West Bengal lies beneath the towering Himalayas and boasts an extraordinary cultural legacy, evident through monasteries, frescoes and thangkas.
Visits to West Bengal’s historical places will allow you to gain a greater appreciation of its cultural history. Beginning in Kolkata, here are some of the state’s premier heritage spots:
Hazarduari Palace
Hazarduari Palace is an outstanding example of Nawabi architecture. Known for its magnificent flight of stairs leading towards the north and believed to be one of the largest staircases worldwide. Additionally, this palace houses both museums and antique furniture collections.
The palace was constructed during the rule of Nawab Nazim Humayun Jah, who reigned over Bihar, Orissa, and Bengal. Its design was overseen by Colonel Duncan McLeod of the Bengal Corps of Engineers.
Hazarduari Palace can be found within the Kila Nizamat campus which also features the Clock Tower, Madina Mosque, Bacchawali Tope and Nizamat Imambara as well as three mosques.
Baro Shona Masjid
Baro Shona Masjid or ‘The Twelve-Gate Mosque’ in Gaur is an impressive structure featuring Indo-Arabic architecture and beautiful ornamental stone carvings, originally begun by Sultan Alauddin Husain Shah and completed by his son Nasiruddin Nusrat Shah in 1526 AD.
Exterior of colossal edifice is sparse, almost devoid of ornamentation except perhaps the mihrabs that could once have been extravagantly decorated but now remain hidden. Eleven entrance doors and four towers at each corner complete this octagonal-shaped structure; originally boasted 44 hemispherical domes that now only 11 remain.
Temple of Ichai Ghosh
Ichai Ghosh Temple (or Ichhai Gosher Deul) in West Bengal stands out for its captivating brick temple architecture and unique history, which can be traced through copper-plate inscriptions, oral tradition and poetic narratives.
It is a late mediaeval brick temple of sikhara type without an image, reportedly constructed by Ichai Ghosh in the mid-18th century.
Deul Park, situated nearby, attracts numerous picnickers from neighboring towns and villages.
Clive House
Clive House (also referred to as Dumdum House or Borokthi) is one of Bengal’s oldest existing structures and was named in honour of Robert Clive – who defeated Nawab Siraj ud Daulah at Plassey to liberate Bengal from British rule and thus freeing its people.
Legends abound regarding this house, including one which suggests it is haunted. Once used as the residence for several notable Englishmen and later becoming headquarters for the Presidency Volunteer Reserve Battalion. Furthermore, its mound contains artifacts dating back to 16th and 17th century England.
Jor Bangla Temple
Jor Bangla Temple, also known as Kesto Rai Temple is one of Bengal’s finest and best-known terracotta temples, built by Malla King Raghunath in 1655.
This two roofed temple is typical of Bengal’s Chala architecture style. This style resembles traditional village huts. This unique architectural form is known by locals as “do chala.”
Terracotta carvings on the walls of this temple are breathtaking, depicting stories from Hindu scriptures such as Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as scenes depicting Krishna’s love affair with Radha and events in Hindu mythology.
Pandua
Pandua, located in northern West Bengal, was an historical town that served as a center of power for Buddhist Palas, Hindu Senas, and Muslim Nawabs. Today only remnants of its palaces, gates, and walls remain.
Pandua’s two most impressive heritage structures are its 38 meter Minar and ancient mosque. Both structures were erected as symbols of victory by Shahid Shah Sufiuddin, nephew of Delhi Sultan Feroz Shah Khilji.
Eklakhi Mausoleum, an octagonal mausoleum with single dome and intricate terracotta carvings, stands out as a notable structure in the city. Additionally, Chika Mosque provides an eclectic combination of Islamic and Buddhist architectural styles.
Lukochuri Gateway
The gateway stands as an iconic symbol of Mughal power and wealth, constructed out of intricately carved brickwork to represent their vast reach and wealth. One of Bengal’s largest gateways, its structure stands as an impressive testament to their success.
It sits adjacent to the Kadam Rasool Mosque, built by Sultan Saifuddin Feroze Shah and provided pilgrims shelter on their journey towards its entrance.
Gour-Pandua remains an outstanding representation of medieval Bengali heritage despite being mostly destroyed. The stunning gates, palace, servant quarters, and more speak to a culture which remains latent over time.
