Introduction
Bengal, known as the land of rivers and culture, has a long history of Nawabs, Maharajas, Zamindars, and European colonial rulers who left behind magnificent palaces. Unlike the desert palaces of Rajasthan or the Indo-Saracenic grandeur of Mysore, the palaces of Bengal reflect a unique mix of Mughal, European, and Bengali styles, often blending neoclassical façades with traditional courtyards.
These palaces were built by the Nawabs of Murshidabad, the zamindars of Bengal’s districts, and later by families enriched under the British colonial economy. Many still stand as symbols of Bengal’s artistic refinement, patronage of literature, and aristocratic lifestyle, while others survive in ruins, whispering stories of lost opulence.
List of Major Palaces of Bengal
Murshidabad Region
- Hazarduari Palace (Palace of a Thousand Doors) – Built in 1837 by architect Duncan Macleod under Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah; Indo-European style; now a museum with rare artifacts.
- Nizamat Imambara (adjacent to Hazarduari) – Though primarily a religious structure, forms part of the Nawabi palace complex.
- Katra Masjid Palace Complex – Residences of Murshid Quli Khan, the first Nawab of Bengal.
- Khoshbagh & Motijheel Palace Gardens – Associated with Nawabi leisure and burials.
Kolkata (Calcutta)
- Marble Palace (Kolkata) – Built in 1835 by Raja Rajendra Mullick; neoclassical mansion famed for its marble floors, Belgian glass, and European art collections.
- Raj Bhavan (Governor’s House) – Built in 1803 as the residence of the Governor-General of India; modeled on Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, England.
- Jorasanko Thakur Bari – The Tagore family mansion, more a zamindar residence, but culturally as significant as a palace.
- Belvedere House – Former residence of the Viceroy of India; now houses the National Library of India.
North Bengal
- Cooch Behar Palace (Victor Jubilee Palace) – Built in 1887 in classical Western style by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan; inspired by Buckingham Palace; noted for its grand Durbar Hall.
- Jalpaiguri Rajbari (Raikat Palace) – Residence of the Raikat family; Indo-European styled palace complex.
- Dinajpur Rajbari (now in Bangladesh, historically Bengal) – Ornate Rajbari palace built by the Dinajpur Raj family.
South Bengal & Other Districts
- Mahishadal Rajbari (East Midnapore) – A zamindar’s palace complex, now partly open to visitors.
- Burdwan Rajbari (Bardhaman Palace) – Seat of the powerful Burdwan Raj; houses gardens and colonial-style buildings.
- Hetampur Rajbari (Birbhum) – Known as the “800-door palace,” famous for its decorative style and connection to Bengal’s zamindari heritage.
- Murarai Rajbari (Birbhum) – Smaller but notable zamindar palace.
Bangladesh (Historical Bengal, outside present-day West Bengal)
- Ahsan Manzil (Dhaka) – Pink Palace of the Nawabs of Dhaka; Indo-Saracenic style with Mughal influences.
- Baliati Zamindar Palace (Saturia, Manikganj) – Massive complex of 200 rooms, built in the 19th century by zamindar Govinda Ram Saha.
- Puthia Rajbari (Rajshahi) – Palatial temple complex with Indo-European palace structures.
- Natore Rajbari – Seat of the Rani Bhabani, a powerful female zamindar of Bengal.
Closing Note
The palaces of Bengal capture the region’s fusion of Eastern and Western sensibilities. While the Nawabi splendor of Murshidabad reflects Bengal’s Islamic heritage, the Marble Palace and Cooch Behar Palace highlight European neoclassical influence during the colonial era. Zamindari mansions across Bengal add another layer, turning the region into a treasure trove of aristocratic architecture, art, and cultural heritage.