The visual you see here seems too far-fetched for current times at our capital. A goru-gari, huts on the side along with some chickens roaming about — it is too rustic for Dhaka! And in the background, a grand, elegant gateway rises to the skies. But perhaps such was the scene in 1863, when this watercolour titled "Ruined Gateway — Dacca" was made, by Frederick William Alexander de Fabeck, who was a doctor during the British Raj. 

The assistant surgeon created a number of Dhaka artworks. Today, we focus on the one that depicts the gateway of a Mughal monument, Boro Katra.   

A 'katra' is essentially a caravanserai — a traveller's inn of sorts. It was established around the mid-17th century.

Fabeck painted it much later of course, in 1863. By that time, as you can see, the condition of Boro Katra had already started to deteriorate, plus the white building, probably built in the British colonial era, blocks our view of one side.  Despite all that, the elegance of the structure can be understood, and the people, huts, etc. give us a vivid picture. 

Boro Katra still exists today. If you go to the Chawk Bazar area, you can still see the gateway as well as the remains of the overall monument. Note that Boro Katra is not just a gateway; the gateway is just a part of Boro Katra. Yet, whatever remains today is in a sorry state!

Source: Victoria and Albert Museum website; Banglapedia