Alexander Castle: A Colonial Relic in Mymensingh

Alexander Castle, or আলেকজান্ডার ক্যাসল, stands as a testament to Mymensingh's colonial past and the opulence of the zamindari era. Constructed in 1879 by Maharaja Suryakanta Acharya Chowdhury of Muktagacha, the castle, often referred to as 'Lohar Kuthi' by locals due to its heavy iron construction, was designed as a luxurious rest house for visiting dignitaries. The name either commemorates N.S. Alexander, the first District Magistrate of Mymensingh, or Alexandra, the wife of King Edward VII. The two-story structure showcases a unique blend of European architectural styles, featuring a high plinth to protect against the Brahmaputra River's floods. The exterior is adorned with two Greek statues, though time has taken its toll on these figures. Inside, the castle once boasted fourteen lavishly furnished rooms. The grounds included sprawling gardens with rare trees, shrubs, and an artificial lake. Alexander Castle has hosted numerous influential figures, including Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who stayed here in 1926. Mahatma Gandhi also visited the castle that same year, along with Lord Curzon and other prominent personalities. Today, the castle serves as the library for the Teacher Training College, preserving its historical significance for future generations. Although the gardens have faded and the interiors have been modified, the castle remains a tangible link to Mymensingh's rich heritage.