The Marble Palace in Kolkata

The Marble Palace, located in north Kolkata, was built in the nineteenth century and therefore is also known as the Nineteenth Century Mansion. 

It is one of Kolkata’s best-preserved and most beautiful mansions, known for its sculptures, artwork, flooring, and marble walls, from which the city gets its name. The palace is located at 46 Muktaram Babu Street in Kolkata.

This Nineteenth Century Mansion is built in the neoclassical style. Taking into account its rare artefacts, architecture, and cultural significance, the current value of this huge property would number in crores of rupees.

The Marble Palace is renowned for its regal architecture as well as its historical significance. It was built by the greatest merchants of Raja Ranedra Mullaink Bahadur, a wealthy Bengali businessman who commissioned the palace in 1835. It is so named because of the many marble patterns sculpted into the building’s pillars and walls. 

Raja Ranedra was a collector of antiques and one-of-a-kind handicrafts. Hence, the palace houses some of the finest artworks created by notable painters, including Rubens, Titans, Reynolds, and John Opie.

History of the Marble Palace in Kolkata

The Marble Palace is one of Kolkata’s most exquisite and well-preserved mansions. It is a work of art with 90 different types of patterned marble flooring. The mansion was originally neoclassical in style but was then blended with traditional Bengali architecture with an open courtyard. The family members’ place of prayer, also known as the Thakur-Dalan, is located next to the courtyard. 

The palace is three stories tall, with fluted Corinthian pillars. The home is known for its decorated balconies with rooftops and fretwork inspired by Chinese pavilion architecture. The mansion’s grounds also contain a lovely garden, a stone garden, a lake, and a small zoo.

A variety of sculptures of Hindu gods, Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Lord Buddha, the renowned explorer Christopher Columbus, and even lions can be found on the palace’s expansive lawns. There are also marble fountains and a striking statue of “Leda with the Swan”. Based on Greek mythology, Leda was a lovely woman who drew the attention of Zeus, who spotted her from his seat on Mount Olympus. The king of Gods was moved to action by her beauty, and the deity changed into a gorgeous swan to be with her.

The palace is home to an extraordinary collection of Western sculptures and Victorian furniture, as well as brilliant paintings by prominent Indian and European painters and other works of art.

Clocks, massive chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, urns, and statues of kings and queens, are among the decorative elements. The palace also has two mesmerising paintings by the famed painter Rubens – ‘The Marriage of St. Catherine’ and ‘The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian’. It is also said to have two beautiful paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds – ‘The Infant Hercules Strangling the Serpent’ and ‘Venus and Cupid’. Murillo, Titian, and John Opie are among the other artists reportedly featured in the incredible art collection of the Marble Palace.

The zoo, built next to the palace, is regarded as the first zoo established in India. It has, however, mostly become an aviary and a home for hornbills, peacocks, storks, pelicans, and cranes. 

This Nineteenth Century Palace is located next to the spectacular Jagannath Temple, which was also commissioned by Raja Rajendra Mullick. However, only family members are permitted to enter the shrine. Because the Marble Palace is still a private house, photography is not permitted.

Highlights of the Marble Palace

• The decorative balconies have been designed to appear large and royal.
• The Chinese pavilion inspired the construction of the fretwork and sloping roofs of the palace.
• The garden, grass, zoo, and lake contribute to the mansion’s splendour.
• Statues of gods and goddesses add to the palace’s look.
• The presence of Hindu Gods, Lord Buddha, Lord Jesus, and Mother Mary in one structure demonstrates the religious nature of Kolkata’s king.
• There are other statues, such as that of the king of the jungle – Lion. 
• The dramatic sculpture of ‘Leda with the Swan’ is also on display.
• The palace’s grandeur is enhanced by marble fountains.
• Raja Rajendra Mullick also constructed a shrine dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
• The palace is claimed to have 82 distinct types of clocks.

Conclusion

The Marble Palace in Kolkata is reported to have been constructed with 126 different types of marbles from various areas of India, which gives it its regal grandeur. If you wish to experience scenes from when India was ruled by kings, this palace is a must-see destination that will leave you entranced by its stunning splendour. It is, without a doubt, a unique spot where you can see the blending of heritage and modernism underneath one roof.