Information on Raj Bhawan (Kolkata, West Bengal) - History & Architecture

Raj Bhawan built in the year 1803, is the official residence of the Government of West Bengal, and was known as Government house during the pre-independence. The Raj Bhawan is located in the capital city of Kolkata.

In 1858, when the power was transferred from the East India Company to the British Crown it gradually became the official residence of the Viceroy of India. As Delhi became the capital in 1911, the Raj Bhawan became the official residence of Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. With the India's independence it served as the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal, and shortly was reputed with the name Raj Bhawan, as this Bhawan shared the official residence with the other state as well.

Raj Bhawan Architecture

The blue print of the Bhawan was done by Captain Charles Wyatt. The Raj Bhawan holds the neoclassical figure, with the distinct Baroque overtones. It is believed that there have been many changes since the construction of the Bhawan by Wellseley. The Viceroy Lord Elgin in 1860, supplemented with the metallic dome, and the electricity was brought up by Lord Curzon, and added a lift which is known as the Bird Cage Lift.

The design or the figure of the Bhawan includes with four blistering wings. There is a state which is to be found in the innermost of the Bhawan and is accessed from the north. On the south is the entrance surrounded by the colonnaded verandah or the passage, and right above is the dome. Four divisions allows for the various office and residential quarters, and it also has the staircases. The verandah gives the perfect vision of the garden. The entire compound of the mansion is surrounded with the balustrade Walls and also has a great gateway for the entrance, and is with an arch.

The Raj Bhawan covers the total area of 84,000 sq, and the compound of the entire Bhawan is covering 27acres and has beautiful sprawling gardens. It comprises 6 gates in the total number and is found in the North and South and two on the East and West. The gateway of the East and West has an arch with the sculpture of the lion on the top of the arch. The trivial entrance on the side is placed with Sphinx. To the other point these magnificent walls of the Bhawan is hardly seen. Thus the six gateway leads to the walls of the Raj Bhawan which seems so grandeur and colossal.

At the gate of the North side, which is also the main gate to the Bhawan is a Chinese canon. These canons, mounted on a dragon were brought from Nanking in 1842. It is also carved on the marble with the dedication to the Emperor of the China. On the South side of the gate is the ironic pillars which are supporting the metallic dome. Thus the strong Architectural structure with intricate carvings and design, it remains the most beautiful monument of Kolkata that is ever built within the city or one could hardly find such wonderful masterpiece, within the walls. The well planned architecture remains the centre of importance to talk about and apart from being an important historical figure; Raj Bhawan is truly a city of the Palace or rightly described as St. Peterburg of East.

Raj Bhawan History

During the beginning of the 19th century was at its golden state. It was reputed for being the City of the Palace or St. Peterburg of East. The Raj Bhawan was constructed when Calcutta was at the peak and reputed for the most richest, and graceful royal city of India.

Governor General rented the house in 1799, and called Buckimham House, which is found in the same location. At that time the land was under the supremacy of Mohammad Reza Khan, who was a Nawab of Chitpur. Lord Wellesley, the Governor General of India (1799) thought of building the palace, as he believed the city of Calcutta should be ruled in the form of palace and not that of the house, or the country house, and did not approve the idea of Buckingham House.

Therefore Wellesley did built the Raj Bhawan, and as per his idea of making the announcement to the imperial influence and power.

The construction was however completed after 4 years, with the total amount of 63,291 pound of that time. Due to the huge amount that had spend in the construction of the Bhawan, Wellesley was charged for misusing the fund of the East India Company, and also, he lost his job, and was called back to England, in 1805. Even though he misused of the fund, Wellseley offered the city with the finest structure to Calcutta. Its historical importance is well known even today and thus it remains an important structure within the walls of City of Joy, Kolkata.

Raj Bhawan Tourism Importance

The visitors can have a ride to the Raj Bhawan and know about the history of the pre-independence, and the monuments and the sculptures found in the bhawan. The access to the Bhawan is restricted but the visitors can have tour to the gardens and surroundings. It is an important monument, which is well known not only for its sprawling area that is built within but for its splendid architecture, which is truly astounding and worth visiting to relish its masterpiece art. More of being an important historical figure, the Bhawan has lot to share with the enthusiasts, who come from far and near to explore the splendid structure, that once lived to its glory and witness the history of the era gone by. Its importance is still carried out and thus keeps on inviting visitors from nook and corner of the world.