The domineering Tajhat Palace is one of the finest rajbaris in Bangladesh. During the regime of General Ershad (1982–91) it was used by the High Court division of Bangladesh’s Supreme Court, but today it houses a small museum stuffed with old manuscripts and bits and bobs excavated from Paharpur and Mahasthangarh.
The palace, which is structurally intact but deteriorating fast, is similar to Dhaka’s Ahsan Manzil (Pink Palace). It has a frontage of about 80m and is crowned by a ribbed conical dome and features an imposing central staircase made of imported white marble. The balustrade originally featured marble sculptures of classical Roman figures, but these have long since disappeared.
The palace was constructed in the 19th century by Manna Lal Ray, a Hindu who was forced to emigrate from the Punjab and found his way to Rangpur. He became a successful jeweller, acquired a lot of land, eventually won the title of raja (landlord or ruler) and built this huge mansion. Local villagers believe there is treasure hidden in its walls.
A rickshaw from the centre costs around Tk 30.
