A Journey Through Time EXPLORING THE MAJESTIC BAWALI RAJBARI

“This is what the eastern corner of the building temple looked like when I first arrived,” said Ajay Rawla, the current owner of Bawali Rajbari, pointing to a black and white photograph on the wall.

- Anirban Dasgupta

It was a chilly winter evening as I sat by the blue pond sipping on my Darjeeling Tea, engaging in conversation with Mr. Ajay about the painstaking restoration of this remarkable property.

Earlier we reached Bawali Rajbari in the morning. We were greeted by women dressed in white and red saris who welcomed us with traditional rituals at the main entrance. The warm reception and the sight of the vast property immediately transported us back in time. After settling into our regal room, the Floor Manager Sandeep informed us that Mr. Ajay would be meeting us in the evening.

The magnificence of this historical building fascinated me. Every corner and wall seemed to have a story to tell. As I captured the breathtaking landscapes with my Nikon 5200, the architectural marvels of the Rajbari came into view. Elaborate palaces adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant frescoes stood as a testament to the grandeur of a bygone era.

The name Bawali Rajbari originated from the Zamindari of the Mondol family, who built this palatial mansion. After independence, many smaller landlords or Zamindars lost a significant portion of their land due to redistribution. Those who survived relied on other income sources to sustain their opulent lifestyle and maintain their grand living spaces. Unfortunately, the Rajbari at Bawali suffered a similar fate, with no maintenance causing the building to slowly lose its charm. Crumbling walls revealed an exposed brick structure. This area of southern Bengal was once part of the Sundarbans, making the village a marshy land interconnected with rivers.