The Raj Bhavan is the official residing ground for the governor of West Bengal. The Mahal was designed and conceptualized by Charles Wyatt and this happened at the Kedleston Hall of Derbyshire. The construction work took place under the supervision and guidance of Lord Wellesley. The processing of the edifice started in the year 1799. The construction completed in the year 1803. The project took 13 lakhs to get completed. The Raj Bhavan has a total area of 27 acres. The structure is imposing and vast and it amounts to 84,000 square feet. The first social event that took place here was a breakfast engagement for around 700 guests. This happened on the month of May in the year 1802. The event was held to commemorate the anniversary of the superior Battle of Seringapatam and this battle Tipu Sultan was put to death.
The Various Suites to Talk about
At Raj Bhavan you have the cluster of the finest residential suites. These suites are located at the corners areas of the second floor. You have the Prince of Wales Suite on the first floor and this stands on the North West area of the Bhavan. The Prince of Wales suite is noted as the VVIP suite and this is used to accommodate the president. The suite is also used for the accommodation of the Vice President, the Prime Minister and the various heads of the state. At the ground floor you will find the wondrous Marble Hall. This has been meticulously designed by Captain Charles Wyatt and it resembles the neoclassical style.
Location of Raj Bhavan
You will find the Raj Bhavan in Central Kolkata and the place is close to Dalhousie.
The History of Raj Bhavan
The Raj Bhavan is the official resting ground of the Governor of West Bengal. The same was built in the year 1803 and the place is also known as the Government House. At the time of 1858 when the administration passed on from the East India Company to the then British Crown the building became the dwelling place of the Viceroy of India. In the year 1911 there was a shift in the capital city from Kolkata to Delhi and this is the time the Bhavan became the official abode of the eminent Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. After independence this became the home of the Governor of West Bengal and it started to be known as Raj Bhavan.
It was from the time of Lord Wellesley that the Raj Bhavan went through innumerable changes. At the time of 1860 the Viceroy Elgin added the metallic dome to the main building of the Bhavan. At the time of Lord Curzon electricity and lift were introduced. This is the one known as the bird cage lift. This is the petite lift and it still operates today with all technical success.
Raj Bhavan stands with the unique plan. There is the central core in the building and there are the radiating wings. The state rooms can be accessed from the exterior area by using the flight of the grand staircases. The staircases are towards the north of the building. Once you go towards the south you find the portico. This comes with the colonnade and the stylish veranda and in the way the entire building is perfectly ventilated.
There are more things inside the Raj Bhavan. You have the council chamber and it is used by the Governor General. This is when he presides over the executive and the Legislative Council. The Council Chamber is used for holding large meetings. There is even the Bharat Ratna Room and adjacent to it you have the dining room. Standing outside the Council Chamber you have the billiard room and at the venue of the Marble Hall you have the private and the state meetings being held.