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Chhota
Katra (Dhaka) is situated about
200 yards east of the BARA KATRA
at HAKIM HABIBUR RAHMAN lane on
the bank of the river Buriganga
in Mughal (old) Dhaka. |
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The
Katra is rectangular in plan, 101.20m
x 92.05m externally and 81.07m 69.19m
internally. The thickness of the outer
walls is 0.91 to 1.00m and the maximum
thickness of the bastion walls is 1.22m.
It is similar in plan to that of the Bara
Katra, but is smaller in size. There are
two gateways, one on the north and the
other on the south. The southern one is
the main entrance. Both the gateways,
though much altered recently, are still
in situ. In the two outer corners of the
south wall of the structure there are
two octagonal towers. The structures around
the open courtyard have undergone much
renovation, reconstruction and repair.
Many modern extensions were also added
to the original building. The three storeyed
gateway on the river side has assumed
some colonial features. The triple windows
and the lofty angle towers reflect the
colonial influence during subsequent restoration.
The Chhota Katra is believed to have been
built by SHAISTA KHAN in about 1664 AD.
It is also said that the Katra was constructed
to accommodate some officials and also
a part of Shaista Khan's expanding family.
It is evident that the structure has lost
much of its original look through indiscriminate
alterations and unworthy restoration,
though they have given it some durability.
The two Katras of Dhaka have not been
taken under the protection of the Department
of Archaeology, and the specimens of this
type of architecture in Bangladesh are
on the verge of total extinction. [Ayesha
Begum]
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