Discover Sonargaon: The Ancient Capital of Bengal

Welcome to Sonargaon, one of the most historically significant and culturally rich places in Bangladesh. Once the administrative and commercial heart of ancient Bengal, this fascinating destination offers travelers a journey through time — from ancient imperial power to modern preservation of folk heritage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Sonargaon’s history, major attractions like Panam City ruins, the Folk Art & Craft Museum, and rich travel insights to help you plan the perfect visit.

Introduction: Why Sonargaon Matters

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Narayanganj District, near Dhaka, Sonargaon was historically one of the main capitals of Bengal — a region that once extended across much of Bangladesh, West Bengal (India) and beyond. Today, while the political capital has long shifted, Sonargaon has emerged as a living legacy of Bengal’s past, drawing cultural explorers, historians, photographers, and curious travelers from around the world.

The Ancient Capital: Sonargaon’s Rich History

Origins and Early Importance

Sonargaon’s roots extend deep into antiquity. According to historical records — including ancient Greek and Roman accounts — the region was an emporium of trade, recognized for rich textiles, agriculture, and strategic river commerce. Archaeologists link this area with ancient settlements of the Gangaridai Empire, regarded by Greco-Roman authors as one of the most powerful regions in Eastern India in early centuries CE.

Trade, Textiles and Prosperity

What made Sonargaon truly stand out was its textile industry — especially muslin and cotton cloths highly prized across ancient and medieval markets. Weavers formed a major portion of the population, producing fabrics so fine that travelers and traders from distant lands documented their admiration for local craftsmanship.

This legacy of textiles persists today in regional crafts, including Jamdani weaving — a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage widely associated with Bengal.

The Decline

Over centuries, shifts in trade routes and administrative centers gradually reduced Sonargaon’s political centrality. The establishment of the Port of Narayanganj in 1862 drew commerce away, and the old imperial center faded into quiet historical importance.

Yet this quiet has preserved many architectural gems, from colonial mansions to Sufi shrines and medieval mosques — making Sonargaon a treasure trove for history lovers.

Panam City: The Ruins of a Lost Urban Jewel

What Is Panam City?

Perhaps the most iconic attraction in Sonargaon is Panam City (Panam Nagar) — a historic settlement of colonial-era and pre-colonial mansions and streets. Panam City’s ruins reflect a unique blend of Bengali, Mughal, and European architectural influences, representing a bygone cosmopolitan hub of trade and culture.

Built mainly between about 1895 and 1905, Panam City thrived during British colonial rule, especially as a center for wealthy Hindu merchants whose economic activity shaped the region’s legacy.

Architectural Highlights

• Narrow cobblestone streets lined with around 50+ brick mansions — many showing ornate colonial facades.
• Houses displaying European palatial influence, intricate plaster work, and decorative balconies.
• Signs of Mughal and Sultanate era influence in local building styles.

A Photographer’s Paradise

Panam City’s quiet streets and decaying beauty make it ideal for photography — especially at golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) when shadows and textures come alive.

Standing in Time

Though many structures are now ruins, Panam City remains one of the best-preserved examples of colonial-era urban heritage in Bangladesh. It’s a powerful visual and cultural reminder of how trade, migration, and architecture intertwined in Bengal’s past.

Shilpacharya Zainul Folk & Craft Museum: Cultural Heart of Sonargaon

One of South Asia’s most unique cultural institutions is located right here in Sonargaon: the Folk Art & Craft Museum — officially called the Shilpacharya Zainul Folk and Craft Museum.

Origin & Vision

Founded by legendary Bangladeshi artist Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin on March 12, 1975, the museum was established with the mission of preserving ancient folk traditions and crafts of rural Bengal that were rapidly disappearing from mainstream recognition.

Initially housed in a historic building within Panam Nagar, the museum grew into a sprawling complex of exhibits, gardens, galleries, and interactive cultural spaces.

What You’ll See

The museum complex covers roughly 150 bighas of land (over 50 acres) and consists of the original Sardar’s House (Sardar Bari) and several galleries.

Highlights include:

Traditional Galleries

Inside 10 galleries you’ll find:

• Wood carvings and sculptures
• Folk crafts and pottery
• Masks, paintings, and scroll works
• Artifacts depicting rural life and tribal culture
• Musical instruments and terracotta
• Metal crafts — copper, brass, and iron
• Traditional ornaments and attire

Modern Zainul Abedin Memorial Museum

Adjacent to the galleries is the Zainul Abedin Memorial Museum, featuring additional exhibits on craft techniques, tools, and woodwork history.

Outdoor Cultural Landscape

Beyond indoor galleries, the grounds embrace:

• Lush traditional gardens
• A scenic lake with boat rides
• Picnic and craft demonstration areas
• Documentation centers and libraries
• Craft workshops where visitors can interact with artisans

Why It’s Special

Unlike many static museums, Sonargaon’s Folk Art Museum celebrates living tradition — showing not just objects, but the stories, techniques, and cultural life behind them. This makes it one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Bangladesh.

Other Major Attractions in Sonargaon

While Panam City and the Folk Art & Craft Museum are the highlights, Sonargaon offers several other historically rich spots:

Goaldi Mosque

A fine example of early Bengal Sultanate architecture, the Goaldi Mosque dates back to 1519 and features classic brick and stone structures from the era.

Its elegant design and terracotta details appeal to anyone interested in Islamic history, architecture, and medieval art.

Other Historic Shrines and Tombs

Scattered around Sonargaon are various Sufi shrines, Hindu temples, and ancient tombs, each offering insights into the region’s diverse religio-cultural past.

Visiting Sonargaon: Practical Travel Guide

How to Reach

Sonargaon is located about 24–25 km southeast of Dhaka and is easily accessible:

• By Bus: Regular bus services from Dhaka (e.g., from Gulistan) to Mograpara or Panam Nagar.
• By Road: Taxis, private cars, or CNG auto-rickshaws can complete the trip in ~1–2 hours.
• By River: Some travelers take a scenic river launch to Baidyer Bazar Ghat followed by local transport.

Opening Hours & Entry

Most attractions like the Folk Art & Craft Museum are open roughly 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Confirm seasonal schedules locally before your visit.

Entry fees tend to be modest, though pricing can differ for Bangladeshi residents and international tourists.

Best Time to Visit

November to March offers pleasant weather for exploring outdoor ruins like Panam City and scenic gardens at the museum. Early mornings and late afternoons provide great photo lighting and cooler temperatures.

Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes — especially if exploring ruins and cobblestone streets.
• Bring sun protection and water, as many areas are open air.
• Consider hiring a local guide for deeper historical insight.
• Visit during cultural events (e.g., folk art fairs) for added experiences.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Sonargaon stands as a remarkable testament to Bangladesh’s layered history — from ancient trade routes to colonial prosperity, and from folk culture preservation to modern tourism. Whether you’re a history buff, cultural enthusiast, photographer, or everyday traveler, Sonargaon offers a rich, immersive encounter with Bengal’s past and present that’s hard to match elsewhere.