Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and is considered as one of the important cities in Asia.

There are many stories in the historical documents behind the naming of Dhaka. Here we present some of them.

Story-1:

It is said that once there were large forests of Dhak tree (Butea Frondosa) in the area of present Dhaka and the name Dhaka came from Dhak.

Story-2:

Dhak (ঢাক) is percussion in Indian subcontinent instrument similar to other two-sided drums. It is normally played on both sides with the fingers and only sometimes with sticks. Dhaks are often played during Hindu prayers.

There is a famous temple in this area called Dhakeshwari Temple (Dhakeshwari Mandir) built by Ballal Sen. A story says, Islam Kha defined the boundary of Dhaka by the last points from where the sound of dhaks of Dhakeshwari temple could be heard.

Story-3:

Some experts say, the name of the observation post of Isa Kha’s capital Sonargaon city was called ‘Dakka’. There is a possibility that the origin of Dhaka is Dakka.

Dhaka is an ancient city for sure but it’s ancient history has not been recorded properly.  Very few ancient documents regarding this city could be found.

Documents of many well-known travelers and tourists say that Dhaka was very rich in trade, commerce, culture and others rich during the Mughal period and was renowned worldwide. Dhaka became the capital of Mughal Bangla in 1610.  A statistical document says, in the world rank of cities, Dhaka was 28th, 12th and 29^th respectively in the year 1650, 1700 and 1750 respectively.

Indian subcontinent was divided into two parts in 1947 and Dhaka was declared the capital of East- Pakistan. After the liberation of Bangladesh Dhaka was declared as the capital and since then it has been the capital of Bangladesh.

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