Bawali Rajbari, Budge Budge, 24 Pargans (South)

Bawali ~ Revisited

Bawali Rajbari, Budge Budge, 24 Pargans (South)

See also: Bawali ~ Temples & Mansions

Bawali Rajbari Courtyard, Bawali, 24 Parganas (South)

As I entered the courtyard of the Mondal mansion of the Bawali, it was a pleasant surprise for me. In the three years since my last visit the crumbling Mondal Mansion of Bawali have been given a face lift.

Breakfast, Bawali Rajbari Terrace

Bawali, a nondescript in the Budge Budge subdivision of 24 Parganas (South) can be reached from the Budge Budge. Bawali can also be reached from Amtala on the Diamond Harbour Road (DH rd).

History books tell us that the Mondals of Bawali were originally Roys. Shovaram, the grandson of Basudev Roy (who lived between the end of 16th century and the early 17th century), was awarded the title Mondal. Shovaram’s grandson Rajaram was the senapati of the Raja of Hijli. Moved by his bravery, the raja offered him the ownership of 50 villages, which included Bowali and Budge Budge.

Corridor, Bawali Rajbari

The family set up residence in Bawali. This marked the beginning of their dominance in the area, roughly around 1710. The family flourished under Rajaram’s grandson Haradhan, who enjoyed the patronage of East India Company. He built many temples and his seven sons followed in his footsteps, turning the nondescript village into a temple town.

The good old days of the Mondal family did not last long. The trade soon dwindled and so did the fortune of the Mondal family. The mansions and temple became a white elephant and with merger income their maintenance became impossible. Slowly the temples and the mansion started crumbling to dust.

Interior, Bawali Rajbari

Recently the magnificent but the crumbling Bawali Mansion have been taken over by Calcutta (Kolkata) based businessman Ajay Rawla, who has taken up the initiative of turning the ruined mansion into a heritage hotel.

Presently four rooms have been renovated and are opening to public. The open area consisting of a dinning hall and two drawing rooms have also been renovated but keeping the old rustic look alive.

The furniture and fixtures maintain the old look and the numerous photos of old Hollywood dot the walls along with beautifully decorated mirrors. Bone China vases with potted plants have added a new dimension to the mansion.

Bawali Rajbari Interior

The courtyard, which doubles up as a open air theatre hall, has been decorated with potted plants and cast iron benches. Several dance and music performances have already been held at the courtyard, whcih once served as a tennis court.

The terrace above the courtyard has also been modified and is ideal for an open air breakfast, lunch or even a candle lit dinner.

Lighting arrangements have been made and the Bawali Rajbari along with the nine – pinnacled (naba ratna) Gopinath Temple is lit up during festivals and occasions, turning the once decapitated structure into a grand spectacle.

According to Rawla lot of works still need to be done, more rooms are coming up and a spa is also on the list.

Located at the very backyard of Calcutta (Kolkata) the once decapitated Mondal Mansion of Bawali is all set to turn into a heritage hotel.

Special Thanks:

• Ajay Rawla, for the warm hospitality at the Bawali Rajbari, Heritage Hotel.
• Manjit Singh Hoonjan and Goutam Shorff for accompanying me.

Related links from my website:

• Travelogue on Bawali
• Photos of Bawali