Panam City is an ancient historical site. It is located in the Sonargaon Upazila (sub-district) of Narayanganj District in Bangladesh. It is situated about 30 kilometers southeast of the capital city, Dhaka, and almost 2 kilometers away from Sonargaon Museum. The tour operators keep it as a popular tourist spot in Bangladesh tour packages.
History
The city was once a prosperous trading center during the medieval period when Sonargaon was the capital of Bengal. It served as an important river port and trading hub under various dynasties, including the Sultanate and Mughal periods.
Architecture
The remains of Panam City showcase beautiful examples of terracotta architecture, which was prevalent during the 13th to 19th centuries in the Bengal region. The buildings are adorned with intricate terracotta carvings depicting various motifs, including floral patterns, mythological scenes, and human figures.
The city holds significant archaeological value as it offers insights into the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Efforts have been made to preserve and restore the remaining structures to protect this important historical site.
Panam is also known as Panam Nagar or Panam Bari, which means “the city of Panam” in Bengali. It consists of a cluster of dilapidated buildings that were once the residential and commercial quarters of wealthy Hindu merchants. These structures are now protected historical monuments.
When you are in Sonargaon, you must visit the Panam City in line with Boro Sardar Bari and Sonargaon Museum. Bangladeshi tour operators run regular day tours to Sonargaon.