Bara Katra, Mughal palace in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Bara Katra is a Mughal palace in Dhaka built in the 17th century along the Buriganga River. The structure features octagonal towers, decorated plastered panels, and horseshoe-shaped arches that are typical of Mughal architecture.
The palace was built between 1644 and 1646 by Mir Abul Qasim on orders from Shah Shuja, son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The structure arose during a period when Dhaka was growing and thriving under Mughal rule.
The name Bara Katra comes from Bengali words meaning "large" and "fortress," and the courtyard inside still shows how people once moved through different sections for work and trade. Visitors walking through notice the layout reflects a working palace where commerce and residence mixed together under one roof.
The site is open to visitors but requires patience when exploring, as it remains in a state of restoration. It is best to visit in the morning when light shows the architectural details well and there is less crowding.
The building was not only a residence but also a trading post with around two dozen shops that processed ships for customs duties arriving at the river. This mixture of living and commerce was the heart of its function as an important trading hub.
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