The government occupies a 300-year-old building in CT

Locals were fascinated to learn that these clay pots supported the entire structure after part of the basement of a 300-year-old one-story building was dismantled. The combined weight of more than a hundred of these egg-shaped pots is approximately 2,500 tonnes. According to experts, the technology was employed during the Mughal era to control building temperature and strengthen them against floods and earthquakes. Yesterday was when the pictures were taken. Rajib Raihan in picture

The preservation of a historically significant 300-year-old building situated on Nazu Miah Lane in the port city's Patharghata has been authorized by the government.

The archaeological importance of the building became evident when the present owners made the decision to demolish it for the purpose of constructing a multi-story building only last week.

The discovery was made by the locals when they began dismantling a section of the basement, revealing a collection of clay pots supporting the one-storey building. The historical significance of this finding is attributed to the fact that the building was constructed approximately 300 years ago by Shariat Ullah Saodagar, a prominent merchant from Chattogram. Remarkably, the ownership of this architectural gem has been passed down through four generations of his descendants, who continue to hold ownership to this day.

Relative of Shariat Ullah, Md Faruk, is seventy years old. "I don't know why egg-shaped clay pots were used below the building's basement," his statement said. "The technology makes us wonder."

The Daily Star was informed by Aliur Rahman, the chairperson of the Chattogram History and Culture Research Centre, that 34 pots had been found when he hurried to the location.

We estimate that there may be 120 pots beneath the basement. The building weighs about 2,500 tonnes, so it's interesting that the pots support it," he remarked.

"Due to the structure's archaeological importance, we contacted the district administration and archaeological department," he stated.

Yesterday, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah, an archaeologist and the director of Chattogram's Ethnological Museum, paid a visit to the location.

He told The Daily Star that he had informed Chattogram's deputy commissioner of the structure's significance. "We are primarily convinced that the building was built around 300 years ago."

The government chose to take control of the building as it stands today and preserve it as an archaeological structure from the Mughal era, he said, in accordance with the prime minister's directive to protect archaeological objects.

In addition, he stated that the building owners will receive payment for this.

He claimed that Idrakpur Fort in Munshiganj used the same technology when asked about the usage of pots.

"The basement's temperature would be managed by using the clay pots. The Mughals employed this technology," he remarked. "Besides, these pots protect the structure from earth quakes and flood."

Town Planner Subhash Barua, who was contacted, repeated Abdullah.

"The clay pots have been designed to be egg-shaped, as well so they can hold the weight of the building under the basement," he explained. An egg won't crack if pressure is applied vertically. In this instance, this science was applied."

Source: The Daily Star

In conclusion, a remarkable chapter in architectural history is revealed by the discovery of egg-shaped clay pots supporting the 300-year-old Chattogram building. These pots demonstrate the temperature control and structural fortification technology used during the Mughal era, which deepens our understanding of the building techniques of that era. The government's decision to preserve the building and the quick action taken by local authorities are in line with a larger effort to protect historical assets. The significance of ongoing efforts to discover, value, and preserve the rich tapestry of our cultural past for future generations is highlighted by the architectural gem's transformation into a symbol of heritage conservation.