Baradari (Lat. 250 04‘ 31’’ N., Long. – 870 46’ 47’’ E.) is situated in Rajmahal, about 35 km from the district headquarter of Sahebganj and about 430 km from Ranchi, the capital city of Jharkhand. Baradari is also known as Nageswarbagh.
There is a dispute on the builders of this building. Some scholars attribute it to Fateh Jung Khan, rival of Raja Man Singh (1592 onwards), whereas another group of scholars attributes it to Mir Kasim Ali (prior to 1763 AD.), the Nawab of Bengal.
Built on high ground the building consists of an immense wall of bricks of about 9 meter height on a platform measuring about 18.10 x 16.25 meter. Presently, the remains of the wall is measuring 5 meter in height. There is a gate at one corner of the enclosure with provision for the guard – rooms. A row of apartment’s runs through the inner walls, each consists of a small open court meant for women and their female attendants.
There is a common arched gallery in front of all these apartments facing the interior court, in the center of which it said, stood a square building chiefly made of wood and known as ‘Rang Mahal’. At present, we do not find any traces of such a Rang Mahal.
Baradari is a building that was considered as a social symbol among the South Asian Muslim royals. The buildings used to have twelve doors which is why it is called ‘Baradari’ as ‘Bara’ in ‘Urdu’ means ‘twelve’ and ‘Dar’ means ‘Door’.
Square in shape, Baradari had three doorways on all its sides. It was mostly used to host religious congregations or live performances and private concerts by various musicians and poets in front of the ruling kings. Baradari, due to its many doors was known for circulating fresh air and therefore was also used by the kings to relax during the hot summers.
Best Time To Visit
Baradari can be visited at any time of the year but it will be best to visit between the months of November to February as the weather remains pleasant during the winters.
How To Reach
By Rail
The nearest station is Rajmahal railway station (Station Code: RJL), located at a distance of 6 KM and the nearest railway junction is Sahibganj Junction (Station Code: SBG), located at a distance of 43 KM. Autos are available at both the station.
By Air
The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata located at a distance of 329 KM.
There are no direct trains from Howrah Junction (Station Code: HWH), serving the city of Kolkata to Rajmahal. Direct trains are available from Howrah Junction to Sahibganj Junction (Station Code: SBG).
By Road
Sahibganj district is connected to Ranchi by National Highway 33 and to Kolkata by Badshahi Rd/Grand Trunk Rd. Bus service is available between Ranchi and Rajmahal. It is an approx 9 hours journey.
Buses service is not available between Kolkata and Rajmahal or Kolkata and Sahibganj but one can book a cab. However, the most convenient way to reach Rajmahal from Kolkata is by train.
Where To Stay
Hotels and Lodges are available at both Rajmahal and Sahibganj. Both have a lot of places to visit and therefore one can choose to stay in any of the towns.