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Added by Jopie, at 27 February 2016
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8 Reviews
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30 March 2018
Dinajpur Rajbari (palace) is a magnificent heritage site. Located at Rajbatika, 4 km northeast of Dinajpur town, it is one of the oldest palaces in Bangladesh.
According to local history, Dinajpur Rajbari was established by Raja Dinaj or Dinaraj. But other documentation says the estate was founded by King Sri Matta Dutta (1608-1642). A total of 12 kings ruled from the estate. The last king of the dynasty was Maharaja Jagadish Nath. With proclamation of the East Bengal State Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950, the Rajbari gradually turned into ruins due to lack of maintenance. Since then, the entire structure of the palace has become abandoned and unprotected.
Once upon a time, the palace complex used to represent the aristocracy of the famous Dinajpur Raj (royal) family, and it still upholds their faded glory. The Raj family made prominent contributions to socio-cultural activities in Dinajpur. Besides the magnificent Kantaji Temple, they constructed a number of monuments in and around Dinajpur. Among them, the Dinajpur Rajbari and temples at Ramsagor are most noteworthy.
The total area of the Dinajpur palace is about 16.5 acres, and includes two large water reservoirs, Sukh Sagor and Ananda Sagor, on the east and south. The palace mainly consists of three major blocks, namely Aina Mahal (Mirror Palace), Rani Mahal (Queen’s Palace) and Thakurbari (temple complex).
The main attraction of the Rajbari is the Aina Mahal. It was built during the reigns of Pran Nath and Ram Nath. The prominent structures of the palace are situated within the Aina Mahal. Behind the main palace block on the west are the two-storied square blocks of Rani Mahal and Thakurbari. Thakurbari is now used as a Durga temple. There was a garden, called Hira Bagan behind the temple. It was a royal garden with different collections of rare species of trees. These establishments were constructed by different kings and zamindars (landlords) from time to time during their respective reigns.
At the entrance to the estate, there is a giant arched gateway, known as ‘Lion Gate’, giving access to the inner courtyard. Inside the palace, there is another tall arched gateway facing west. It provides access to an inner square court. Facing the courtyard on the east is a flat-roofed temple. Near the gateway on the left is a colourful Krishna temple. It is a well preserved temple, housing a statue inside. Garuda, a mythical bird, is placed on top of the statue. The Garuda is a large birdlike creature that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythologies. There are some ruined structures on the right side of the inner square court that were part of outhouses.
The Dinajpur Rajbari is of immense historical interest. Once the palace was a gorgeous one, but its condition is ruinous now due to negligence of the authorities. In spite of that, it still satisfies the thirst of heritage lovers of the country. The relevant authorities should pay more attention to conserving the palace, as it is one of the most significant heritage sites of Bangladesh. n
References: Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh, Nazimuddin Ahmed, UPL, 1986;
History in Pictures- Greater Rangpur and Dinajpur, Area HQs, Rangpur, 2008;Â Archaeological Survey Report of Greater Dinajpur District, DOA, 1995; and East Bengal District Gazetteer- Dinajpur, KW Strong, Allahabad, 1912.response / report this review -
10 February 2018
Ancient Temple of Dinajpur. A good place to visit.
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28 January 2018
Nice historical place
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21 May 2017
That temple is historical though no such big happens regarding this temple.
That temple is spacious and nice place to visit.
If you go there don't forget to visit the pond of the Queen, Padma pond and Shukh Shagor and.response / report this review -
21 March 2017
Archaeological site and sacred temple of Hindu community. You have to put off your shoes while entering inside the temple. the temple compound is well organized and magnificent to look at.
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19 February 2017
Archeological side..Hindus king palace and now Durga and Kali temple with Kantojiu keeps here.there is Sukh sagor (big lake) behind palace.
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30 December 2016
Very Historical and Ancient Place
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05 March 2016
Rajbari Hindu Tample, Historical place for Hindu Religious.
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