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Bhawal Raj Bari: A Journey into Bengal's Royal Past

Discover the majestic Bhawal Raj Bari in Gazipur, a historical palace showcasing Bengal's royal heritage and the intriguing Bhawal Sannyasi case.

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Explore the Bhawal Raj Bari in Gazipur, a palace that echoes the grandeur of the Bhawal Estate and the captivating Bhawal Sannyasi case. Once home to the influential Bhawal zamindar family, this historical site showcases a blend of Mughal, British, and Bengali architectural styles, offering a glimpse into Bengal's feudal past.

A brief summary to Bhawal Raj Bari

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking around the expansive palace grounds and gardens.
  • Visit during weekdays to avoid larger weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning architecture and lush landscapes surrounding the palace.
  • Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary on public holidays or during special events.
  • Engage with local guides for enriched insights into the history of the palace and the Bhawal zamindar family.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Gazipur Chowrasta (intersection), take a CNG (auto-rickshaw) directly to Bhawal Raj Bari, also known as the Deputy Commissioner's office. CNG fare should be approximately 50-80 BDT, depending on negotiation.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Gazipur city, a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Pathao) can take you to Bhawal Raj Bari. Expect to pay around 100-200 BDT for a short ride within the city, depending on the distance and traffic. Taxi rates start @ 26.00 BDT per km for Uber, local taxis.

  • Walking

    If you are already near Bazar Road in Gazipur, you can easily walk to Bhawal Raj Bari. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and you can ask locals for directions to the Deputy Commissioner's office, which is located within the palace grounds. No costs involved.

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Discover more about Bhawal Raj Bari

Bhawal Raj Bari, also known as Joydebpur Rajbari, stands as a testament to the opulence and legacy of the Bhawal Estate, a zamindari that once held sway over a vast region of Bengal. Constructed in the 18th century and expanded in the early 20th century, the palace showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting the Mughal, British, and Bengali influences that shaped the region's cultural landscape. The palace is closely associated with the infamous Bhawal Sannyasi case, a sensational legal battle that captivated the nation in the early 20th century. The case revolved around the reappearance of Kumar Ramendra Narayan Roy, one of the three co-sharers of the Bhawal Estate, who was presumed dead but resurfaced in Dhaka in the guise of a sanyasi (ascetic) after 12 years. The ensuing legal proceedings, which lasted for over a decade, involved questions of identity, inheritance, and the very nature of truth and deception. Today, while the Bhawal Raj Bari serves as a government office, specifically the Deputy Commissioner's office, its historical significance and architectural beauty continue to attract tourists and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the palace grounds, admire the intricate carvings and design elements, and learn about the lives of the Bhawal zamindar family and the events that shaped their legacy. The palace also offers a glimpse into the broader history of Bengal's zamindari system, a land tenure system that played a significant role in the region's social, economic, and political landscape for centuries. The estate comprised over 1,500 square kilometers, including 2,274 villages and around 55,000 villagers. The palace has over 350 rooms. Nearby attractions include the Bhawal Raj Shamshanswari (cremation ground of the Bhawal royal family) and the Madhab Mandir, a Hindu temple located within the palace grounds.

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