Kashimpur Rajbari (Bangla: কাশিমপুর রাজবাড়ি) also known as Pagla Rajar Bari (পাগলা রাজার বাড়ি), is a historic royal residencial palace located in the Raninagar Upazila of Naogaon District, Bangladesh.
Location and Construction
The palace is situated in the village of Kashimpur, within the 02 no. Kashimpur Union Parishad, at coordinates 24°43′21.9″ N, 88°55′30.4″ E. It’s located about 13 kilometers west of the Naogaon district headquarters and 5 kilometers west of Raninagar upazila town, on the banks of the Choto Jamuna River (ছোট যমুনা নদী). The palace was built primarily from lime, surki – সুরকি (powdered brick) and burnt clay bricks. The area of Rajbari is approximately 2 acres and 19 satak.
History of Kashimpur Rajbari
Kashimpur Rajbari was constructed by the enigmatic Pagla Raja, who was a descendant of the King of Natore. The palace served as the administrative hub for governing Naogaon and its surrounding areas. However, the exact timeline of the Raja’s rule and the exact area of the zamindari remains unclear. The last known ruler was Annada Prosonno Lahiri Bahadur, who had four sons and one daughter.
Following the partition of India in 1947, most members of the royal family emigrated to India. The youngest Raja, Shakti Prosonno Lahiri, stayed until the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. But, after that for being concerned about security he and his family also left for India, leaving behind vast Zamindari estates.
Current Condition
Today, the ruins of Kashimpur Rajbari in Raninagar are on the brink of collapse, and losing their archaeological significance. As a result, the spot doesn’t offer much to attract visitors. The palace has only a few remaining structural parts. In its backyard, rows of moringa trees can be seen, planted and harvested by someone for their own benefit. It is also seen that people use the area to stack their daily belongings like haystacks (খড়ের গাদা). A small portion of the boundary wall survives on the western side adjacent to the river. The Durga Temple, with its partially intact domes and walls, is the prominent surviving structure.
On the palace grounds, temples serve as places of worship for the local Hindu community. But, many of its lands are occupied by influential people. These areas now house rice mills and other private establishments. Overall, neglect and a lack of proper maintenance have accelerated the Kashimpur Rajbari’s deterioration at this stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kashimpur Rajbari
What is Kashimpur Rajbari?
Kashimpur Rajbari (Bangla: কাশিমপুর রাজবাড়ি), also known as Pagla Rajar Bari (পাগলা রাজার বাড়ি), is a historic royal residential palace located in the Raninagar Upazila of Naogaon District, Bangladesh.
Where is Kashimpur Rajbari located?
The historic palace is situated in the village of Kashimpur, within the 02 no. Kashimpur Union Parishad, at coordinates 24°43′21.9″ N, 88°55′30.4″ E. It is about 13 kilometers west of the Naogaon district headquarters and 5 kilometers west of Raninagar upazila town.
What materials were used in the construction of Kashimpur Rajbari?
The palace was built primarily from lime, surki (সুরকি – powdered brick) and burnt clay bricks.
Who built Kashimpur Rajbari?
Kashimpur Rajbari was constructed by the enigmatic Pagla Raja, who was a descendant of the King of Natore.
Who was the last known ruler of Kashimpur Rajbari?
The last known ruler was Annada Prosonno Lahiri Bahadur.
What is the current condition of Kashimpur Rajbari?
Today, the ruins of Kashimpur Rajbari are on the brink of collapse, losing their archaeological significance. The palace has only a few remaining parts. People use it to stack their daily belongings like haystacks. A small portion of the boundary wall survives on the western side adjacent to the river.