Bagerhat visitorsCyArk
Who was Khan Jahan Ali?
Khan Jahan Ali was the local ruler of Bagerhat and in his lifetime, Khan Jahan obtained the status of Sufi Pir or saint.
60 Dome Mosque Aerial IamgeCyArk
How did he develop Bagerhat?
During the time of Khan Jahan, as now, there was a great concern for clean drinking water. To promote the development of his region, Khan Jahan excavated a number of ponds, the most notable of which are the Khanjali Dighi near his tomb and Ghoradighi (measuring 1500'x750') to the west of Shat Gombuj Mosque.
The Complex Surrounding the 60 Dome Mosque in Bagerhat (2019-05) by CyArkCyArk
How did he adapt to Bagerhat's climate?
The Sundarbans’s climate has always been challenging. Adapting to its difficulties was key to Khan Jahan’s success and a hallmark of the Khan-e-Jahn architecture style credited to him.
While stone was rare in the region, it was imported and placed beneath the walls to combat the salty moisture prevalent even then. Projecting stone rain spouts, curved cornices and the use of terra cotta reflect other climate-adapted features.
Bagerhat reservoirCyArk
How is his legacy remembered?
While the city he created was abandoned in later years, today both the old mosque city and his nearby dargah or tomb continue to inspire pilgrims.
Bagerhat mosque before prayerCyArk
Today, people travel to Bagerhat to pray for “recovery of their problems” and there is a belief in the sacred power of water in these dighi. Annual Urs (the death anniversary of a Sufi saint) are held in the tomb in the bright half of the moon in the Bangla month of Chaitra.
Discover more
Discover how CyArk uses 3D documentation to empower local experts.
Find out more about ICOMOS' efforts to increase engagement of cultural heritage in climate action here.
Andrew Potts, ICOMOS Working Group on Cultural Heritage and Climate Change.
This project was made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Archaeology, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
