The Jalpaiguri Rajbari was the historic residence and seat of power for the Raikats, the semi-independent rulers and kings of the Baikunthapur Estate in North Bengal. **Origins and Lineage** * **The Raikat Family:** The Raikats are a collateral branch of the Koch dynasty. The family founder was Sisya Singha (brother of Biswa Singha, who established the Koch kingdom in 1515). Sisya Singha held the royal umbrella during Biswa Singha's coronation and was appointed as the Raikut (chieftain of the fortress) and commander-in-chief of the army, receiving Baikunthapur as his domain. * **Shift to Jalpaiguri:** The seat of the Raikat family was moved to the current site in Jalpaiguri city around 1720–1793 by Jayanto Deb Raikat. Later, under British rule, the Raikats transitioned into Zamindars (landlords) before the estate was state-restored post-independence. **Key Architectural and Historical Features** * **Lion Gate (Singhaduar):** Built around 1894, the massive entrance gate is widely noted as a unique architectural structure and is locally regarded as a prominent un-reinforced concrete arch structure. * **Rajbarir Dighi:** A large royal pond/tank excavated near the palace between 1832 and 1840 during the rule of Sarva Dev. * **Temples on Grounds:** The complex houses several historic shrines, including the Rajbari Kali Mandir (featuring a chained Goddess Kali), a Shiva Temple, the Baikunthapur Temple (built 1886, renovated 1915), and a Manasa Temple. * **Heritage Status:** The remaining palace structures and grounds were officially declared a heritage site in 2007. Parts of the surrounding estate have since been integrated into the local District Sports Complex. **Cultural Traditions and Fairs** * **Manasa Puja & Rajbarir Mela:** The Rajbari is famous for its centuries-old Manasa Puja tradition. The celebrations culminate in the Rajbarir Mela, held annually on the last day of the Bengali month of Shraban (mid-August), which is traditionally observed as a local holiday in Jalpaiguri. You can read more about visitor details and guidelines on the Jalpaiguri Online Guide. If you are planning a visit or need specific information on timings, entry fees, or nearby attractions in Jalpaiguri, let me know! www.jalpaigurionline.in Jalpaiguri Rajbari, Rajbari Palace Jalpaiguri, History of Rajbari History: Former residence and estate of the Raikats, semi-independent rulers (1523–1771) related to the Koch dynasty; capital moved to Jalpaiguri around 1720 by... Wikipedia Raikat Contents Origins: Koch Bihar The Raikut family is a collateral branch of Koch dynasty which took control of the Kamata Kingdom in 1515. The family founder was S... Facebook Jalpaiguri Rajbari Jalpaiguri Rajbari is one of the most popular sightseeing options for tourists who tour the city of Jalpaiguri. Rajbari literally means “palace”. The Rajbari in Jalpaiguri was the former residence of the local rulers of the Baikunthapur estate, the Raikats. Jalpaiguri Rajbari: Former palace and residence of the Baikunthapur estate rulers (the Raikats), built approximately 250 years ago, declared a heritage site in ... Instagram Jalpaiguri Rajbari Palace Jalpaiguri Rajbari Palace Jalpaiguri Rajbari is a historic palace in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, once the residence of the Raikats, rulers of the Baikunthapur esta... Tripadvisor Jalpaiguri Rajbari - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with ... The Jalpaiguri Rajbari was the former residence of the Raikats, the kings of Baikunthapur estate. It is situated on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road at Jalpaigur... Instagram Jalpaiguri Rajbari History Jalpaiguri Rajbari History The Jalpaiguri Rajbari was the former residence of the Raikats, the royal family of the Baikunthapur estate in North Bengal. It dates... Tripadvisor JALPAIGURI RAJBARI - All You SHOULD Know Before Going 2026 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor Location: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal; historical pre-independence residence of the Raja of Jalpaiguri. Features: Renovated main roadside entrance gate with Nahabat...