The
history of the Mahishadal Rajbari is a long and interesting one. Birnarayan Roy
Chowdhury of the Tamralipta Raj family was the first to settle here. The
village known today as Geonkhali, located in the Mahishadal block, was then
known by its original name, “Jiban Khali”. Sometime in the 16th
century, Birnarayan’s descendant Kalyan Roy Chowdhury, who was the zamindar,
was found to be defaulting in revenue payments. Emperor Akbar had him removed,
and replaced him with the young Janarddan Upadhayay who had come to this part
of the country from what is present day Uttar Pradesh. The Upadhyays were
granted the title Raja and ran the Zamindari well for the next four
generations. However when Anandalal Upadhyaya died in 1804 without a male heir,
the zamindari passed to his daughter’s son, Raja Guruprasad Garg. The Gargs
remained the zamindars of the area, contributing substantially to the social
welfare of the area until independence and the abolition of the zamindari
system.
Mahishadal
is a least known tourist place, of some historical significance, situated in
Haldia subdivision of Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. It is only three
and a half hour drive from Kolkata. Known for its ancient temples and monuments
built during 16th century, it is equally appealing to the nature enthusiasts,
as the place is dotted with palm trees, and the small and large ponds adds to
the scenic beauty. This calm and serene place makes an excellent weekend
getaway.
Main attraction of Mahisadal is the "Rajbari". In the 16th century AD, a north Indian businessman, Janardhan Upadhyay Garg, bought a big estate and built a mansion for the purpose of Zamindari. In the 18th century, during the days of Rani Janaki Devi, this mansion reached its zenith of glory and a new palace was built adjacent to it, which are together known as the Mahishadal Rajbari. According to the locals, Rani Janki devi was a staunch anti-British advocate. And this brought about the downfall of the regime. The old mansion is in ruins but the new palace is well maintained and serves as a museum. It is a treasure house of 16th to 18th century old collectives, beautiful paintings, awe inspiring ornate furniture, medals, manuscripts, photographs, artilleries, stuffed deer, tigers, bison and other hunted animals and the weapons used for hunting.
Many a period drama has been shot in this palace, as the place is a usual destination for the film-makers, both old and new.
In the vicinity of the Rajbari, are two renowned temples built by Rani Janki Devi. Gopaljiew Temple, dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and Ramjiew Temple, which houses the idols of Sri Ram, Sita and Hanuman. All the original idols were stolen and so, have been replaced by brass replicas of each of the original deities.
On the banks of scenic Rupnarayan river, is situated the Natshal temple where Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa started the Ramkrishna movement. The Archeological Survey of India has excavated historic artifacts older than Indus Valley and Harappan Civilization in this area.
Main attraction of Mahisadal is the "Rajbari". In the 16th century AD, a north Indian businessman, Janardhan Upadhyay Garg, bought a big estate and built a mansion for the purpose of Zamindari. In the 18th century, during the days of Rani Janaki Devi, this mansion reached its zenith of glory and a new palace was built adjacent to it, which are together known as the Mahishadal Rajbari. According to the locals, Rani Janki devi was a staunch anti-British advocate. And this brought about the downfall of the regime. The old mansion is in ruins but the new palace is well maintained and serves as a museum. It is a treasure house of 16th to 18th century old collectives, beautiful paintings, awe inspiring ornate furniture, medals, manuscripts, photographs, artilleries, stuffed deer, tigers, bison and other hunted animals and the weapons used for hunting.
Many a period drama has been shot in this palace, as the place is a usual destination for the film-makers, both old and new.
In the vicinity of the Rajbari, are two renowned temples built by Rani Janki Devi. Gopaljiew Temple, dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna and Ramjiew Temple, which houses the idols of Sri Ram, Sita and Hanuman. All the original idols were stolen and so, have been replaced by brass replicas of each of the original deities.
On the banks of scenic Rupnarayan river, is situated the Natshal temple where Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa started the Ramkrishna movement. The Archeological Survey of India has excavated historic artifacts older than Indus Valley and Harappan Civilization in this area.
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