Majestic and imposing, the Barddhaman Maharaja Palace stands as a testament to a bygone era. Here before us, this palace whispers tales of opulence and power. It is a magnificent historical landmark in Kolkata. The Barddhaman Maharajas built it in the early 19th century.
Let’s step back in time to the late 19th century. The aristocracy of Bengal was deeply influenced by Western culture. Wealthy landowners built grand European-style mansions. These mansions featured lavish lawns and ballrooms. They were built to entertain their British counterparts. This City Palace of the Maharaja of Burdwan is one such mansion.
The Burdwan Raj was founded in 1657 by Abu Raj Kapur of Lahore. His descendants gained prominence during both the British and Mughal eras. This family was one of the premiere zamindars of undivided Bengal. They had 300000 tenant farmers on an area of 8000 square miles. The family was known for their loyalty to the British. This loyalty helped them gain a Coat of Arms and the right to a 13-gun personal salute.
One of the most illustrious heirs was Maharaja Bijay Chandra Mahtab. He took over from his father in 1888. Bijay Chand was adopted by Maharaja Aftab Chand Mahtab. Aftab Chand Mahtab died without any heirs. Bijay Chand Mahtab became ruler. In 1908 he toured England and Europe. Later, he wrote a book called Diary of a European Tour. He was also known for his philanthropy. He particularly supported education and health initiatives.
The mansion in Alipore was built by Bijay Chandra Mahtab. The marble plaque still calls the house Bijay Manzil. The mansion once had stables for horses and elephants. Some rooms are still occupied overlooking a sprawling garden. Priceless paintings hang on the walls. This mansion hosted elegant cocktail parties for British dignitaries. Viceroys and Governor Generals attended these parties. The veranda is semi-circular and evokes memories of the movie City of Joy being filmed here.
A magnificent staircase leads to empty rooms. The rooms have French doors and ornate Belgian chandeliers. The chandeliers are in green and red. There is a famous Chinese Room that is now gathering dust. It has tiger skins and broken furniture. Marble tables fill the room. It once witnessed grand balls.
Sadly the Burdwan family lost much of its land after Partition. Most of the Burdwan estate became part of Bangladesh. This included ten country palaces tea gardens and mines. Today their main estate in Burdwan is an educational institute. It is supported by the Maharaja’s estate trust fund.
The Barddhaman Maharaja Palace stands as a reminder of the grandeur of the past. It showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Kolkata. Take a moment to imagine the lavish parties that once filled these halls. Envision the powerful figures who shaped the destiny of Bengal. The palace serves as a silent witness to the rise and fall of empires. It connects us to the vibrant history of this region.