An Epic Tale of Extraordinary Virtue and Hard Work
The story of the Roy family is one of remarkable virtue and relentless hard work. Unlike many others, their legacy is untarnished by alliances with the British for personal gains or any grants received for supporting British misdeeds. The Roy family’s success stemmed purely from their own merit, benevolence, and diligence.
Around 1700, Ajodhya Ram Roy, hailing from Pirojpur village near Bhagabangola and the Padma River, moved with his family to Cossimbazar. Proximate to Murshidabad, the capital of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, Cossimbazar was a well-protected port city offering excellent business opportunities. Ajodhya Ram and his son, Dinobandhu Roy, engaged in the flourishing silk export business, laying the foundation for the family’s fortunes. Importantly, they continued their annual Durga Puja celebrations in their new abode.
As the British rose to power after defeating the Nawab, Cossimbazar’s importance diminished when the Ganges was re-routed to provide a shorter passage from Murshidabad to Berhampore. This change turned Cossimbazar from a commercial hub into a quaint village.
Jagabandhu Roy, the son of Dinobandhu Roy, took up a position as Dewan of the East India Company. Recognizing his capabilities, the Company sent him to Eastern Bengal as the Surveyor General. Eventually, Jagabandhu purchased zamindari in Sarail (present-day Bangladesh), marking the beginning of landed aristocracy for the Roy family.
Ajodhya Ram initially stayed in a modest house, but as the silk business grew, more land was acquired, and Dinobandhu Roy expanded their residence. Notably, Laxmi Mandir, Chandimandap, and several other buildings were constructed during this period.
In 1850, NrishinghaProsad Roy, Jagabandhu Roy’s son, built the palace’s iconic front façade, including two huge iron gates, a central ballroom, and more. He also started the Ratha Yatra tradition and built the residential unit, although it was later demolished by an earthquake.
Nobokrishno Roy, the devoted elder brother, constructed a wrestling ring, a dwelling block (now Library House), and a rose garden known as Khas Bagan. Although childless, his lineage continued through his brother Rajkrishno and his son AnnadaProsad Roy.
AnnadaProsad, a highly educated, benevolent, and foresighted individual, was honored with the title of Rai Bahadur by the British Government. Upon his untimely death, the title of Rani was offered to his widow, Annakali Devi, who declined in favor of her son, Ashutosh Nath Roy.
Ashutosh Nath, educated under the Court of Wards, became an esteemed sportsman and philanthropist. He was conferred the title of Raja at a special ceremony in 1898. Tragically, he passed away young, leaving behind his infant son, Kamalaranjan Roy, who would later inherit the estate.
Under British tutelage, Kamalaranjan received an excellent education and managed the estate proficiently, restoring the family’s fortune. In 1938, his service and charity were recognized with the title of Raja. He rebuilt significant portions of the palace and enhanced its grandeur.
Despite the economic changes following the abolition of the zamindari system in the 1950s, the Roy family remains dedicated to restoring and maintaining the palace. Their passion for preserving Bengal’s history and heritage drives them to restore various sections of the palace continually.
The Cossimbazar Palace has undergone significant restoration, including the front gates, railings, clock tower, marble stairs, ball room, dining room, and several temples and gardens. Future plans aim to offer a comfortable stay for visitors, furthering the legacy of the palace.
Come, see, and enjoy the Cossimbazar Palace of the Roy Family, one of Bengal’s most beautiful palaces. Witness a home where history is alive once again!