Two hundred thousand rupees. That’s how much Prince Dwarkanath Tagore spent renovating Belgachia Villa. This wasn’t just any house. Belgachia Villa later known as Belgachia Rajbari or Paikpara Rajbari held a prominent place in Kolkata’s history.
It all began around 1823 when Prince Dwarkanath Tagore purchased the property from an Italian named Auckland. He envisioned a magnificent venue for lavish parties. He wanted to impress his British friends. The villa’s redesign incorporated European architectural styles. All the furniture was imported from England and Italy. Think opulent balls and glittering gatherings. Think the best food and drink Calcutta could offer. Even Rupchand Pokkhi wrote a song mocking the extravagance.
Dwarkanath’s extravagant lifestyle led to significant debt. After his death in England in 1846 his son Debendranath sold Belgachia Villa to settle his father’s accounts. The Singhs of Kandi bought the villa in 1856 for a mere 54 thousand rupees. A significant drop from the original investment and a testament to the changing fortunes of the era.
Despite the change in ownership Belgachia Rajbari’s legacy continued. It became a centre for Bengali social culture. The villa hosted theatrical performances including Pandit Ram Narayan’s Ratnavali. Michael Madhusudan Dutt even staged an English version. The villa’s unique blend of European architecture and Indian heritage made it a sought-after location for filming. Satyajit Ray filmed Jalsaghar and Ghare Baire there.
Today Belgachia Rajbari stands as a reminder of a bygone era. A testament to Kolkata’s rich history and cultural heritage. It is a significant historical site. It reflects a fascinating period in Kolkata’s history. A period of opulence extravagance and social change. It’s a story etched in its walls and whispered on the wind. A story worth remembering. A story of Belgachia Rajbari.