ADVERTISEMENT

In pictures: Raj Bhavan opens its gates to the common man on Poila Baisakh

Antique sculptures, a well-stocked library, a beautified garden and more

Subhadrika Sen Published 15.04.23, 06:16 PM
In a historic moment on Poila Baisakh, April 15, 2023, the Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, in the presence of singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and violinist L. Subramaniam declared part of the Raj Bhavan open for public viewing. He said, “Today is a red letter day not only in the history of Raj Bhavan but also in the history of India. What imperialism had snatched away from the people, democracy is giving it back. This is a moment of moments where the stonewall created between the authorities and the common man is going to be demolished willingly after 220 years… We are throwing open this building to the people…”
1 10

In a historic moment on Poila Baisakh, April 15, 2023, the Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, in the presence of singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and violinist L. Subramaniam declared part of the Raj Bhavan open for public viewing. He said, “Today is a red letter day not only in the history of Raj Bhavan but also in the history of India. What imperialism had snatched away from the people, democracy is giving it back. This is a moment of moments where the stonewall created between the authorities and the common man is going to be demolished willingly after 220 years… We are throwing open this building to the people…”

All photographs by Amit Datta / My Kolkata
ADVERTISEMENT
As one enters from the North Gate, the first three spots to visit are the Chinese-Winged Cannon which was used in the Opium War and brought to Kolkata from Nanking by Lord Ellenborough in 1842. Right ahead is the Grand staircase which gives direct access to the rooms on the first floor of the building. This staircase was used only by the Governor-Generals, Viceroys and Heads of States. The Grand Staircase on each side has a sphinx sculpture which was added to the structure later
2 10

As one enters from the North Gate, the first three spots to visit are the Chinese-Winged Cannon which was used in the Opium War and brought to Kolkata from Nanking by Lord Ellenborough in 1842. Right ahead is the Grand staircase which gives direct access to the rooms on the first floor of the building. This staircase was used only by the Governor-Generals, Viceroys and Heads of States. The Grand Staircase on each side has a sphinx sculpture which was added to the structure later

Entering through the North Portico, one can see replicas of several sculptures like the Dancing Ganesh. Moving ahead there are portraits of Rajendra Prasad and Chakravarty Rajagopalachari, the first President and Governor of West Bengal of Independent India. A tanga Rickshaw and a seating palki are also showcased
3 10

Entering through the North Portico, one can see replicas of several sculptures like the Dancing Ganesh. Moving ahead there are portraits of Rajendra Prasad and Chakravarty Rajagopalachari, the first President and Governor of West Bengal of Independent India. A tanga Rickshaw and a seating palki are also showcased

The Central Marble Hall is the place where the first Durga Puja of Independent India took place in the Raj Bhavan. Today, it is adorned by replica sculptures from Bengal and Khajuraho like Yakshi, Vishnu, Darpanika and more
4 10

The Central Marble Hall is the place where the first Durga Puja of Independent India took place in the Raj Bhavan. Today, it is adorned by replica sculptures from Bengal and Khajuraho like Yakshi, Vishnu, Darpanika and more

The South Marble Hall has a replica model of the Raj Bhavan which has been modelled after Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire. This hall also leads one to the library
5 10

The South Marble Hall has a replica model of the Raj Bhavan which has been modelled after Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire. This hall also leads one to the library

The library has a large collection of books and manuscripts. The walls are adorned with photographs of previous Governors of West Bengal. A replica of the Constitution of India is also a part of the collection. The walls have several photographs and portraits of notable icons like Satyajit Ray, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and others
6 10

The library has a large collection of books and manuscripts. The walls are adorned with photographs of previous Governors of West Bengal. A replica of the Constitution of India is also a part of the collection. The walls have several photographs and portraits of notable icons like Satyajit Ray, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar and others

Moving ahead in the gardens near the South Gate, one can see rows of trees and an artificial pond. A small bridge by Lord Lytton also adds to the beauty of the gardens. Around 1989-1990, the Botanical Survey of India took up the work of identifying the plants
7 10

Moving ahead in the gardens near the South Gate, one can see rows of trees and an artificial pond. A small bridge by Lord Lytton also adds to the beauty of the gardens. Around 1989-1990, the Botanical Survey of India took up the work of identifying the plants

The Royal Court of Arms weighing around 40 tonnes was first installed by Lord Curzon at the North Side of the building. After Independence, it was replaced by the Ashoka Lion Capital. However, the Royal Court of Arms was recently restored by former Governors Gopalkrishna Gandhi and MK Narayanan with the help of INTACH
8 10

The Royal Court of Arms weighing around 40 tonnes was first installed by Lord Curzon at the North Side of the building. After Independence, it was replaced by the Ashoka Lion Capital. However, the Royal Court of Arms was recently restored by former Governors Gopalkrishna Gandhi and MK Narayanan with the help of INTACH

Asia’s first lift was installed at the Raj Bhavan and is functional to this day. This golden birdcage lift was installed by Otis Elevator Company in the South West Wing of the building
9 10

Asia’s first lift was installed at the Raj Bhavan and is functional to this day. This golden birdcage lift was installed by Otis Elevator Company in the South West Wing of the building

The historic opening of the Raj Bhavan to the public was shared with young minds from various city schools. Currently, it is open to guided tours for invitees only but the arrangement is expected to go public shortly. One is expected to look for future updates at the official website of the Raj Bhavan
10 10

The historic opening of the Raj Bhavan to the public was shared with young minds from various city schools. Currently, it is open to guided tours for invitees only but the arrangement is expected to go public shortly. One is expected to look for future updates at the official website of the Raj Bhavan

Also Read

RELATED TOPICS

Heritage Building Raj Bhavan Kolkata
Follow us on:
ADVERTISEMENT

MORE IN PICTURES

Share this article

CLOSE