The remarkable red brick Rajbari, built in 1729, it is said, for Sri Dosh Moha Biddya, clearly a successful Zaminder of Mughal times, who appears to have established himself in British period, whilst in a ruinous state and inhabited, it appears, as is so often the case, by homeless squatters, presents a wonderful jigsaw of history.
A number of temples in ruinous state stand beside the remains of the Rajbari, on the side of what appears to be the usual tank with which all Rajbari are provided in a country where water can become in short supply at certain times of the year. Such tanks also usually have ornate stairways for bathing, and, of course, can be a constant source of fish to add to the traditional vegetarian Bengali diet.
The palace itself appears no unduly large, and low doorways suggest that it may have sunk somewhat over the years into the alluvial ground beneath; though it is also not uncommon for such sinking to be earthquake caused.
A worthwhile half hour or so of exploration of yet another piece of the rapidly vanishing history of Bangladesh.
No comments:
Post a Comment