Hussaini Dalan,located near the central jail,is a historical structure. It is an imambara for the Muslim. But people from any religion can visit this. It is a great architectural example of the Mughals.
History Of Hussaini Dalan
This “Dalan” was constructed during the Sebedari of Prince Shah Shuja. As he was a sunni muslim,he braced up Shia institutions also. To make a ‘Tazia Khana‘ or a ‘House‘ of Imam Hussain,Mir Murad accomplished the idea of constructing it using his own vision.
This building is considered to be an alternative one. Although the actual construction date is still disputed, but Nusrat Jung rebuilt its present form of Imambara in 1823. And Nawab AhsanuAllah rebuilt the present flat roof. Another veranda was added then.
Artification Of Hussaini Dalan
The building stands on a high platform and there are two main halls back to back. The Shirni Hall is coloured black which indicates the sorrow for the death of Al-Hussain. The Khutba Hall has a mimbar with seven wooden steps. There are many supplementary halls in two storeys on the right and left. These halls are for women mainly.
The building is located on a corridor overlooking a big pool. There are two or three storey polypous hollow towers, crowned by domes on its southern wing. The baffler of the building consists of coloured merlons and there are four corners. Moreover, this building is the novel appearance of old architecture.
Implication of the Hussani Dalan
During the first 10 days of Muharram, it becomes a center of mourning and religious gathering in old Dhaka city. Although Shia muslims are a minority in Dhaka but they along with Sunni muslim join the mourning which ends in Ashura. They arrange a large procession on Ashura.
Religion is an important part of culture. So, a religious place bears the historical signature of a nation. Hussani Dalan is one of the most important historical structure for all bengalis. It bears the testimony of our existence.
Bengal Elegance 