When I set foot on the grounds of Kashimpur Rajbari in Bangladesh, I couldn't help but feel a sense of desperation for a time long gone. The dilapidated palace, which had once been a symbol of grandeur, now stood as a somber testament to the country's struggle to preserve its historical treasures.
As I wandered through the crumbling corridors, I couldn't help but reflect on the missed opportunity to turn this place into a thriving tourist attraction.
Instead, it had become a shelter for cattle, and the palace walls were repurposed to dry cow dung, which would later serve as fuel for cooking. It was a stark reminder of the apathy shown toward preserving our rich history.
The Kashimpur Rajbari aka Palace, with a hundred years of history etched in its walls, stands as a witness to the ravages of time in the remote Raninagar of Naogaon district, Rajshahi - Bangladesh. Located approximately 5 kilometers west of the Upazila headquarters, near the banks of the small Jamuna River, this historic palace is the only one of its kind in the Raninagar Union. Locally, it is known as the "Pagla (crazy) Raja Bari (King's Palace)."
Unfortunately, there's not much information available about this palace nor I have seen any banner or information board in the area. I have found a Wiki page that is in Bangla. Here's the link, where you can get a little information about the palace. However, the exact beginning of the rule in this region is not well-documented.
The extensive estate of the palace covered an area of approximately 219 acres. Due to a lack of proper care and restoration efforts, most of the historic elements of this palace are now on the brink of destruction.
Unfortunately, due to neglect and encroachment, much of the palace's grandeur and the property of the erstwhile king have fallen into disrepair. The land of the palace has been used for various purposes by locals who have taken over portions of it, and the historical treasures of the palace are gradually disappearing due to a lack of preservation and maintenance.
The mud-looking circles on the wall are cow dung that is used as fuel for cooking after they dry them! What a misuse of the historical property!!
I couldn't help but ask a friend who worked for the government in the nearby district why such historical sites were left to decay. His response was disheartening – there was no intention, and certainly no financial allocation for their maintenance from the Government. It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Yet, amidst the ruins, one could still see the echoes of a glorious past. The architecture of Kashimpur Rajbari, with its four minarets, courtyard, and Durga temple, whispered stories of a time when this place was alive with prayers and royal gatherings. It was a poignant reminder of the architectural marvels that Bengal had produced over the centuries.
While there might not be much to see within the palace's confines today, the trip was not in vain.
The panoramic view of the Jamuna River from the palace grounds was nothing short of breathtaking. The serene beauty of the river offered a respite from the melancholy that surrounded the palace. We found a peaceful spot, nestled under the shade of an old tree, where we could sit and soak in the breathtaking view.
The gentle breeze carried with it the soothing sounds of nature – the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the soft ripples of the river. It was a serene escape from the bustle of daily life, and as we gazed across the pristine waters of the Jamuna, it was as though time itself had slowed down.
It served as a reminder that, despite the neglect of our historical treasures, nature's beauty continued to enchant us.
This palace is a reflection of Bangladesh's struggle to balance progress with heritage preservation. As I left, I couldn't help but hope that someday, this once-majestic palace would receive the attention and care it deserved, so that future generations could appreciate the beauty of Bengal's architectural heritage.
