buses are the most common mode of public transport but can be crowded and chaotic.
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Sonargaon is an ancient city known for its rich history and cultural heritage. It is home to the Folk Art Museum and the ruins of the ancient palace of the Mughal governor, Isa Khan.
Savar is home to the National Martyrs' Memorial, a significant monument dedicated to the martyrs of the Bangladesh Liberation War. It is a place of remembrance and reflection.
Manikganj is a district known for its natural beauty and rural landscapes. It is home to the Manikganj Boat Ghats, where visitors can enjoy boat rides and experience the scenic beauty of the area.
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