Shashi Lodge
Mymensingh
Shashi Lodge, also known as the Rajbari of Mymensingh, is a grand palace built originally by Maharaja Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury in the early 20th century. Situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River in the heart of Mymensingh city, it served as the residence of the Maharajas of the Muktagacha Zamindari Estate during British colonial rule. The palace is notable for its architectural beauty and historical significance as a symbol of zamindari power and philanthropy in East Bengal. After the abolition of the zamindari system in 1950, the building was repurposed as a training center for women teachers, a function it maintained until it fell into disuse. In 2015, the Directorate of Archaeology of Bangladesh acquired the site to establish a museum, reflecting its cultural importance. Despite damage from the 1897 Great Indian Earthquake and later deterioration, Shashi Lodge remains a key heritage site representing the legacy of the Muktagacha Maharajas and their contributions to the region's development.
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Tip: The best time to visit Shashi Lodge is during the dry season to fully appreciate its riverside location and architecture. Visitors should check ahead for museum opening hours and consider purchasing tickets in advance if available. Modest discounts may be offered for students or groups. Since the building is undergoing preservation efforts, guided tours may be limited, so planning visits during official opening times is advisable.
Interesting facts
- •Shashi Lodge was rebuilt after significant damage caused by the 1897 Great Indian Earthquake.
- •The palace was named after the adopted son of Maharaja Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury.
- •The Venus statue at Shashi Lodge, over 200 years old, was damaged and its head removed in August 2024 following political unrest.
History
The Muktagacha Zamindari Estate was founded by Shri Krishna Acharya Chowdhury, with a lineage of Maharajas who adopted heirs to maintain the estate.
The original Shashi Lodge was built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Suryakant Acharya Chowdhury but was damaged in the 1897 earthquake.
Maharaja Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury rebuilt and renovated the palace by 1911, creating the luxurious mansion known today.
After the abolition of zamindari in 1950, the palace's function shifted to education before being acquired by the government in 2015 for preservation as a museum.
Place Guide
Main Palace Building1911
The two-storied mansion built by Maharaja Shashikant Acharya Chowdhury, showcasing early 20th-century zamindari architecture with spacious halls and ornate decorations.
Riverside Location
Situated on the bank of the Brahmaputra River, the palace offers scenic views and was strategically placed for both aesthetic and economic reasons.
