Syed Muhammad Taifur (1885–1972) was a distinguished historian, an efficient administrator, and a renowned collector. Born into an aristocratic family in Dhaka, this talented individual served as a high-ranking government official during his professional career, yet his heart held a deep passion for history. Throughout his life, he worked to recover the ancient alleys of Dhaka, its Mughal architecture, and its lost heritage. His greatest literary achievement is the timeless book titled 'Glimpses of Old Dhaka'. In this work, he meticulously depicted the evolution of Dhaka city, its cultural heritage, and the social context of the Mughal era, which remains an essential reference for historical researchers to this day.
Beyond writing history, his contribution to the preservation of archaeological artifacts is unforgettable. During his lifetime, Syed Muhammad Taifur collected numerous rare ancient coins, manuscripts, and historical relics. His affection for heritage was not limited to his private collection; rather, he enriched our national treasures by donating a significant portion of his collection to the Bangladesh National Museum. In recognition of his unique contributions to the study of history, the then-British government honored him with the title of 'Khan Sahib.' As a dedicated researcher, he remains a beacon for introducing the lost glory of Dhaka to the new generation.
