M Mahmud Ali

There are many zamindar palaces scattered throughout the country that have fallen victim of neglect. The Balihar Zamindar Palace is one of them.
The palace is located in Naogaon, about 17 km from the district town. The Balihar estate was founded by Nrisimha Sanyal Chakravarti of Bikrampur.
Chakravarti built the palace in the later part of the 18th century. It is one of the finest examples of a style that marks a distinct milestone in the evolution of architectural trend in Bangladesh.  
There is a beautiful twin temple, known as Raj-Rajeshwari Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva inside the palace complex. It was built by Zamindar Rajendranath in 1823. Both temples are octagonal in shape, with terracotta and stucco decorations. There is an ‘inverted lotus’ type dome on the top of each temple. The temple was famous for its nine-wheeled chariot, which has now disappeared. There is another flat-roofed Kali temple, facing the palace across the open courtyard.
The Balihar palace is now listed as a protected heritage site under the Department of Archaeology. But, the department has failed to maintain this historical palace. It is a matter of regret that most of the buildings of the palace complex have already been ruined. Only a few buildings survive today in dilapidated condition, and those could collapse at any time. If this negligence continues, then nothing will remain in the future.

Photos: Writer
Reference: ‘Buildings of the British Raj in Bangladesh’ by Nazimuddin Ahmad.