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The legend of India is said to be incomplete without the presence of royal palaces, ancient forts and temples. It is rightly said considering the numbers of royal palaces and monuments from the bygone era present in the country. These historic buildings are certainly responsible for scripting down the history and the rich culture of the respective place.
West Bengal is also one amongst these places in India which house several ancient buildings in the form of palaces. These royal palaces assuredly describe the past of the state. So, how about exploring these palaces in West Bengal and learning, in detail, about the yesteryears of the state?
Hazarduari Palace
PC- Czarhind
As the name suggests, Hazarduari Palace has 1000 doors. However, 100 amongst these doors are false so as to confuse any predator from escaping. Hence, the palace only has 900 real doors. Formerly known as Bara Kothi, this grand royal residence is located in the campus of Kila Nizamat, which is the site of the old fort of Murshidabad in West Bengal.
This 19th-century palace was built under the reign ofNawab Nazim Humayun Jah. Today, Hazarduari Palace is taken care of and protected by the Indian government under the Archaeological Survey of India.
Cooch Behar Palace
PC- Paulsubhojit
Also known as Victor Jubilee Palace, Cooch Behar Palace is one of the most elegant palaces in West Bengal. It is located in the city of Cooch Behar and was built during the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan in 1887. Being inspired from the Buckingham Palace, it is natural for this structural beauty to be a significant landmark in the city.
Cooch Behar Palace is always commended for its architecture in classical western style. It is also noted for its surrounding beauty in the form of gardens and lawns and hence, it is definitely a frame worth seeing. Even though most articles and precious objects in various rooms and halls of the palace are lost, Cooch Behar Palace still hasn't lost its charm and stands tall as an important historical monument.
Marble Palace
PC- Stefan Krasowski
Marble Palace is a 19th-century mansion in northern Kolkata and was built by Raja Rajendra Mullick, a wealthyBengali merchant who was very passionate about collecting fine works of artistry.
Today, the mansion is one of the best-preserved houses of the 19th century in Kolkata and serves as a home to the descendants of Raja Rajendra Mullick. The magnificence and glamour of the palace lie in its marble walls, floors and sculptures.
Another peculiar feature about this mansion is that it is built in a neoclassical style with a touch of a traditional Bengali courtyard. Marble Palace also houses several western sculptures, pieces of Victorian furniture and numerous artefacts that depict the rich art and history of the country.
Jhargram Palace
PC- Vikramaditya Malladeb
Jhargram Palace is situated in Jhargram district of West Bengal and is one of the most beautiful palaces in the state. The architecture of this palace is a cross between Italian, Islamic and Bengali architecture, which gives it a very elegant and royal grandeur.
This 16th-century palace was built by Sarveshwar Singh during the 16th century. Surrounded by gardens and beautiful lawns, Jhargram Palace is a must-visit spot if you are looking to explore and learn about the history of the place.
Kathgola
PC- Jagadhatri
Although Kathgola Palace isn't as grand as many other palaces in West Bengal, it still holds a very significant part in history. It was hereWilliam Wattsand Walsh metMir Jafar, three days after theBattle of Plasseyin 1757.
This four-storeyed palatial palace is located in Kathola Gardens, which is one of the most beautiful gardens in Kathgola, and is spread over an area of 30 acres. It is believed that black roses were cultivated in Kathgola Gardens; however, now one can only find mango trees and certain other shrubs.
Inside the palace, you can find valuable paintings, mirrors and priceless furniture, which hold a very royal charm despite not being a royal residence.
Nashipur Rajbari
PC- Biswarup Ganguly
Nashipur Rajbari, also known as Nashipur Rajbati, is a grand palace in Nashipur and is adjacent to the palace built by Raja Debi Singha. This 19th-century palace was built by Raja Kirti Chandra Singha Bahadur.
Nashipur Rajbari is very similar to Hazarduari Palace and is often referred to as a miniature version of Hazarduari Palace. It is a very important historical monument on account of its relation with Debi Singha, who was the tax collector under the British and was a very influential person amongst the people ofEast India Company.
