ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the unique urban pattern of Dhaka which evolved from a relatively obscure position in the ancient time to prominence during the early seventeenth century, not only as the capital of Mughal province of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, but also the most important urban centre of eastern India for trade and administration. The dominance of Dhaka, however, faded away with the rise of Calcutta during the colonial period, but its relevance remained for its control over the huge agrarian hinterland. This chapter situates the city in its historical backdrop and explores its cultural matrix of urban life that reflected the changing parameters of urban living standards as the political as well as socio-economic exigencies underwent a change during past 200 years.
