West Bengal holds an important place in India’s history and features many historic structures that should not be missed by history buffs.
Cooch Behar Palace is one of the city’s most notable landmarks and an integral part of royal heritage site, giving visitors a glimpse into its past. Constructed with both Neoclassical architecture and Baroque influences in mind, this iconic structure serves as an iconic reminder.
Hazarduari Palace
Hazarduari Palace was initially known as Bara Kothi and was built during Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah’s rule at Kila Nizamat in West Bengal, India. Colonel Duncan Macleod is widely recognized for having designed this magnificent structure.
Hazarduari Palace museum is well-known for its collection of antique furniture and paintings, especially its mirror and chandelier. As part of Archaeological Survey of India’s largest site museum with 20 galleries featuring 4,742 antiquities.
This immense palace comprises of 114 rooms and is surrounded by towering pillars. Additionally, there are two statues made up of Victorian seated masonry lions embedded with stone slabs in their back walls as part of the interior decorations. There are numerous massive gates called Dakshin Darwaza, Chawk, Imambara etc which serve as entrances and each has a name like Dakshin Darwaza Chawk Imambara Imambara etc for entry and exit respectively – these main gates also boast musicians’ galleries or Naubat Khanas above them positioned above them for convenience!
Jorasanko Thakur Bari
The Jorasanko Thakur Bari is a historic mansion and former residence of Rabindranath Tagore. Built during the 18th century on land donated by Sett family of Burrabazaar for Prince Dwarkanath Tagore’s grandfather Prince Dwarkanath Tagore’s use by Sett family of Burrabazaar, its name derived from two small bridges that run alongside it and is widely considered one of the most beautiful houses in Kolkata.
During Bengal Renaissance, this house became the hub for literary and cultural activities. Later converted to a museum, now serving as an international center of Indian Classical Fine Arts.
The Rabindra Bharati Museum at Jorasanko Thakur Bari offers an expansive collection of books, paintings, artifacts and light and sound shows depicting Tagore family’s contributions to Bengal Renaissance. All Tagore enthusiasts should visit this Museum!
Temple of Ichai Ghosh
At Bagbera village is the Ichai Ghosh temple. Built centuries ago and situated amid dense forest, this ancient structure was once used for Durga Puja ceremonies. According to legend, Ichai Ghosh built this ancient structure after defeating Karna Sen in battle; however, Lou Sen, his son took revenge and executed Ichai Ghosh in a nearby forest as retribution.
This temple comprises two brick-built Temples with square bases and hut-shaped roofs constructed using traditional Orissan style architecture. It’s believed to have been constructed by followers or descendants of Sadgop King Ichhai Ghosh or in their honor.
Archaeological Survey of India now manages and maintains this temple, drawing many picnickers from nearby villages and towns. It forms part of Gourangapur Deul Park located within Paschim Bardhaman District.
Shaheed Minar
The Shaheed Minar is an iconic monument located near Esplanade Bus Terminus in Kolkata. Formerly known as Octerloney Monument, its name was changed in 1969 in honor of Indian independence martyrs during its construction. Standing 48 meters tall, its minaret offers stunning panoramic views of Kolkata that are visited both locally and by visitors from faraway lands alike.
The monument’s foundation draws from Egyptian architectural styles while its pillar has Syrian upper portions and Turkish domes. A 223 step staircase leads up to its top floor where there are two balconies for viewing the surroundings.
Shaheed Minar Maidan or Brigade Ground lies to the south of the monument and has a rich history as an event space. Rabindranath Tagore hosted his inaugural political rally here to protest youth deaths in Hijli and since then this area has become frequented by politicians from all backgrounds.
