Rajbari of Rani Bhabani is located in Natore, and this is one of the most visited tourists attraction from the district. This is also known as Natore Rajbari. Rani Bhabani (1716–1795) was born in the village Adam Dighir Chhatiyana of Bogra district. During the period of Rani Bhabani, the district Rajshahi, Pabna, Bogra, Kushtia, Jessore, Rangpur, and Murshibad, Beerbhum, Malda of India was under her ruling. That’s why she was called the Ordho Bongeswari (half of the ruler of Bengal). Her palace is situated at the main town of Natore.
After the death of the great queen Rani Bhabani, his adopted son ruled the area, and after his death his two sons separated, and the whole Zamidari was divided between them, and the part of the eldest son was known as Boro Taraf and the part of the youngest son was known as Chhoto Taraf.
It has a lot of edifices inside the Rajbari premise. One of those is the palace for the Chhoto Torof. The youngest son of Ram Krishna, his name was Shiv Nath. After 1984, for few days the palace was used as a judge court of Natore.
On the other half, Raja Bishwanath was the first King of the Bara taraf, and the Raja Jogindra Nath was the last king of this branch. The last king was gained the respect from the people for his cultural and social working ability.
Rani Bhabani Rajbari premise comprises of several large ponds inside of it. For example the largest one was the Jol Tungi Pukur. Another one was the pond of the Chhoto Taraf. Also there are other ponds around the buildings. Tourist could have a boat ride in pond for a 10 Taka fee.
There is a dilapidated palace that is known as Rani mahal, the honorable queen Bhabani used to live here. This one was a nicely decorated and highly ornate building. But during the earthquake of 1897 Assam, it was sink almost most of it inside the ground. (For your information, along with this building, from the Northern Bengal, there were lot of edifices suffered from that massive 8.1 earthquake)
Finally, the Rajbari premise has several temples or mandir inside the. From my count, it was around 6/7 in total. Here I have uploaded the image of the Tarakeswar Shiva Mandir that is under the Chhoto Taraf.
How to Go:
Good thing about this place is that it is a landmark of the town. Everyone knows where it is. You could ask any local person from the town for your direction. Also you could hire a three wheeler vehicle to reach there. GPS coordinate of the Natore Rajbari is (24°25’12.3″N, 88°59’29.5″E).
Opening and closing time
Natore Rajbari remains open from 7:00am in morning to 7:00pm every day. It requires an entry fee when you enter the premise. We were there in a car and it took us 50 Taka for the car. We went there just an hour before the sunset.
Rani Bhabani Rajbari,
District: Natore,
Country: Bangladesh,
GPS Coordinate (24°25’12.3″N, 88°59’29.5″E).
Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog alonelytraveler.com
Friday, 28th May 2010
