Shobhabajar Rajbari

Shobhabajar Rajbari is located in Shobha Bazar, near Shyam Bazar, Kolkata. It is one of the oldest royal houses of the Kolkata elite. It is the royal palace of the Shobhabajar royal family.

It was built in the mid of 17th century by Raja Naba Krishna Deb, a prominent nobleman of Kolkata. He was a strong exponent of the Brahmo Samaj movement started by Raja Ram Mohan Roy.

Rajbari is famous for the grand Durga Puja celebrations in October-November, which celebrated with great pomp.

It is also an important heritage site of Kolkata with the memories of the old Zamindar era, which once dominated the region.

Some of the particular features of Rajbari are Nat Mandap, which is also known as Thakur Dalan, which is an open courtyard area in the middle of the luxurious building.

It is situated on the northern side and supported by pair of pillars with multifile arches at the top that hold up the poles. The bases of the support are square. The courtyard used for prime festivals and functions.

The architecture was also known as Saat Khilan Thakur Dalan. The two-storied wings on either side of the yard connect Thakur Dalan with the dance house to the south. A set of eight massive Tuscan pillars support a wide projecting cornice on the star of the chateau. Two rows of multi-tiered arches at the northern end provide access to the Navratan temple at the rear.

The roof of the dance hall has now fallen, and little remains of the superstructure except for the vast courtyard, which is still intact.