Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari

There are a number of zamindar palaces in different parts of Bangladesh that attract tourists and explorers. Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari at Rayerkathi Mahalla in Pirojpur is one of the oldest of such palatial homes in our country.

A zamindar (landlord) named Srinath Roy established the zamindari (feudal estate) more than 350 years ago in 1658 AD. But it was his grandson who built the Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari and the 14 temples on its grounds, apparently after having a dream where he was instructed to do so. This story became a legend in the course of time.

There are about 30 structures in the palace complex, including eight large buildings and several tall temples. Most of the buildings are now almost in ruins, but the temples are still standing. This indicates that the temples were built several years after the construction of the other buildings. It is said that the country’s largest Shiva linga, which weighs about a ton (1,000 kg), is also located there.

Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari is a little visited place that tourists hardly explore.

References: District of Bakerganj-Its History and Statistics, 1876; and Historical Monuments of Greater Barisal by Saiful Ahsan Bulbul, 2012.

Photos: Writer.

Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari

There are a number of zamindar palaces in different parts of Bangladesh that attract tourists and explorers. Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari at Rayerkathi Mahalla in Pirojpur is one of the oldest of such palatial homes in our country. A zamindar (landlord) named Srinath Roy established the zamindari (feudal estate) more than 350 years ago in 1658 AD. But it was his grandson who built the Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari and the 14 temples on its grounds, apparently after having a dream where he was instructed to do so. This story became a legend in the course of time. There are about 30 structures in the palace complex, including eight large buildings and several tall temples. Most of the buildings are now almost in ruins, but the temples are still standing. This indicates that the temples were built several years after the construction of the other buildings. It is said that the countrys largest Shiva linga, which weighs about a ton (1,000 kg), is also located there. Rayerkathi Zamindar Bari is a little visited place that tourists hardly explore. References: District of Bakerganj-Its History and Statistics, 1876; and Historical Monuments of Greater Barisal by Saiful Ahsan Bulbul, 2012. Photos: Writer.