The Rajbari or the Zamindar Palaces were the residential hub of the Zamindars(landlords) at that time. Over the years, those palaces or Rajbaris have now been converted into royal boutique hotels and resorts for business, and to preserve and sustain the ancient heritage traditions and the cultures of the royal Bengal. Some Rajbaris are turned into ruins, some meet with luxury.
Amadpur Rajbari: Once a Zamindar Palace, it is now converted into a heritage homestay where people get to visit, stay, explore, and experience the royalty of Zamindars. Amadpur, a small village, is located in the heart of the East Burdwan district of West Bengal. The Chaudhuris or Sen Sharmas originally belonged to Trihotto or Tehatta Village of the Royal Bengal. Sections of the family migrated to the Kingdom of Gour. The Amadpur Rajbari or The Chowdhury Bari (House) is 375 years old with its distinct four parts:
The Boro Bari: The actual hub or the main part of the palace, with the ground floor, first, and second floor.
The Dighi (The large lake): Located right next to the Boro Bari. There is a seating area where people can sit and enjoy the golden hours of sunset. A lot of people still use this Dighi to take a bath or to spend some quality time on the Ghat in absolute serenity.
The Thakur Dalan or The God’s House: Every Bengali Zamindar’s house has a dedicated place for the God, where every day puja rituals and puja festivals are offered to the God. This is about 350 years old. It has a beautiful courtyard. This is very beautifully decorated during the Durga Pujas.
The Terracotta Temples: There are 4 terracotta temples right outside the Borro Bari, it is 550 years old. It has been beautifully made and engraved. There are 12 of them all around the village.
The current owner of the Amadpur ancestral heritage property is Shiladitya Chaudhuri, who lives in Calcutta.
Address: Heritage Homestays, Amadpur, Via Memari, Dist Burdwan, Village, Amadpur, West Bengal 713154.
Dhanyakuria Rajbari: Often famous for its European architecture, many call the castle of Bengal, located in the 24 Parganas of Bengal. In the mid-1800s, Dhanyakuriya was a part of the Sundarban region. With the intervention of the British in Calcutta, a few rich businessmen of Bengal decided to set up their fairyland out here in Dhanyakuria. They replicated European-style mansions and seamlessly merged them with Indian style architecture. This building was built by Mahendranath Gaine around 1935, followed by Shawoo Mansion and Ballav Bari (House), built with the same Indo-European style. Locally, this Rajbari is known as Gayen Bari or Gayen’s Mansion. This building is older than 200 years.
The prime attraction of these three palaces is the Nazar Minar. This is like a three-storeyed watchtower with a fusion of Islamic and European architectural styles. Shyamsundar Jiu Temple, which is a Radha and Krishna temple. Rasmancha Temple, which forms a part of the main festivity during the Rash festival.
During Durga Puja, many visitors come to visit this Rajbari to witness how the zamindar houses celebrate this grand festival.
Address: Basirhat II CD Block, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Pin- 743437
The Rajbari Bawali: This Rajbari is quite famous after the shooting of the Netflix blockbuster movie “Bulbul”. The Rajbari itself, built by the Mondal family, is an extraordinary architectural masterpiece, around 250 years. It saw over 170 years of grand living, parties, and eminent guests, but post-independence, the Zamindars lost a majority of their wealth, and the house started to fall into despair. The Rajbari has been newly restored by the current owner, Ajay Rawla, without disrupting or harming the old vintage royal design of Bengal. It’s now converted into a heritage boutique hotel. The Rajbari offers various categories of Rooms, including Classic Heritage, ‘Royal Suite’, ‘Zamindari, Notun Bari’, ‘Chhoto Bari’, ‘Ashram’, and ‘Dak Bungalow. The property also houses a swimming pool and a spa.
The Rajbari currently offers authentic Bengali zamindari thalis (veg and non-veg) for lunch and dinner. This Rajbari now rents out its property for Pre-wedding and Wedding purposes.
Nearby attractions: The Navaratna style Radha Gopinath Jiu Temple, Atchala style Radhaballav Jiu Temple, the oldest temple in this village, Radhakanta Jiu Temple, and other temples like Gopal Jiu Temple, Raj Rajeshwar Shiv Temple, and Radha Gobindo Jiu Temple.
Address: The Rajbari Bawali, PS, Rajbari, Bawali, Nodakhali, West Bengal 700137.
The Laha Bari: Another famous Rajbari or Bonedi Bari (in Bengali) in Calcutta. Located in Bechu Chatterjee Street in Calcutta, famous for Durga Puja, which was started by the Late Bhagibati Charan Laha. Here, Durga is sitting on the lap of Shiva and is called ‘Hara Gouri’. Laha Bari is older than 200 years. The Rajbari is now giving rent for Pre-wedding and Wedding Purposes.
Address: 16/5, Manicktala Main Rd, Manicktala, Goa Bagan, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Sobhabazar Rajbari: Thiswell-renowned Rajbari of North Calcutta is very popular for hosting Durga Puja till date. The Shobhabazar Rajbari was built in the middle of the 1700s by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, a prominent aristocrat of Kolkata. Raja Nabakrishna Deb celebrated Durga Puja at this palace in 1757 on a grand scale after the British defeated Siraj-ud-Daulah at the battle of Plassey. The palace complex features a main building and the Nat Mandap at present. Nat Mandap is also known as Thakurdalan, is an open courtyard area in the middle of the palatial building. The courtyard was used for special festivals and functions.
Apart from these, Rajbaris or Mansions, several others are also there, like Itachuna Rajbari, Mahishadal Rajbari, Bari Kothi, Jhargram Palace, Coochbihar Rajbari, Coosimbazar Rajbari, etc.
Address: Raja Nabakrishna St, Raja Nabakrishna Street, Sovabazar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700004
