The Brick Landscape: Architectural Legacy of Industrial Era

Let's go to the northwest of Bangladesh, where the curiosity brings you to a place on earth where the soil is brick-red. The world of bricks is waiting to be explored in the Pabna district.

Pabna, a place enriched with layers of history, culture, and architectural brilliance, is situated on the Ichamati River's bank. Apart from the natural beauty, the region has a long, rich, and unique history of brick manufacturing. The traces of a glorious past, narrated through various dynasties and reigns, are still vivid in the soil of Pabna, which has been a center of brick production since ancient times.

The Genesis of Brick-making in Pabna

Brick in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design (Material in Landscape Architecture and Site Design Book 3)

by Rob W. Sovinski

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
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The genesis of brick-making in Pabna dates back to the ancient era. Archaeological excavations in the region have unearthed evidence of brick-making and construction dating back to the 7th century AD. In the 16th century, during the reign of the Mughal Empire, Pabna became a significant center for brick production. The Mughal rulers used bricks extensively in the construction of their palaces, mosques, and other architectural wonders. The bricks produced in Pabna were known for their durability and high quality.

Brick kilns in Pabna

The process of making bricks in Pabna is a labor-intensive and time-consuming one. It begins with the collection of clay from the riverbeds and marshes. The clay is then mixed with water and molded into bricks using wooden or metal molds. The bricks are then left to dry in the sun for several days before being fired in a kiln. The kilns used in Pabna are traditional wood-fired kilns. The firing process takes several days, and the temperature inside the kiln can reach up to 1000 degrees Celsius.

The Brick-Built Legacy

Over the centuries, bricks have been used to construct a wide variety of structures in Pabna, from houses and temples to mosques and palaces. Some of the most notable brick-built structures in Pabna include:

• The Somapura Mahavihara, a Buddhist monastery built in the 8th century AD.
• The Mahasthangarh Fort, an ancient city built in the 3rd century BC.
• The Bagerhat Mosques, a group of mosques built in the 15th century AD.
• The Pabna Collectorate Building, a colonial-era building built in the 19th century AD.

These structures are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the brick-makers of Pabna. They are also a reminder of the important role that bricks have played in the history and culture of the region.

Brick Industry: Present Scenario

Today, the brick industry in Pabna is still thriving. There are over 500 brick kilns in the district, employing thousands of people. The bricks are not only used locally but also exported to other parts of Bangladesh and the world. The brick industry in Pabna is facing some challenges, such as the rising cost of fuel and labor, but it remains an important part of the local economy.

The brick landscape of Pabna is a unique and fascinating one. It is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the brick-makers of the region, and it is a reminder of the important role that bricks have played in the history and culture of Pabna.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about the brick landscape of Pabna, I encourage you to visit the Pabna District Museum. The museum has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the brick industry in Pabna. You can also visit some of the brick kilns in the district to see how bricks are made.

Brick in the Landscape: A Practical Guide to Specification and Design (Material in Landscape Architecture and Site Design Book 3)

by Rob W. Sovinski

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6632 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Print length	:	192 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE