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| Cossimbazar Rajbari Murshidabad WB image:GhoshSinchan en.wikipedia.org |
The Cossimbazar Rajbari stands as a magnificent testament to the rise, fall, and meticulous restoration of Bengal’s landed aristocracy. Located near the historical hub of Murshidabad, this palace—once described as a "Sleeping Beauty" reclaimed by nature—has been transformed from a crumbling relic into a vibrant museum of heritage, thanks to the persistent efforts of the Roy family.
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| Cossimbazar Rajbari Murshidabad .outlookindia.com |
Cossimbazar is about 240 km by road from Kolkata. Cossimbazar has a railway station, but it is convenient to travel by train to Baharampur Court station from Kolkata and then take a local transport to the Cossimbazar Rajbari or the Cossimbazar Roy’s Palace (about five km away).
Historical Origins and Economic Shift
The story of the Rajbari began around 1700 when Ajodhya Ram Roy settled in Cossimbazar, then a flourishing river port on the Ganga. The family built their fortune through the silk trade, an industry that thrived under the Nawabs of Bengal. However, the tides turned following the British East India Company’s victory at Plassey. The British diverted the course of the Ganga to facilitate easier navigation, inadvertently stripping Cossimbazar of its strategic importance. Despite this geographical setback, the Roys pivoted toward administrative service and zamindari (land ownership), with figures like Jagabandhu Roy and Ashutosh Nath Roy securing the family’s prosperity and earning titles such as "Raja" from the British government.
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| Cossimbazar Murshidabad 18th CE en.wikipedia.or |
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| Colonial & traditional Bengali design stylesRajbari telegraphindia.com |
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| Inner Court yard Rajbari thefloatingpebbles.com |
Restoration and the Modern Museum
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| Interior Rajbari thefloatingpebbles.com |
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| Cossimbazar Rajbari thefloatingpebbles.com |
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| Cossimbazar Rajbari thefloatingpebbles.com |
In the 1990s, the family, led by descendants like Pallab Roy, undertook the daunting task of restoration. Today, the Rajbari is a "walk-through museum" that captures the opulence of a bygone era.
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| Sorting newlook Cossimbazar Rajbari, expedia.co.in |
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| Cossimbazar Rajbari, WB goibibo.com |
Key highlights include:
The Central Ballroom: Featuring Victorian furniture, crystal chandeliers, and expansive mirrors.The Living Quarters: Showcasing "tana pakhas" (hand-pulled fans) and massive four-poster beds.Religious Hubs:
The Chandi Mandap and Lakshmi Mandir, where traditional Durga Puja is still celebrated with ancestral rites.Comparison of Eras: Cossimbazar Rajbari Feature The Zenith (1700s–1900s)
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| Roy's Cossimbazar palace,Murshidabad thebetterindia.com |
Above image: Pallab Roy and his family upon revisiting their 300-year-old ancestral saw it in a dilapidated state. Fallen into a state of despair the family resolved to restore the old structure back to old grandeur and succeeded in their endeavor. It was a tough job to conserve it without damaging the heritage aspects...........
The Restoration (1990s–Present)Economic BaseSilk Trade & Zamindari Heritage Tourism & MuseumStatusSeat of the "Raja"Private Heritage Residence/Hotel Key Architecture Expanding Estate & Gardens Restored Museums & Guest Rooms Staffing Hundreds of guards & servants Curators & Hospitality staff The Cossimbazar Rajbari is more than just a building; it is a bridge between the mercantile history of the Silk Road and the modern preservation of Indian heritage. By opening their doors to guests, the Roy family ensures that the "dazzling white" façade continues to shine in the afternoon sun for generations to come. Image credit: thefloatingpebbles.com
The best time to travel is in winter or during the festivals (Durga Puja, Rathayatra, The Roy’s Cossimbazar Palace can be seen in a day visit with special permission and a small fee.
https://thebetterindia.com/479324/cossimbazar-murshidabad-west-bengal-300-year-old-palace-roy-family
https://thefloatingpebbles.com/cossimbazar-rajbari-a-sublime-melange-of-past-present
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cossimbazar
https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/64142/cossimbazar-rajbari-rise-phoenix
K. N. Jayaraman
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