Visit to a Historical Place: The Marble Palace, Kolkata
On 22nd April 2025, the History students of the Department of B.Ed, Semester 2 undertook an educational visit to the magnificent Marble Palace, the palatial residence of Raja Rajendra Mullick, located in a quiet lane of Muktaram Babu Street in North Kolkata. This 19th-century mansion stands as a testimony to Kolkata's rich cultural and artistic legacy. Surrounded by beautifully maintained lawns, fountains, and even a private zoo, the Marble Palace is a stunning example of architectural grandeur. Its galleries are richly adorned with an eclectic mix of statues, portraits, chandeliers, mirrors, and paintings created by renowned English, Dutch, and Italian artists.
The palace is organized into five grand halls -Reception Hall [A showcase of lavish furniture, chandeliers, antique vases, and marble sculptures], Painting Room, Sculpture Room, Billiards Room and the Thakur Dalan: A sacred space for worship during Saraswati and Kali Puja. Among the many striking exhibits, we witnessed sculptures representing iconic figures such as Praxiteles, Phidias, Venus, Apollo, Homer, Diana, and Moses. The mansion also featured statues symbolizing of Dawn, Knight, Winter, and the Four Seasons, along with an elegant grand piano, rare Italian marble flooring, and a single-piece Persian carpet.
The students also admired numerous other artifacts, including international gifts, a statue of a resting Satyr, various depictions of Venus, and the sacred Dalan used for religious rituals. The visit concluded with time spent in viewing various bird species.
The visit to Marble Palace was an enriching and enlightening experience for all of the students. It offered a unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the grandeur of Bengal's heritage and deepened our understanding of colonial-era art, architecture, and patronage. The firsthand observation of these exquisite historical artifacts has enhanced our academic knowledge and sparked a deeper appreciation for cultural preservation.
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