Tamluk Rajbari — Attraction in West Bengal

Tamluk (/ˈtæmlʊk/) is a town in India. It is the district headquarters of Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal, India. Though there is some controversy, scholars have generally agreed that present day Tamluk is the site of the ancient city variously known as Tamralipta or Tamralipti. The present town is located on the banks of the Rupnarayan River close to the Bay of Bengal. The Tamluk Municipality has population of 65,306 of which 33,260 are males while 32,046 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.

Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 6180 which is 9.46% of total population of Tamluk (M). In Tamluk Municipality, Female Sex Ratio is of 963 against state average of 950. Moreover, Child Sex Ratio in Tamluk is around 946 compared to West Bengal state average of 956. Literacy rate of Tamluk city is 90.18% higher than state average of 76.26%. In Tamluk, Male literacy is around 94.01% while female literacy rate is 86.21%. This ancient kingdom and port city was bounded by the Bay of Bengal in the south, Rupnarayan River in the east and Subarnarekha River in the west. The Rupnarayana is the joint flow of the rivers Dwarakeswar and Silai. The Bay of Bengal and these great rivers with their numerous branches created a prosperous and easy water navigational system fostering commerce, culture and early contacts with the people outside the region. At the same time, these rivers helped to develop the agriculture in this region.

Archaeological remains show continuous settlement from about the 3rd century BC. It was known as Tramralipta (in the Puranas and the Mahabharata), Tamralipta (in the Mahabharata), Tamalika (in historical documents), Tamalitti (in foreigners' descriptions), or Tamoluk (in the British Raj). It was a seaport, now buried under river silt. For this reason, Tamluk has many ponds and lakes remaining today.

In the Mahabharata (Bhishma Parba/Nabam Adhyay), while describing the names of the holiest rivers and kingdoms of India, Sanjay took the name of "Tramralipta" to Dhritarashtra.

Tamluk was also known as Bhivas, in religious texts, and Madhya Desh, as the Middle State of Utkal/Kalinga and Banga.

According to Jain sources, Tamralipti was the capital of the kingdom of Venga and was long known as a port. The people of Tamluk are primarily Bengali speaking. There are some lingering effects of successive migrations and invasions from both the west, east, and especially from northern India . Its history shows the complex combination of indigenous, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain and Hindu cultures, through trade, travel, and migration.

Unlike other parts of Bengal, Tamluk was always well connected with the Gangetic plains. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that the culture of Aryavarta influenced life in early Tamluk. The worship of Bheema is a sign of the socio-religious acceptance of Aryan culture in this area. Even in the recent past, Tamluk was divided into many areas based on caste and occupation, such as Malakar Para (flower traders), Adhikary Para (Brahmins), Metia Para in Nimtala (transport business and timber merchants), Dey Para (gold traders), and Mathore Para...

It's so tragic to see this historical place in ruins. It pains my heart. The government has not taken any steps to preserve such a place of national importance. This place remains deserted with not a single guard to protect it. Anyone can enter the premises and do whatever they like.

History *

History associated with this site dates back to 2,500 years. The palace at the complex is believed to be established in 5th century BC by the Mayuradha dynasty.

The Mayura-dhwaja ( Peackok ) Dynasty had been named in Mahabharata, Bhagvat, Bramhabaibarto Puran etc as a very rich and wealthest one of that region. Tamluk Rajbari complex has a wide courtyard inside which are on all sides except in the frontal portion where the building is located. Besides, the site is also linked with the incident of Swayamvar Sabha (marriage ceremony) of Lady Draupadi that occurred in the epic Mahabharata. Sri Krishna himself confessed his affection with Tamluk to Arjuna, the son of Kunti.

" Tamoliptat Param Sthanam Nasmakam Pritirishyate Mamakam Hridayang Lakkha Jathatyajyang Tatha Maya Tamoliptang Hi Natyajyamidameba Sunischatam Tyajyami Sarbatirthani Kale Kale Yuge Yuge Tamoliptantta Kausteya Na tyajyami Kadachana. "

It means : Tamluk is the supreme place of religion, the way my wife Lakshmi Devi stays in my heart, Tamluk is alywas nearer to my heart in such a way, Again and again, time to time i will leave all Pilgrimage, but will never leave tamluk for a moment even afer death. During colonial rule, freedom leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose also visited the site that hosted chief events for freedom struggle.

Just east of the Rajbari in central Tamluk is a large square tank called Khātpukūr, which probably dates from the 15th century. Digging here, Ramachandran's group found terracotta remains with similarities to Shunga-period artifacts. Among the artifacts found at Khātpukūr were a couple of Egyptian-style vases, which also could not be dated. They may have been either imports from Egypt or local imitations of Egyptian style. Either way, their presence indicates long-distance cultural contact due to maritime trade, as would be expected at a major port like Tāmraliptī. At another site, "an oblong tank next to the local school", old brick walls and terracotta fragments were found under Gurusday Dutt. Various items were found in and around a couple of tanks on Adhikaripara Road, Padambasan Road, and School...

If walls could talk, the iconic Tamluk Rajbari would have a 500-year-long saga to narrate — full of glory, power, intrigue, and decay. Once the seat of the mighty Bargis, Mughals, and the Rajas of Tamluk, today, this historic palace is a shadow of its former grandeur — but one that still holds enough charm to make history buffs and adventure seekers curious.

Located in Tamluk, Purba Medinipur, this Rajbari (palace) was home to the Maharajas of Tamluk, who traced their lineage back to the Bhanushali kings. The structure, though battered by time, whispers tales of its regal past, with its massive gateways, long corridors, and eerie yet enchanting ruins.

Once a Throne, Now a Thrill! Once, this Rajbari was a seat of power, politics, and culture, but now it stands as a hauntingly beautiful reminder of Bengal’s forgotten aristocracy. Though partially in ruins, it still exudes an aura of mystery — making it the perfect place for some spooky exploration.

Historical Significance: The palace played a crucial role during the Indian independence movement, with freedom fighters using its premises for secret meetings. The “Bargis” Factor: This Rajbari saw the terror of the Bargis (Maratha invaders) in the 18th century, adding an extra layer of history to its already dramatic past. Temple Connection: Right beside the Rajbari, you’ll find the ancient Devi Bargabhima Temple, a 51 Shakti Peeth, believed to be more than 1,000 years old!

Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know! The Rajbari was originally surrounded by a moat — a rare feature in Bengali palaces. Some believe the palace is haunted, with locals claiming to hear whispers and strange noises at night (perfect for ghost-hunting enthusiasts!). The design of the Rajbari shows a mix of Bengali, Mughal, and European architecture, reflecting the different rulers who occupied it.

Final Verdict: Worth a Visit? Oh Yes! If you love history, ruins, or a little bit of ghostly adventure, the Tamluk Rajbari is your kind of place! While it may not boast the grandeur of Rajasthan’s palaces, it carries an old-world charm that’s hard to resist. Go for the history, the intrigue, and maybe even a thrilling ghost...