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| Raj Bhavan of Kolkata, WB touristplaces.net. |
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| Raj Bhavan of Kolkata, WB rajbhavankolkata.gov.in |
Above image; Raj Bhavan,Kolkata: The Wellesley Suite located on the second floor in the north-eastern wing, the Dufferin Suite on the second floor of north-west wing, and the fourth suite the Anderson Suite are some of the outstanding rooms in the Raj Bhavan.........
The Raj Bhavan in Kolkata is considered the largest and earliest colonial structure in India, a historical and expansive complex in the heart of the city. While specific metrics like total acreage or room count aren't readily available for all Raj Bhavans, Kolkata's Raj Bhavan, formerly the Government House, is recognized for its scale and grandeur, having served as a major seat of power during the British Raj. Subsequently, many colonial buildings came up and during that period the British were in the height of power and glory across the globe and Calcutta was the second largest and richest city next to London in the British empire.
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| Raj Bhavan,Kolkatatouristplaces.net.in |
Raj Bhavan, formerly known as Government House, is a magnificent neoclassical building in Kolkata that served as the seat of British power and is now the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal.
Here is additional information on this historic building:
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| Entrance gate Raj Bhavan of Kolkata thefederal.com |
Above image: The 4 gates on the East & West have a grand arch ways crowned with a lion. The minor archways on the side are topped with Sphinx..
Architectural Influences and Features
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| Interior Raj Bhavan of Kolkata,housing.com |
Designed by Captain Charles Wyatt and and the design is a notable adaptation of the Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, England, the ancestral home of Lord Curzon. Wyatt's design, however, incorporated features suitable for the tropical climate of India, such as spacious verandas and a semi-circular portico on the garden side.
Key architectural details include:
The structure comprises a central core with four radiating wings. The building is spread across 84,000 square feet and is set within a sprawling 27-acre compound. It has six gateways, each with unique archways. The four gates on the East and West are crowned with lions, while the minor archways are topped with sphinxes.
A metallic dome was added in the 1860s by Viceroy Lord Elgin, and Lord Curzon introduced electricity and a lift, which was the first of its kind in India. This ornamental "Bird Cage Lift" installed by the Otis Elevator Company in 1892 is still operational today.
Notable Rooms and Interior
The interior of Raj Bhavan is a showcase of colonial grandeur with several significant rooms: The Throne Room: This room contains the throne of Lord Wellesley and, interestingly, a stool believed to be a footstool from Tipu Sultan's original throne. The walls are adorned with portraits of Indian national leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Ball Room: Located on the second floor, this grand room was decorated with beautiful chandeliers and mirrors. While some were moved to Delhi when the capital shifted, it remains a central venue for landmark occasions. The Banquet Hall is for entertaining eminent guests. It has rows of Doric pillars on each side with flowering chandeliers and black Mahogany tables. The throne room has the throne of Wellesley and the throne of Tipu Sultan. Besides, there are paintings of Gandhi, Subash Chandra Bose, Nehru, et al.
The Council Chamber: This is where the Governor-General presided over the executive and legislative councils. Today, the Governor of West Bengal uses it for large meetings.
The Prince of Wales Suite: Situated in the north-west wing, this suite is reserved for visiting heads of state, including the President, Vice President, and Prime Minister of India.
Restoration and Upkeep Efforts
Extensive efforts have been made to preserve the heritage and grandeur of Raj Bhavan. Continuous civil maintenance is carried out by the Public Works Department of the State Government, and restoration work, such as the use of lime plaster for the exterior, has been undertaken.
The Raj Bhavan's library and record room have also been a focus of conservation. A digitization project was initiated to preserve its collection of rare books, maps, and photographs. The library contains about 10,000 books and a collection of manuscripts and artifacts, including a Holy Quran from 1783.
Open to the Public
In a recent initiative, the Raj Bhavan has opened its doors to the public for heritage tours. This "Jana Raj Bhavan" or "People's Raj Bhavan" initiative, allows visitors to experience the history and architecture of the building firsthand. Designated areas, including the Central Marble Hall, the Chinese Cannon, and the famous "Bird Cage Lift," are part of the heritage walk.
https://housing.com/news/raj-bhavan-kolkata
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raj_Bhavan_%28West_Bengal%29
https://www.touristplaces.net.in/kolkata-wb/raj-bhavan/
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/kolkata/raj-bhavan/ps36440201.cms
