Loading...Bhawal Rajbari, located in the heart of Gazipur city, stands as a testament to the past, almost perfectly preserved as one of the largest and most historically significant zamindar estates in Bangladesh. Built on an area of around 5 acres, it is the second-largest zamindar mansion in the country. Although the zamindari system has been abolished, the essence of the zamindari still lingers within the walls of this grand estate. Walking through the grounds, you can feel the stories of the past come alive, taking you on a journey through time.
The construction of Bhawal Rajbari was initiated by Lok Narayan Rai and completed by Raja Kali Narayan Rai. The mansion is massive and largely intact, standing as a royal palace. To the west of the Rajbari, there is a large pond, and in front, a vast flat field extends. The entire area is surrounded by a high boundary wall, intricately carved and beautifully designed. From the main gate, you can take one of two semi-circular paths leading to the main palace.
At the entrance of the palace, there is a wide veranda followed by a large hall. Originally, there was a broad staircase made of sal wood leading to the upper floor, but it has deteriorated over time. A Natmandir (dance hall) stands at the center of the palace, a large tin-roofed building with a stage in the middle where performances were held, and dancers (Baijis) used to perform for entertainment. In this hall, various ceremonies and events were also conducted. During hunting trips, if the zamindar took a liking to someone, an elephant would be sent to bring them to the palace, and they were given a room in the two-story western building of the mansion.
There was also a room called “Rajbilas” dedicated to the zamindar’s recreation. Additionally, there was the “Hawamahal” on the ground floor for the zamindar’s rest. The archway on the southern side is known as ‘Padmanabhi,’ and the large central room was called ‘Ranimahel.’ With nearly 360 rooms in total, the Rajbari has an incredibly rich history.
How to Get There
To visit Bhawal Rajbari, take a bus from anywhere in the country to Gazipur, and from there, head towards Chandna Chourasta. Get off at the Shib Bari intersection and take a rickshaw to the Rajbari.
Alternatively, you can travel from Dhaka to Gazipur Chowrasta. From there, turn right towards Joydevpur Sadar, pass the Joydevpur Sadar Railway crossing, and a little ahead, you will find the Rani Bilasmoni School. Bhawal Rajbari is located directly opposite this school.
If you travel 1 km north from the Rajbari, you will reach the Rajbari crematorium.
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