A ten-day solo photography exhibition of research photographer Babu Ahmed, titled Gaur and Pandua: The Lost Capital of Bengal (Bangladesh and India), is currently going on at the Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts in Dhanmondi.
The exhibition which began on 27 February was inaugurated by Rajeet Mitter, the high commissioner of India to Bangladesh. The event has been organised by Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts.
To a history enthusiast the exhibition, showcasing the photographs of some of the most historically significant places in the Indian subcontinent, is a rare treat. A total of 63 photographs by Babu Ahmed, put on display at the event, showcase the photographs of the structures of the historic cities of Gaur and Pandua.
Once a thriving city, Gaur had a vast area. Its total area consisted of parts of the modern-day Chapainawabganj in Bangladesh and a portion of the Malda district of West Bengal in India. It resided on the west banks of the Ganges river, 40 kilometers downstream from Rajmahal. The ancient city of Pandua was located in the Malda district of West Bengal in India.
Gaur had been the capital of Bengal since the inception of the Pal and Sen Dynasties. During the Sultanate period of the Khiljis the Hindu structures were replaced by Sultanate mosques and citadels. However, a few touchstones and statues of the once thriving Hindu dynasties can still be found.
The historically important sites of Gaur both in Bangladesh and India have been superbly captured by Babu Ahmed’s lens. The displayed photographs include photographs of Boro Sona mosque, Choto Sona mosque, Shah Niamatullah Wali’s Tahkana complex, Darasbari mosque and madrasa, Gunamanta mosque, Tantipara mosque, Qadam Rasul complex, Lattan mosque, Chamkatti mosque, Dhaniachak mosque, Firoz Minar, Gumti gate, the Dakhil darwaza of the Gaur Fort and the photo of Biasgazi, a fort.
The close-up shots have amazingly highlighted various Islamic calligraphy works, inscriptions and terracotta patterns which were carved on the interior halls, outer balcony and adjoining walls of the monumental structures.
Choto Sona mosque, Darasbari mosque, Dhaniachak mosque and the Qadam Rasul Complex reveal artistic samples of highly skilled craftsmanship.
An architectural splendour of the Muslim reign in ancient Pandua is the Adina mosque, the largest in the subcontinent, with some 300 domes and over 270 supporting pillars. Qutb Shahi mosque, Eklakhi Mausoleum and Badshah ka Takht are some of the other fine constructions which stand boldly speaking of the region’s splendid heritage.
The stunningly furnished blue-stoned wall of the Adina mosque and its well decorated greenish central Mihrab’s delicate terracotta designs are clearly visible in the photographs.
This is the 17th solo exhibition of Babu who is also the director of Traditional Photo Gallery. The photographer is concerned about the negligence of the authorities responsible for the restoration and preservation of historically important sites across Bangladesh.
“Most of the countries across the world including India are well aware of and watchful about the historically important sites in their countries, but we hardly show any interest in preserving and safeguarding ours,” said Babu Ahmed.
The exhibition ends on 8 March.
News Source: The Daily Sun