Alexander Castle — Attraction in Mymensingh Division

Review of Alexander Castle in Mymensingh

Alexander Castle, also known as “Lohar Kutir,” is a historical gem located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Built in 1879 by Maharaja Surya Kanta Acharya Chowdhury, this unique structure stands out as an architectural marvel with its fusion of European and Mughal influences. It’s a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and anyone looking to dive into the rich cultural past of the region.

The castle’s design is a blend of grandeur and curiosity, featuring Gothic-inspired ironwork, intricate wood detailing, and vibrant stained-glass windows that cast colorful reflections throughout the interior. The building is both impressive and whimsical, with its distinctive iron sheet roofing, which has given it the local name “Lohar Kutir” (House of Iron). Though the structure is relatively small, its intricate details and historical significance make it a fascinating visit.

Inside, the castle is simple but charming, with a few rooms showcasing period furniture and artwork. Walking through these rooms feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the local elite during the colonial period. There are also beautiful gardens surrounding the castle, providing a peaceful atmosphere and a scenic backdrop for photos.

The castle is currently managed by the local government and is open to the public, though some parts may need restoration to preserve its historical charm. Signage and informational displays are limited, so a guided tour would greatly enhance the experience and provide deeper insights into its history and architectural style.

In sum, Alexander Castle is a hidden historical treasure in Mymensingh. While modest in size, it is grand in its beauty and significance. A visit here offers an enriching journey into the past and a unique opportunity to appreciate a lesser-known piece of Bangladesh’s...

Alexander Castle is one of the most amazing and renowned structure in Mymensingh District. It was built by Maharaja Suryo Kanta Acharya Chowdhury(মহারাজ সুর্যকান্ত আচার্য চৌধুরী) in 1879 in the memory of the 1st zilla magistrate of Mymensingh Mr. N .S Alexander at the time of Jubili festival. It covers an area of 27.155 acres. It is a nice small archaic building having two Greek statue at both sides of the front gate. Though the arms of those statues are currently broken, but still those looks great. The whole building is placed over a high plinth, probably to avoid the flood from the nearness river. It cost 45000 taka at that time. Alexander Castle is a two storied building made by metals and woods in a high concrete base. This building was used as a rest house for the guests of Maharaja Maharaja Soshi Kanta Acharya Chowdhury. Many great personalities of the world stayed at this castle when visiting Mymensingh city. Nobel Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore arrived in Mymensingh around the midday of 15 February 1926. He stayed in the Alexander Castle as a guest for 4days. Mahatma Gandhi also stayed in this castle in 1926. Lord carzon, Chittaranjan Das, Nawab Sir Salimullah, Kamal Pasha also visited Alexander Castle. This house was decorated by royal furnitures and items at that time. There is a big field in front of this house. You can see two fascinating silver statue which makes the place more beautiful. There is also a big garden and a pond still remains behind the castle. It is said that Maharaja used to keep big cats in his garden so he surrounded the garden with big still cages.At present this house is being used as library of teachers training college(male)...

Alexander Castle, also known as Lohar Kutir, is a historical landmark located in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Built in 1879, it was commissioned by Maharaja Surjya Kanta Acharya Chowdhury, a prominent zamindar of the Mymensingh zamindari estate, as a residence and guesthouse. The castle reflects the grandeur and opulence of the zamindari era and serves as a testament to the architectural sophistication of the time.

Architectural Significance

The Alexander Castle showcases a unique blend of European and Indian architectural styles. It is constructed primarily of iron and steel, which earned it the name "Lohar Kutir" (Iron Cottage). The intricate design, coupled with its distinctive octagonal towers and domes, makes it a significant example of 19th-century architecture in Bengal.

Historical Importance

The castle was originally built to commemorate the visit of Lord Northbrook, the then Viceroy of India, but it gained its name when it later hosted Lord Alexander Duff, a prominent Christian missionary. Over the years, the castle hosted numerous distinguished guests, including British officials and cultural figures.

Present-Day Status

Today, Alexander Castle is under the care of the Teacher’s Training College, which uses it as part of its campus. Though its grandeur has faded with time, it remains an important cultural and historical landmark in Mymensingh, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists.

Efforts have been made to preserve its architectural heritage, but the site could benefit from more robust conservation initiatives to protect its legacy for future...