Amid the rapid urbanisation of Naogaon and the rise of modern high-rise buildings across the district, the century-old Balihar House continues to stand as a prominent reminder of the region’s aristocratic past.
Located in the town’s Ukilpara area on the western bank of the Little Jamuna River, the historic palace remains one of Naogaon’s most recognisable landmarks and a silent witness to decades of political, social and administrative change.
Built between 1929 and 1933 by the Balihar royal family, the palace has served a variety of roles over the years, from a royal residence to government offices. Today, it houses the office of the Detective Branch (DB) of district police.
Despite its historical and architectural significance, the building has yet to be officially gazetted as a protected heritage site, prompting concern among local historians and preservation advocates.
The imposing structure attracts attention from afar with its circular towers, domed attic, ornate balconies and distinctive architectural design. Constructed on nearly three bighas of land, the palace combines elegance with functionality and remains one of the finest surviving examples of the region’s aristocratic architecture.
According to local historians, Raja Sharadindu Roy of the Balihar estate commissioned the building after years of struggling with ill health. Doctors frequently advised him to travel to places such as Ranchi, Gaya, Digha and Darjeeling for recuperation.
The lengthy journey between the Balihar Rajbari and Kolkata via Santahar Junction often proved physically demanding, leading him to establish a residential retreat in Naogaon town.
After purchasing land from Dublahati ruler Raja Harnath Roy through a registered deed, construction began in 1929. The palace was designed by a British engineer named Thomas. At the time, the area consisted largely of dense forest, requiring extensive land clearing before building work could commence.
Construction materials were prepared using traditional mixtures of lime, brick dust and sand, while iron beams, doors, windows, railings and other essential materials were transported from Kolkata by rail.
Local writer and researcher Faridul Karim Torofdar said construction was formally inaugurated in mid-1929 through a royal ceremony attended by Raja Sharadindu Roy, Rani Kusum Kamini Devi, Rajmata Shibsundari Devi, Ganeshjanani Devi, Kumar Bimlendu Roy and his wife Indu Prabha Devi, among other members of the royal family.
The ceremony began with religious rituals conducted by royal priest Barai Ganguly. Construction was subsequently supervised by Balihar Estate Nayeb Ramani Kanta Das and Prince Bimlendu Roy, while renowned mason and contractor Kedarnath oversaw the project. The palace was completed in early 1933.
Architecturally, Balihar House features several unique elements. Its high perimeter walls were designed to provide both security and ventilation, allowing air to circulate freely while preventing outsiders from viewing the interior.
River-facing ornamental balconies, turret-shaped circular rooms and a lofty dome contribute to its regal appearance.
Following completion, Raja Sharadindu Roy furnished the palace with what were then considered modern luxuries.
Imported items included a piano, billiard table, chandeliers, an electric generator, carpets, armchairs, valuable furniture and a substantial collection of books, making the residence one of the most sophisticated in the region at the time.
Torofdar said the Raja stayed at the palace whenever travelling to and from Kolkata until his death. Managers, guards, attendants, cooks and gardeners were employed to maintain the estate, while local accounts suggest that eight armed guards were permanently stationed there.
Following the Partition of India in 1947, the last ruler of the Balihar family, Bimlendu Roy, moved to India. After the abolition of the zamindari system in 1950, the palace entered a new phase, serving at different times as the office and residence of EPR and BDR commanders, the district superintendent of police and the Sadar Circle police office.
Mohammad Fazlul Karim Arju, custodian of the Paharpur Buddhist Monastery, said the building should be granted heritage status.
“We want the building to be gazetted as a heritage monument. That would ensure proper preservation and help develop it as a tourist attraction,” he said.
Though royal footsteps no longer echo through its corridors, Balihar House remains an enduring symbol of Naogaon’s history, preserving a legacy where architecture, culture and memory continue to converge.
