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ARCHIVING BETILA - A Study on the Present Condition and the

Architectural Features of an Evanescing Historic Settlement

Latifa Sultana

, Shahriar Hasan Mridha Ratul

, Sadman Hossain Rakin

, Abdullah Al Rafi

, Ali Rafian

Khan

, Sultanul Arefin

, Amena Islam Akhi

, Abir Hasnat Arif

Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Southeast University (SEU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

B.Arch. Graduate, Department of Architecture, Southeast University (SEU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

Student, Department of Architecture, Southeast University (SEU), Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.91200044

Received: 06 December 2025; Accepted: 13 December 2025; Published: 31 December 2025

ABSTRACT

Betila, a heritage settlement in Manikganj, Bangladesh, is home to a remarkable row of courtyard and bugalow

type houses built during the British Colonial period. This settlement, established by elite Hindu merchants near

the Kaliganga River, represents a unique architectural fusion of British Colonial and Mughal styles, adapted to

the local context and spatial configurations. The buildings, characterized by their intricate design and historical

significance, are now at risk due to illegal encroachments, neglect, and the pressure for modern urban

development. Following the Partition of Bengal at 1947, the settlement has faced severe deterioration, with

many of its structures now under threat of demolition to make way for multi-storied buildings. Despite its

cultural and historical importance, Betila remains largely unrecognized by scholars and policymakers, leading

to a rapid loss of its architectural heritage. This paper aims to document and assess the architectural features,

spatial layout, and current condition of Betila, providing a comprehensive overview of its historical context

and significance. Through careful documentation, this research intends to highlight the urgent need for

conservation and the re-evaluation of the site’s potential for adaptive reuse. By exploring the fusion of colonial

and Mughal architecture and the spatial relationships of the buildings with the surrounding environment, the

study offers a framework for future conservation strategies. Ultimately, this research advocates for the

preservation of Betila as a living heritage site, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding this historic

settlement for future generations.

Keywords: Betila, Built Heritage, Historical Settlement, Documentation, Condition Assessment,

Photogrammetry, Conservation Planning, South Asia.

INTRODUCTION

Bangladesh is a nation steeped in history, with a rich tapestry of architectural landmarks that chronicle the

evolution of its culture, society, and economy. Among these, colonial-era settlements hold particular historical

significance, reflecting the intricate interactions between local traditions and foreign influences. One such

settlement is Betila in Manikganj, which was established by Hindu merchants in the early 19th century, during

British colonial rule (Hossain, 2015). This once-thriving township, built upon the remnants of a much older

settlement, is marked by its distinctive 'Street front houses'—a unique architectural pattern along narrow

streets, once bordered by canals or moats (Chowdhury, 2018). However, as time has passed, these buildings

have fallen into disrepair, with their original purpose and value largely forgotten by current inhabitants (Islam

& Rahman, 2020). The ongoing, unchecked urban expansion across Bangladesh has compounded the threat to

these invaluable cultural resources (Hossain & Rahman, 2019). Betila now faces the imminent danger of

irreversible decay, as the growing pressure for modern development threatens to erase its historical identity.

This paper seeks to explore the architectural and cultural significance of Betila, emphasizing the urgent need

for conservation. By documenting its spatial layout, architectural features, and historical context, this research

aims to underscore the importance of preserving this living archaeological site before it is lost to time and

neglect (Chowdhury, 2018; Hossain, 2015).

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Figure Shows: Land-Use Map of Betila with It’s Historical Building Settlement’s (Heritage), Residential

Building’s, Commercial Building’s and Community Space’s.

Historical Background and Context: Betila, located in the Manikganj district, holds a significant position in

the Historically, during the early 10 th to mid- 13 th centuries, Manikganj was a vital cultural and commercial

hub (Chakraborty, 2017). Despite the capital moving to Dhaka in the 17 th century, it remained important due

to its strategic location (Ahmed, 2019). Betila, between the Kaliganga and Dhaleshwari rivers, became an

essential trade node during the Sultanate, Mughal, and colonial periods. The Betila Canal enhanced

connectivity, attracting merchants (Hossain, 2015). This history influenced Betila' s architecture, blending

local, colonial, and regional styles, and makes it key to Bengal' s urban and commercial evolution (Rahman,

2018).

The term Kasba (Arabic for settlement) describes an administrative and commercial town between villages and

cities, vital in Bengal' s medieval governance, trade, and security (Khan, 2016). Located near trade routes and

rivers, kasbas served as hubs for trade, administration, and sometimes military activities, governed by officials

like the kotwal and quazi (Nasser, 2018). Betila, in Manikganj' s historical landscape, was likely one such

kasba, thriving during the Sultanate, Mughal, and colonial periods, with its name reflecting its historic

administrative role (Chakraborty, 2017). Its colonial- era architecture, from the 18 th to 20 th centuries,

originally served Hindu merchants like the Shahas and Poddars, thriving due to its strategic location near

Mirkadim river port (Khan, 2016). The settlement symbolized economic growth, with distinctive architecture

merging local and colonial styles (Rahman, 2018). Post- 1947 Partition, Hindu merchants migrated or faced

violence, and subsequent upheavals and the 1971 Liberation War devastated Betila (Chowdhury, 2018).

Today, many properties formerly owned by Hindus are now Muslim- occupied, reflecting profound political

and cultural shifts (Rahman & Hossain, 2019).

The figure shows two rivers covering Betila settlements.

Betila Zamindar Bari, linked to merchants Jyotindra and Satyendra Saha from Kolkata, embodies their legacy.

Their family, from the Saha caste, traded in jute during British rule, and their house, along the Nurani River,

showcases a blend of cultural influences. Local stories mention large boats navigating the river, facilitating

their business. The house, a notable landmark, once featured painted horses used for transport. Personal

accounts reveal land dealings with the Saha family, illustrating their significant local influence and complex

legacy.

METHODOLOGY

This study employs a comprehensive qualitative and descriptive approach to assess the architectural features,

current condition, and future prospects of Betila’s heritage buildings. The research is conducted in multiple

phases, beginning with field surveys to gather primary data. These surveys involve detailed assessments of the

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heritage structures, photographic documentation, and oral surveys from local inhabitants to understand their

perceptions and awareness of the site’s historical significance. Additionally, the surrounding environment and

infrastructure are analyzed to provide a broader context for the site’s present state.

A comparative analysis is then performed using secondary data from other colonial-era buildings in the region

to examine common architectural features, spatial zoning, and traditional house forms. This comparative study

helps contextualize Betila within the larger framework of colonial architecture in Bengal. Finally, all gathered

data and documentation are archived, and potential conservation strategies are evaluated. The aim is to propose

sustainable methods for preserving Betila's cultural and architectural heritage for future generations.

Evolution of the settlement of Betila: From the structural pattern of the heritage buildings, the chronological

development of the area could be traced.

Figure Shows: Axonometric view of chronological evolution of the area in Betila (Source: Author)

The Present condition of the study area: The actual number of heritage buildings remaining in the study area

could not be traced completely due to the lack of evidence. Twenty-one buildings could only be found in

Nagar Kashba during the study;

Figure Shows: Location of the heritage buildings in the settlement of elite Hindu businessmen of Betila

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Figure Shows: Map shows the Heritage settlements

Conditions of the Heritage Buildings: Betila's traditional houses were once a symbol of class, status, and

culture. These buildings, constructed by wealthy merchants and aristocrats, reflected Mughal and colonial

architectural influences (Chowdhury, 2017). The structures, ranging from single-story to three-story, were

predominantly two-story buildings (Rahman, 2019). However, over time, there have been significant changes

in the ownership and maintenance of these historic buildings. After the partition in 1947, many of these

buildings were either sold by their original owners or forcibly taken over (Hossain & Alam, 2016). Some

houses were acquired under duress, leaving many owners without proper documentation today (Khan, 2018).

Over time, the ownership of these buildings was divided among heirs, and now many of the current owners

reside in Dhaka or abroad. As a result, these owners often prefer to earn rental income from their properties

rather than maintaining them (Sharma, 2020). Currently, residents of these traditional buildings are attempting

to improve their living conditions by making modern alterations. However, due to their socio-economic status,

they lack the financial means for proper renovation (Das & Ahmed, 2019). While some owners seek to

demolish the old buildings and construct new ones, external interference and poor maintenance are putting the

survival of these historic structures at risk (Chowdhury, 2017). As time goes on, pressure on these buildings

continues to increase. With the growing population in the area, the tendency to increase rents by businessmen,

students, employees, and shop owners is rising (Hossain, 2015). Land prices are increasing, and the evolving

economy is changing the character of the area (Khan & Rahman, 2019). Many owners are making

modifications to their buildings by adding bathrooms, partitions, or breaking down walls, which damages the

architectural beauty of these historic structures (Rahman & Hossain, 2020). What were once valuable

representations of historical identity are now often being replaced by modern, functional buildings that meet

contemporary needs (Das & Ahmed, 2019). These changes, while fulfilling present-day demands, are

disconnected from the cultural heritage of the area. In the future, these traditional structures may be completely

replaced, leading to the loss of an important part of our history (Sharma, 2020).

Structural, Infrastructural and Environmental Conditions and Its Evolution: These three conditions,

structural, infrastructural, and environmental, are getting worse day by day. The condition of the mythological

establishment is quite delicate. It is as if today it is a state of chaos! Modern establishments can be seen in front

of the establishment and behind it. There is no setback. In some places, random relationships can be seen. The

Betila river has moved far away from the Kasba. There are no branches of the river and no such connection

rules. In some places, ponds and streams have dried up and become deserts, where their existence is provided

by rocky stairs. Which exist on the ground. The existing path is a ghat and quite neglected. In some places,

narrow roads. This road is the only one to go towards the heritage establishment. This narrow lane is used by

vehicles like rickshaws, tempos, and CNG auto-rickshaws and acts as a short road to reach other

neighborhoods, which makes it unfavorable for pedestrians. The area is littered with exposed electrical wires,

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poor stormwater drainage, and littering. The well that can be seen in the back near the house does not even

hold water. The entire structure is now in a state of danger and will soon disappear (Rahman & Hossain, 2020).

Elite Hindu Merchants’& Zamindar Houses: Betila was once a settlement characterized by rows of

impressive two-story houses, typically not very large, constructed in British colonial or Indo-European

architectural styles. While none of these buildings remain in pristine condition today, they still retain elements

of their original design. Some have undergone significant alterations, making it difficult to discern their

original layout and architectural typology. The houses in Betila vary in both size and shape. Two distinct

building types are evident: the Courtyard-style houses and the Bungalow-style houses.

Figure Shows: Ground Floor Plan of Marchent Houses

Single Monolithic House: A single monolithic house in Betila refers to a standalone structure that is typically

compact and unified in design. These houses are characterized by being self-contained, often without distinct

divisions or courtyards like the bungalow or courtyard-type houses. The design focuses on a singular, cohesive

building structure rather than multiple components or spaces. These houses may consist of one story, and they

typically have simple, functional layouts suited to the needs of the inhabitants, without complex room

organization or external features. Single story buildings. Much more ornamented and fragmented. Building

shows arts, aesthetics and appeals.

Courtyard Type House: The houses in Kashba feature two courtyards: the outer courtyard is used for public

activities, while the inner courtyard is dedicated to private activities. Some of the buildings in the area follow

this design. Based on the traces of previous foundation locations, it is assumed that other buildings also

originally had two courtyards.

Bungalow Type House: Bungalow-type houses in Betila are characterized by having no courtyard. These are

typically one or two-story buildings, featuring yards either in the front or back. There is no uniformity in the

organization of the rooms across different buildings, offering a variety of layouts.

Spatial Organizations: The buildings in Kashba are organized around courtyards that separate public, semi-

public, and private spaces. The front courtyard contains public functions like guest rooms and temples, and is

used for cultural activities. The private courtyard, accessed through a passage, holds bedrooms and private

areas. Colonnaded walkways surround the courtyards, and backyards include kitchen gardens and restrooms.

Each house has two service entries, and shared ponds are available for the community. A canal encircles the

settlement, serving both as a service route and a security moat.

Architectural Elements: Betila is a historic and culturally significant place in Bangladesh. These houses were

primarily used as the residence of the zamindars and merchant people of Betila village. Through its

construction, it reflects Bengali heritage, cultural diversity, and the influence of zamindari rule. These features

make it clear that this is not just a house but a living history connected to the tradition. The architecture of

Betila houses reflects the traditional Bengali architectural style. This is built using local materials to stay cool

in hot weather (Chowdhury, 2017). The house has a special sloping roof called a "chala" roof (a sloping roof).

This roof helps to drain rainwater and lets the air flow inside, keeping the house cool. The traditional "chala"

roof and the walls are designed to provide insulation against the tropical heat. The house also has wide and

open verandas, flat roofs, thick walls, and big windows to let in lots of sunlight. The open design helps air

move around the house, making it comfortable to live in. All of that prioritizes the circulation of air and natural

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light. Betila houses are a good example of Bengali architecture, made to be both useful and beautiful for the

warm weather (Rahman, 2019).

Figure Shows: Betila Elit Marchents and Zamindar Houses that’s represents the architectural features & legacy

Betila's buildings fuse European and Bengali styles from the colonial period, using brick, wood, tiles, and

corrugated sheets. Brick provided strength, especially in large houses like zamindar mansions. Wood,

emphasized by European influence, was used for doors, windows, and other parts. Flooring included stone,

tiles, and wood, with tiles popular for cooling. Roofs were tile-based but later featured corrugated sheets,

blending European designs with local weather needs. These materials and styles showcase Betila's cultural

history.

Figure Shows: Elevation of Betila Zamindar and Marchent Houses.

The main entrance of the houses typically features different types of arches, creating an imposing impression

before entering the interior space. It mainly uses traditional shapes and designs (Chowdhury, 2017). The

entrance to the house would typically feature large, beautifully carved wooden doors, often flanked by arches.

These arches are an important feature of Bengali architecture, symbolizing grandeur and an imposing

welcome. The doors would be adorned with intricate carvings of mythological figures, floral patterns, and

scenes from traditional Bengali culture (Rahman & Hossain, 2019). Upon entering, you would be greeted by a

large open space leading to the central courtyard. This would be a grand entrance, setting the tone for the rest

of the house. The walls of the house often feature various carvings and statues. These included images of Lord

Shiva, Gauri-Shankar, floral patterns, etc. There are also instances of intricate stonework in several places.

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These are mythological scenes and nature-inspired motifs. These carvings would be hand-crafted in stone or

wood (Hossain, 2015). The design of the walls would also feature lush floral patterns, a common feature in

Bengali homes, symbolizing beauty and nature. Large windows and niches (small rooms constructed on the

exterior of the house) are key architectural features of the zamindar house. These windows and niches

facilitated the circulation of natural light and air. The house would feature large wooden windows with

intricate designs and shutters that could be opened to allow air and sunlight to enter. These windows would be

strategically placed to ensure the house stays cool during the day and well-lit in the evening. Small rooms,

called khops, would be built outside the main structure. These niches would serve various purposes such as

storage, small living spaces, or as places to keep cool during the heat of the day (Khan, 2016).

Figure Shows: Betial ancient houses with its detail ornamentation and aesthetics view.

The house featured large galleries or corridors for easy movement and connectivity to the upper floors. These

corridors helped facilitate easy and distinct movement within the house. The house would have large corridors

or galleries, which not only facilitated movement between rooms but also connected different parts of the

house (such as the living area, dining area, and courtyard). These galleries would be lined with columns and

arches, offering a sense of openness and providing natural ventilation. The interior of the house was divided

into different rooms, such as the servant’s quarters, zamindar’s bedroom, guest room, and kitchen. Each room

was spacious and luxurious, featuring traditional furniture and decorative lighting systems. The interior of the

house would be divided into various distinct sections: Zamindar’s Bedroom: The largest and most luxurious

room, decorated with traditional furniture like four-poster beds, wooden wardrobes, and chandeliers. Guest

Room: Often reserved for important visitors, with lavish seating arrangements and ornate décor. Bhangi

Kachher (Servant's Quarters): Smaller rooms for staff, located in the back part of the house, often with basic

furniture. The furniture inside would be made from wood, with rich carvings and polished surfaces. Brass or

copper items would be used as part of the décor

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Figure Shows: Architetural sectional algorithm of the Betila with its heritage surroundings and comprises.

The zamindar house was surrounded by trees, flowers, and gardens, adding natural beauty and serenity. Such

plants were vital in traditional Bengali homes. A key feature was the central courtyard, often with plants and

trees. Betila Zamindar Bari likely had a lush garden of ornamental and flowering plants along verandas,

integrating nature with shaded pathways and greenery. A large pond, often with stone stairs and ornamental

design, was typical in the courtyard for water collection and aesthetics. These features, including carved stone

steps around the pond, enhanced the house's beauty and tranquility.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The unique settlement of Betila faces significant challenges due to contemporary urban development,

environmental factors, and financial constraints. Immediate conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard this

historic area. The first step toward any effective conservation strategy should be comprehensive documentation

of the settlement's architectural features and surrounding environment in their current state. As seen in many

cases, government-led conservation efforts often freeze the life of heritage sites, creating long-term

maintenance challenges. Therefore, conservation programs for Betila must consider the cultural fabric and

social needs of the local community to ensure long-term sustainability. Policies should be developed to engage

both private and public stakeholders in the responsibility of preserving this heritage. A balanced approach that

includes adaptive reuse, community-driven tourism initiatives involving local residents, and, when necessary,

the integration of modern elements, all under the guidance of heritage specialists, could revitalize the

settlement. This strategy would breathe new life into Betila's historic buildings, preserving both its resources

and cultural value for future generations.

Figure Shows: Proposed Architetural sectional algorithm of the Betila with its heritage surroundings and

comprises.

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Betila Kasba is a historically and culturally rich area with architectural landmarks from various periods and

natural beauty. Some structures are well-preserved, others need restoration (Hossain, 2015). The Betila

Zamindar Bari could be turned into a heritage museum to promote local history and pride. Surrounding

facilities like a guest house, café, hotel, library, and research center could attract tourists. Its natural features,

including the Jamuna River, canals, ponds, and rural environment, make it appealing. Developing it as a resort

could boost tourism (Rahman & Hossain, 2019), with heritage and water trails for exploration. The water trails

along rivers and canals would attract water-based activities. The region’s Hindu temples and Muslim mosques,

with their architecture, would also draw visitors. The rural setting offers local life and agriculture, increasing

appeal. For growth, local government efforts in agriculture, education, infrastructure, and tourism are vital.

With proper measures, Betila Kasba can fully realize its potential as a rural destination, preserving culture,

heritage, and natural resources while becoming a thriving tourism hub.

Figure Shows: Proposed Architetural sectional algorithm of the Betila with its heritage surroundings and

comprises.

CONCLUSION

From the study above, it is evident that the architectural quality and spatial arrangement of the historic

residential buildings in Betila make it a prime candidate for conservation. The settlement, with its rows of

colonial-era houses and strategic location, holds immense cultural, historical, and architectural significance.

The documented features and analysis presented in this paper serve as a valuable record of the socio-cultural,

political, economic, and environmental conditions that shaped the area during its peak in Bengal’s vibrant past.

This study not only highlights the historical value of Betila but also emphasizes the urgency of re-evaluating

and preserving this living archaeological site. Proper conservation efforts could breathe new life into this

fading heritage, ensuring that Betila's unique story and architectural legacy are safeguarded for future

generations. The findings of this research offer a foundation for meaningful conservation strategies, fostering

greater appreciation and protection of Betila’s historical and cultural wealth.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This paper was developed from the author’s student project (Urban Project) of the B. Arch program of

Southeast University (SEU), Dhaka, Bangladesh on March 2024, and the supervisors were Professor Latifa

Sultana at Department of Architecture, Southeast University (SEU), Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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