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Shoshi Lodge Sculpture: A Glimpse into Mymensingh's Royal Past

Explore the regal history and architectural splendor of Shoshi Lodge Sculpture in Mymensingh, a landmark showcasing Bangladesh's Zamindari heritage and artistic beauty.

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Shoshi Lodge Sculpture, nestled in the heart of Mymensingh, Bangladesh, offers a captivating blend of history and art. Once the palatial residence of the Zamindar Surjo Kanto Acharya, this 200-year-old lodge showcases stunning architectural features and lush gardens. Visitors can explore the remnants of a royal era, including the iconic Venus sculpture (currently undergoing restoration), and wander through the expansive grounds that whisper tales of a bygone era. The lodge, now a Women's Teachers Training College, provides a serene escape and a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage, making it a must-see destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike. Open daily except for a short break on Friday afternoons, Shoshi Lodge invites you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Bengal's zamindari past.

A brief summary to Shoshi Lodge Sculpture

  • QC63+V6C, Mymensingh, BD

Local tips

  • Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid the midday heat.
  • Check for local events or art exhibitions that may be taking place at the lodge during your visit to enhance your experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll likely want to explore the entire area, including the gardens and surrounding grounds.
  • If you're a student, bring your student ID card to potentially save money on admission tickets.
  • Be aware that the Venus sculpture is currently undergoing restoration due to recent vandalism. While you may not see it in its original form, the lodge still offers plenty to explore.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near the Mymensingh town center or Boro Bazar area, Shoshi Lodge Sculpture is easily accessible by foot. Head towards the Women Teachers Training College; the lodge is located within the college grounds. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes from most central locations. Ask locals for directions to 'Mohila TT College' if needed.

  • Public Transport

    From Mashkanda bus terminal or Mymensingh Junction railway station, take a local rickshaw or auto-rickshaw to Shoshi Lodge Sculpture. The ride should take around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Ask to be dropped off at the Women Teachers Training College. The fare for a rickshaw is approximately 30-50 BDT, while an auto-rickshaw may cost 50-80 BDT.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber or Pathao are readily available in Mymensingh. Use these services to travel directly to Shoshi Lodge Sculpture (Women Teachers Training College). The ride from the bus terminal or railway station typically costs between 80-120 BDT, depending on the distance and traffic conditions.

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Discover more about Shoshi Lodge Sculpture

Shoshi Lodge Sculpture, or Shoshi Lodge, stands as a proud testament to Mymensingh's rich history and architectural grandeur. Located in the heart of the city, this 200-year-old palace was once the residence of the influential Zamindar (landlord) family of Muktagacha. The lodge's story is intertwined with the legacies of Maharaja Suryakanta Acharya Chowdhury and his adopted son, Shashikanta Acharya Chowdhury, after whom the lodge is named. Originally, Maharaja Suryakanta Acharya Chowdhury built a stunning two-storied house on nine acres of land in the late 19th century, naming it Shoshi Lodge after his adopted son. He envisioned a luxurious residence, even importing a musical stair box from Paris at a staggering cost of three lakh taka at the time. However, tragedy struck when the Great Indian Earthquake of 1897 destroyed the palace. Suryakanta, deeply saddened, began rebuilding the lodge in 1905 in the same architectural style. Suryakanta passed away before the reconstruction was complete, and his adopted son Shashikanta Acharya Chowdhury finished the project. Shashikanta further enhanced the lodge's beauty, completing renovations in 1911. He brought a marble statue of Venus from Italy, placing it in the middle of a colorful fountain in the garden, adding a touch of European elegance to the Bengal landscape. The main entrance of Shashi Lodge features 16 domes, leading to a vast garden with the white stone fountain and Venus statue as its centerpiece. Behind the garden lies the main palace, boasting 18 spacious rooms with red brick and yellow walls. A lotus garden and an arena called Rongyaloy are also part of the expansive complex. Shoshi Lodge is more than just a building; it's a symbol of a royal family's nobility and their contributions to the region. Suryakanta Acharya Chowdhury was not only a king but also a Maharaja in the truest sense, known for his public welfare work during his 41 years of supervision of the zamindari. His ancestors were favored by the Nawabs of Murshidabad, and their kingdom flourished under their patronage. The lodge's architecture reflects a blend of local and European influences. The 24-room palace is accessed through a semi-circular arched gateway, flanked by Doric columns. Large lawns grace both the front and back of the palace, and carriages once arrived under porches supported by twelve elegant Corinthian columns. Inside, the palace featured a ballroom, a spacious greeting hall, and comfortable accommodation areas, all reminiscent of European mansions of the era. One unique feature of Shoshi Lodge is the two-storied bathing pavilion (Jol-tungi) made of marble, designed for the ladies of the house. This architectural element is unparalleled in other zamindar houses in Bangladesh. The lodge also includes a dance hall, a shower room with a secret tunnel believed to have been used by the zamindars to travel to the original palace of Muktagacha, and another shower room at the back of the main building with two floors overlooking an attractive pond. Unfortunately, after the partition, Shashikanta, who had studied at Oxford, had no way to stay in Bangladesh, leading to the neglect of the palace. Plaster began to fall from the walls, and algae grew on the Venus statue. The war of 1971 further damaged the aesthetic architecture. Since 1952, Shashi Lodge has been used as a female teacher training center, with the main building serving as the principal's office. In 2015, the Department of Archeology took over the lodge and began renovations. **Note:** Recent reports from May 2024 indicate that the Venus sculpture was vandalized, and its head is currently missing. Efforts are underway to restore this iconic feature of the lodge. Despite this setback, Shoshi Lodge remains a significant tourist attraction in Mymensingh, drawing visitors from across Bangladesh. The lodge is located in front of the Divisional Commissioner's Office in Mymensingh town, easily accessible to tourists. The surrounding gardens and the architectural details of the palace offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the zamindars and their contributions to the region's cultural heritage. Visiting Shoshi Lodge is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of Bengal's zamindari past. The lodge's historical significance, architectural beauty, and serene atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. As you wander through the palace and gardens, imagine the lives of the zamindars and their families, and appreciate the legacy they left behind.

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