Two endangered Zamindar Houses of Magura District: An Archaeological Analysis

Abstract

The Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 led to the rise of a new elite class of landlords, known as Zamindars, across Bengal. Magura district, in southwestern Bangladesh, was home to several such Zamindars during the colonial era. The zamindars often constructed elaborate mansions, or rajbaris, to symbolize their social, economic, and political power and status. Usually, Zamindars used to make their houses magnificent to show off their nobility and power. After the abolition of the Zamindar system, these houses started to be abandoned, and due to carelessness, they disappeared into the lap of time. Such critical, endangered, and magnificent Zamindar houses can be found in the Magura district. Sreepur Zamindar House and Kadirpara Babu Zamindar House under Sreepur Upazila are among them. There are local beliefs and legends surrounding these two houses, which remind us of the past heritage of the prosperous Magura district. The archaeological importance of these two Zamindar houses is immense and undeniable. If the Zamindar palaces are completely obliterated, there will be no archaeological sources for future generations to know the colonial history of this locality. Hence, government intervention is urgently needed to preserve and renovate them. All types of data have been collected through field survey and interview methods to complete this article. In this article the researchers have tried to explore the architectural style and details of the present state, to create public awareness considering their archaeological importance, and to draw special attention from appropriate authorities for its preservation and conservation.