Bahadur Shah Park: A revolution buried under trash and time

During British rule on the Indian subcontinent, Old Dhaka's Bahadur Shah Park was initially known as "Antaghar." Later, in 1858, when the commissioner of Dhaka Division announced direct rule of Queen Victoria in the subcontinent, the park was renamed "Victoria Park." But why was it ultimately named "Bahadur Shah Park"?  

Bahadur Shah Park which is located at Old Dhaka's Laxmibazar area is a shelter of peace when the scorching midday sun is over the head. Many still call as "Victoria Park".  The Park remains busy throughout the day as locals come here for morning and evening walks. There are a few educational institutions in this area, such as Jagannath University, Kabi Kazi Nazrul College, Dhaka Mohanogor Mohila College. Now the question is – How much do the visitors know about its history?

This writer met Ayanthi Biswas and Mehedi Hasan, students from the Bangla Department of Jagannath University, at the park. When asked about the park's history, Ayanti said, "I know the history of this park. In 1857, when the sepoys fought for independence in Delhi, the flame of rebellion influenced the sepoys here also, and they fought against the British colonisers here. This Park bears witness to that period of history. But nowadays, it has become difficult, for me, to relax comfortably here due to the indecent behaviours of the people who come here."

As it was mentioned earlier, today's Bahadur Shah Park was initially known as "Antaghar"during colonial times. But how did the name come?

In the late 18th century, the site of today's Bahadur Shah Park was home to the Armenian Billiard Club, a social hub for Dhaka's rich Armenian merchants and British officials. The locals used to refer to the billiard balls as "Anta". Hence, the clubhouse where billiards was played thus became known as "Antaghar" (Anta = billiard ball + Ghar).

The 1857 Sepoy Mutiny, also known as the Indian Rebellion, led by the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II, marked a new chapter in India's struggle for independence. Philosopher Karl Marx described it as India's first war of independence. On November 22 of that year, British Marines attacked the freedom-seeking sepoys at this part of the subcontinent. The defeated sepoys were captured and sentenced to death. They were publicly hanged at the then-Antaghar Club grounds in Puran Dhaka's Laxmibazar intersection. Their bodies were left hanging for several days from trees.

Though Queen Victoria took the responsibility of directly ruling the Indian subcontinent in 1858, she was proclaimed Empress of India in 1876. The announcement was made from the Antaghar Club grounds, which then became known as Victoria Park. However, in 1957, on the centenary of India's independence movement, the site was renamed 'Bahadur Shah Park.' At that time, the gallows were reconstructed as a memorial to honour the martyred sepoys. The monument in the park evokes the tragic and brutal history of that killing.

Regarding the park's current condition, JnU student Mehedi said, "A few days ago, when I was resting in the park after returning from my evening tuition. A group of school and college students arrived, smoking and shouting. Then, the park became full of street vendors from all sides. It became impossible to sit, so I left."

Despite its historical significance, Bahadur Shah Park lacks proper maintenance. Street food stalls and vendors have occupied various spots. Though the surroundings are occasionally cleaned, garbage quickly piles up again.

Under a Frangipani (in Bangla - Kath Golap) tree in the park, Nasima Begum who was in her fifties was waiting for her brother. Once he arrived, they planned to head towards Sadarghat Launch Terminal. When asked, she said, "When I come to Dhaka to visit my brother, I wait here." However, she knew nothing about the park's history.

Bahadur Shah Park is a historical landmark. Yet, beyond its historical importance, it has become a place of recreation for the locals. The Park stands as a reminder of the brave sepoys' sacrifices but for the busy city dwellers, this is just a place for some rest. Many among them may not realize that this park holds the history of our rebellion.