Rajshahi
Of the various landed estates (zamindaris) in Bengal under the Mughals, Puthia (now in Rajshahi district of Bangladesh, about 30 km from Rajshahi town), was created in the early 17th century, and is one of the oldest. There is a tradition that the Puthia zamindars received the title of Raja from the Mughal emperor Jahangir. The zamindars built extensively throughout the estate. This grand palace (rajbari) was constructed in 1895 by the zamindar's wife, Rani Hemantakumari Devi, in honour of her mother-in-law. Built in European style, it has symmetrical east and west wings flanking a central projected entrance portal with three semi-Corinthian fluted columns, rising up to a balcony fronted by a triangular pediment and parapet decorated with delicate floral plaster relief. The columns and parapet continue along the east and west wings. On the left, in a separate compound is the terracotta Govinda Temple (spire visible). Fishnets have been laid out to dry in the large, open field in front of the rajbari.
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