The Mughal Rule

The Mughal Rule: The development of townships, public works and a significant growth in population came as the city was proclaimed the capital of Bengal under Mughal rule in 1608 CE. Mughal subedar Islam Khan was the first viceroy administrator of the city. The city was called 'Jahangir Nagar' (City of Jahangir) in honour of the Mughal emperor. The greatest expansion of the city took place under Mughal general Shaista Khan(1662–1677 and 1679–1689). The city then stretched for 12 miles in length and 8 miles in breadth and is believed to have had a population of nearly a million people.

The historical Chawk Mosque is located in the bazaar area of the old town of Dhaka, south of the current city centre. It was originally built during the rule of the Mughals in the 17th century and may be the earliest dated mosque built on a high vaulted foundation in Bengal She was shortly occupied by Kingdom of Koch Bihar in 1661.