Mahishadal Rajbari Preserves Ancient Palanquin: A Glimpse into Lost Heritage

• Palanquins, once a primary mode of transport for royalty and the wealthy, have a history dating back over 250 years before Christ in Indian civilization.
• These ornate vehicles, covered in silk and adorned with carvings, were symbols of heritage and widely used for weddings in rural Bengal.
• With the advent of railways and motor vehicles during the British era, palanquins gradually faded from common use, becoming a silent memory.
• The Mahishadal Rajbari in East Medinipur district proudly displays a traditional palanquin, once used by the royal family's queens, for tourists.
• Regional historian Joydeb Malakar notes that palanquins, now mostly found in museums, were integral to aristocratic women's travel and grand weddings.

Why It Matters: Mahishadal Rajbari keeps the palanquin tradition alive, offering a rare look at India's transportation heritage.