The Curzon Hall - A journey through 100 years
About Curzon Hall,
The Curzon Hall is a British Raj-era building and home of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Dhaka. Curzon Hall was originally intended to be a town hall and is named after Lord Curzon, who laid its foundation stone in 1904. It was used as a premise for Dhaka College after the annulment of the partition in 1911. After the establishment of Dacca University in 1921, it became the base of the university's science faculty.
General Information,
- Location: Curzon Hall
- Groundbreaking: 19 February 1904
- Owner: University of Dhaka
- Website: Institute of Statistical Research and Training
- No entry fee
- No parking
Structure,
It is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in Bangladesh. It is a blend of European and Mughal architectural influences. The style combined with traditional art mixed with modern technology and Mughal forms such as arches and domes were preferred. The middle section is similar to Diwan-i-Khas in the palace-fortress of Fatehpur Sikri, Emperor Akbar's capital between 1570 and 1585. The British favored Akbar, they thought Akbar is the wisest and most tolerant of all the Mughals. That's why they designed Curzon Hall similar to Diwan-i-Khas as proof that they followed Akbar. Influencing Mughal architecture, they use red color substituting for red sandstone. Most of the building is 2 strode and some of them are 3 strode.
Language Movement,
It was used not only as the physics department but also for other purposes as well after 1947. Muhammad Ali Jinnah (a barrister, politician, and the founder of Pakistan) spoke at the convocation of the University at Curzon Hall on March 24, 1948. He said there "Urdu will be the only state language of Pakistan." His declaration was challenged forthwith at the congregation and that was the inception of the Language Movement. After Muhammed Ali Jinnah's declaration that Urdu alone would be the state language of then Pakistan, the students of Dhaka University protested his proposal by saying "No". And it was in Curzon Hall where they first declared their opposition to the state language policy.
On 21 and 22 February 1952, students from Dhaka University and Dhaka Medical College and political activists made a procession, they were demanding official status for their native tongue, Bengali. Pakistani police force opened fire on Bengali protesters, and some of them were killed. All those happened beside Curzon Hall. And immediately after the events, the first Shaheed Minar was built on 21–22 February 1952 which was beside Curzon Hall where the students were killed.
After the formation of local government by the United Front in April 1954, they decided to construct the new monument. A foundation stone was laid in 1956. The sculptor design of Hamidur Rahman was approved by the committee. The construction started in November 1957 and was completed in 1963. The present "Shaheed Minar" we see is situated beside Curzon Hall and Curzon Hall is Intimately involved with the 1952's Bengali's language movement.
Ambiance,
Curzon Hall is naturally so beautiful. There is a touch of nature everywhere in Curzon Hall. Curzon Hall is surrounded by a lot of trees. There is a road in the middle and fields are full of grass. Students sit on the grass and do gossiping. It is a great place for taking pictures. There is a pond beside Shahidullah Hall. People go there for relaxation.
There is a central hall inside Curzon Hall. This hall is used to take exams.
Travel tips,
Since it is the department of science it’s usually really crowded from 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. And tourists usually visit there on holiday (Friday, Saturday, any other Govt. holiday) in the afternoon. So it remains crowded the whole day. There are no eating facilities inside Curzon Hall. But "Kazi Alauddin Road," which is famous for food is just beside "Curzon Hall." You can just go there by walking or can go there by rickshaw which will cost you 30 BDT/ 0.35$. They are no parking available inside Curzon Hall but can take a motorcycle inside by requesting a security guard.
Curzon Hall is deeply involved with Bangladesh, Bengali language. It is one of the most beautiful structures in Dhaka, which is also bearing the tradition of the Mughal period. So we should visit this place.
A clip from youtube,
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