Appendix 2 Lalbagh Fort script of podcast

Lalbagh Fort or Fort Aurangabad is an incomplete Mughal palace fortress. It is situated in the Southwestern part of old Dhaka, on the bank of river Buriganga. The Lalbagh Fort has a long and interesting history like many other archeological treasures in Bangladesh. It is also widely agreed that it stands as a monument to the unfulfilled dreams of Prince Muhammad Azam. He began the construction of the fort complex in 1678. During that time Prince Azam was serving as the Viceroy of Bengal. He was called back to his father Emperor Aurangzeb to assist in the war against the Marhattas, before the constructions of the fort was completed.

            Subedar Shaista Khan was his successor. After Prince Azam, Shaista Khan continued with the building project. He also did not complete the work, though he stayed in Dhaka up to 1688. The reason behind was his daughter Iran Dukht. She was fondly known as Bibi Pari (Fairy Lady). She died here in 1684 and this led to Shaista Khan to consider the fort to be ominous. Bibi Pari was betrothed to Prince Azam at the time of her death.

            The main purpose of the Lalbagh Fort was to provide a defensive enclosure for the protection of the palace buildings. It is therefore more of palace fortress than a siege fort. The shape of the fort is rectangular shape with many outstanding features. The fort was considered to be a combination of three buildings- the mosque, the Diwan-i-Aam and the tomb of Bibi Pari. There were also two gateways and a portion of the partly damaged fortification wall.

            The shape of the mosque is rectangular with huge three domed. It is situated in the western part of the complex, with a water tank in front on the eastern side. It also contains a water channel with fountains at regular interval. The water channels and the fountains are very common feature of Mughal architecture.

            The double storied Diwan-i-Aam attached with a single storied Hammam on its west and it is an imposing building. Hammam is the bathing place of Nawab Shaista Khan. This complex also includes one platform, a small kitchen, an oven, water storage area, a dressing room and an extra room.

            The tomb of Bibi Pari the building in the middle is the most impressive of the surviving buildings of the fort. It consists of eight rooms’ surroundings a central square room, which contains the mortal remains of Bibi Pari. This central room is covered by an octagonal shape dome, which has been overlaid in bronze. The walls of the rooms are covered in decorative tiles work and marble.

Lalbagh Fort is a place of Mughal archeological beauty. Mughals were world famous for their art and culture. The beauty of the Lalbagh Fort premise attracts the visitors and tourists. You may submerge the historical past of the Mughal period if you visit the place. The flowery and green natural site surely offers majestic charm to you.  Lalbagh Fort remains open for tourists six days a week in day time except Sunday and government holidays.