Murshidabad holds a lot of significance to erstwhile Bengal's political and cultural history. Be it the famous baluchari sarees woven in the lanes of Khagra Bazaar or the khaaja that is available in most roadside tea stalls, or the Hazaarduari palace, this town is an intrinsic part of West Bengal's rich past heritage.
But one place which not many people know about, is the Kathgola Bagan Bari (Kathgola Palace). Only when you explore Musrhidabad a little more is when you find this 18th century palace. Take a weekend off to witness this architectural marvel situated six hours (roughly 215 km) from Kolkata.
Owned by a Jain businessman family, the Dugars, they hired a French architect to renovate a part of the palace in the late 19th century and added the Victorian lions and Michelangelo statues. This palace is a perfect blend of art and architecture and connoisseurs of true art will get a taste of both. Once you go past the marble lions and the statue of Michelangelo, you will see the Adinath Temple inside the premises of the palace. Built in 1933 by Lakshmipat Singh Dugar, you will find 17 images of Jain Tirthankaras and other deities. And as you go inside the palace, you'll be left awestruck by the valuable paintings, mirrors and priceless vintage furniture.