Archaeological excavations inside the former Central Jail on Nazimuddin Road in Old Dhaka prove the existence of ancient forts and palaces built here as early as 1430. Apart from the fort, the excavations have also unearthed rolled and glazed pottery, indicating that Dhaka was founded at least 2500-1800 years ago (5th century BC-2nd century AD). Additionally, this archaeological study supports the idea that Dhaka was formerly a part of the well-known Silk Road. In addition, the history and customs of "Capital Dhaka" also suggest that it is more ancient.

Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, professor of the archaeology department of Jahangirnagar University and supervisor of excavations, presented the results of archaeological excavation in Old Dhaka Central Jail in a ceremony. He also presented a lecture on the occasion of the sixth founding anniversary of the Asiatic Society Heritage Museum at Nimtoli in Old Dhaka of the capital last Tuesday. He presented the keynote paper titled 'Archaeological Excavation in Old Dhaka Central Jail: An Analysis of the Archaeology of Dhaka' at the event.

Image: Part of the wall discovered during the excavation of the western area of ​​the Jamuna Bhavan (Image Source: Prothom Alo)

Under the leadership of Professor Sufi Mostafizur Rahman, a group of archaeology researchers and students of Jahangirnagar University conducted archaeological excavation in the old central jail in 2017-18. They carried out 11 excavations at five locations - the front side of the main gate of the jail, the courtyard of Rajanigandha Bhavan, the front of the prison hospital, 10 cells, and the western area of ​​Jamuna Bhavan. In this excavation, possible ramparts, various rooms, drains, wells, etc. of Dhaka's old fort have been discovered. Apart from this, there are many types of archeological specimens including cords, Mughal period metal coins, various types of pottery and terracotta sculptures.

Sufi Mostafizur said that this research, including the old fort, rolled pottery and glazed pottery has opened the door to uncovering the history of Dhaka just as the deciphering of a piece of Rosetta Stone script has revealed the mystery of ancient Egypt.

Archeological Discovery:

Bricks of the Sultanate Period: Bricks and fragments of bricks have been discovered in almost every pit excavated and at almost every level. In addition to plain bricks, decorative bricks and fragments of bricks and jhama bricks are also found, which are at various times removed from the archaeological site. Analyzing the shape of the bricks, it has been found that there are bricks from different periods including the Sultanate era.

Glazed Pottery and Rolled Pottery: Fragments of glazed pottery with skyblue, dark blue and green coating are found on the west side of the area branch adjacent to Cell 10 of Dhaka Central Jail, associated with the Silk Route. Almost similar glazed pottery was discovered at the pre-historic sites of Wari-Bateshwar and Mahasthangarh in Bangladesh.

Image: Fragments of rolled pottery found in excavation (Image Source: Prothom Alo)