Puthia Rajbari, Rajshahi Division Travel Guide

Puthia Rajbari, located 30 km east of Rajshahi on the Rajshahi-Natore Highway, offers a glimpse into the opulent world of Bengal's zamindars. This two-story palace, also known as the Panch Ani Palace, was commissioned in 1895 by Maharani Hemanta Kumari Devi in memory of her mother-in-law, Maharani Saratsundari Devi.The palace's architecture is a stunning fusion of Indo-Saracenic Revival style, incorporating Mughal, European, and Hindu elements. Its symmetrical facade features projected wings, a grand central portal, and semi-Corinthian columns supporting the balcony roof. Delicate floral plaster relief adorns the parapet, adding to the palace's visual appeal. The palace once served as the primary residence and administrative center for the Puthia Raj family until the zamindari system was abolished in the mid-20th century.Surrounded by a moat and expansive grounds, the palace complex includes several temples, each with unique architectural styles and religious significance. The Pancharatna Govinda Temple, Boro Shiva Temple, and Jagannath Temple are among the most notable, adorned with intricate terracotta carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Inside the palace, visitors can explore spacious halls, chambers, and verandahs, adorned with intricate carvings and colorful tiles. A museum within the palace showcases artifacts and documents related to the Puthia Raj family and the region's history.Today, Puthia Rajbari stands as a reminder of the zamindari past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of a bygone era.