How Kolkata and its Districts Rejuvenate their Legacy

In Kolkata and its surroundings, one can undeniably witness the Bengali imperial legacy through the ‘Rajbaris’ – the regal homes, some of which are occupied till date while others have been changed into legacy inns. In this article, we take you to the most delightful of them.

Formerly the capital of British India, until the beginning of the 20th century, and today, that of the State of West Bengal, in eastern India, Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) as well as its surroundings, is home to numerous Rajbaris, illustrious houses. However, the extravagant expenses of upkeep and the occasionally convoluted family backgrounds of some previous proprietors, have driven a few Rajbaris into dilapidation or even desertion. A portion of these structures with antiquated appeal have withstood the attacks of time, and still hold an aura of regal brilliance today.

Here are four of them, visiting which one can completely submerge in the State’s illustrious past.

Sovabazar Rajbari

Previously home to numerous social merriments, frequented specifically by the British colonizers, the Sovabazar Rajbari is still very notable for its Durga Puja feast festivities, during which this magnificently structurally royal residence is available to guests. Built-in 1700, this Rajbari, situated in the North of Calcutta, has been protected by the relatives of the previous royal Deb family.

Itachuna Rajbari

A couple of kilometers from Kolkata, the Itachuna Rajbari is now a very well-preserved heritage hotel. This Rajbari is better known by the name “Bargee Danga”, named after the Maratha fighters who had attacked the state in the XVIII century. The place, a modern village offers an ideal mix of nature and innovation, to allow visitors to revel and let their hair down in this imperial backdrop. The history lives through the Rajbaris and one can feel the royal presence everywhere. The Rajbari is separated into five mahallas– a village courthouse, a ballet-dancing hall, a kitchen house, a guesthouse and an Andar mahal for women.

The blurred red and yellow tones of the fundamental structure, alongside some lately fabricated earthenware lodges, give the design a good old appeal. Exploring the ‘thakurdalan’ (ceremonial platform), the terrace, temple- ‘Shreedhar Jeeu’, and many interesting things in and around this Rajbari, can constitute a very satisfying day trip from Kolkata.

The relatives of the previous imperial family live there in the southern piece of this Rajbari.

Serampore Rajbari

Dating from the mid-1800s, Serampore Rajbari, of the Goswami family, is situated in Serampore, a previous Danish settlement. This old house has not lost any of its exceptional appeals, incorporating a northern complex with glorious approach, and cast-iron entryways.

The southern part is currently the home of the relatives of the previous illustrious family and has a space devoted to services, festivities, and weddings. Inside, the most stunning part is the “Chandni”, an old water tank, which was likewise used to organize get-togethers.

The northern complex of the Rajbari is a delight for those hoping to explore structural design. With pillars and interiors that have been influenced by historical accounts and the family deities, Radha Madhav Jiu (an antiquated form of “Ji”, the suffix of respect) and Gopal ji were placed here. To this was added an “ashtadhatu” (eight metal) idol of Radharani by Raghuram’s son, Gopikrishna, of Goswami clan. These three idols adorn the family altar to this day. The temples are absolutely worth visiting.

This enormous mansion is also the shooting location of the Bengali movie ‘Bhooter Bhabhisyat’ in 2012.

Rajbari Bawali

Situated on the edges of Kolkata, in Budge, the Rajbari Bawali traces all the way back to the 1700s and was changed into a legacy inn, an elegantly developed luxury heritage resort. With a fascinating courtyard where musical and cultural performances are held, and a terrace above it where one can enjoy a leisure meal, a visit to the Rajbari Bawali can give a sensation of the regal, lavish life led by the original property owners. The architectural structure of the building, an impressive dining area and heritage items one witnesses across the compound, only add to the experience of a royal and indulgent past of Bengal.