Muktagacha Zamindar House is a historic and ancient structure located in the Muktagacha upazila of Mymensingh district, about 17 kilometers from Mymensingh. The zamindar of Muktagacha originally received the title of Raja and later Maharaja from the British. Hence, this residence of the zamindar is referred to as the Muktagacha Rajbari.
The ancestors of Zamindar Acharya Chowdhury were residents of Bogura. In 1725, they established the zamindari in Muktagacha. The zamindar received the land of Binod Badi as a reward from Murshid Quli Khan. Muktagacha was formerly known as Binod Badi. The first ancestor of the Acharya Chowdhury family, Shree Krishna Acharya Chowdhury, worked in the revenue department at the Murshidabad court. In 1132, he arranged for Muktagacha to be included in the Alapsing pargana. After an earthquake in the 1800s damaged the house, skilled craftsmen were brought from London and India to rebuild the zamindar house with earthquake-resistant features. After 1947, most descendants of the founder, Shree Krishna Acharya Chowdhury, left for India, leaving behind 16 abandoned houses they had built. These 16 parts of the zamindari were governed by 16 zamindars.
At the entrance of the Muktagacha Zamindar House, there is a large lion door. Inside the palace, there are the zamindar’s mother’s room, a temple, a court hall, a guest room, a storeroom, and other buildings. Additionally, there was a rare library containing around 10,000 books, which faced threats at various times. Currently, some of its collection is preserved at the Muktagacha Bangla Academy. The 16 houses of the zamindars (excluding the Rajbari) have been transformed into several government and non-government institutions, including Shaheed Smriti Government College, Armed Police Battalion Camp, Sub-Registry Office, and Nabaran Vidyaniketan. Some of the zamindars’ houses are still illegally occupied.
During their rule, the zamindars planted rare tree species and built numerous buildings. Though the zamindars are no longer present, they have left behind many valuable monuments that attract tourists. The Mymensingh-Tangail Road‘s Rasulpur forest section is a stunning sight with its tall sal trees and pineapple orchards. Sunlight filtering through the local trees creates stunning views that draw tourists. The rebels seeking relief from zamindar oppression established their activities in this forest. In the Khajulia area, they built a house called Bibi’s House, where many zamindars were kidnapped for their demands. The historic Bibi’s House is now a tourist center.
How to Get to Muktagacha Zamindar House?
You can take a bus from Mymensingh to Tangail, which will get you to Muktagacha, for around 20 to 30 Taka. You can also take a local CNG (autorickshaw) or reserve one. The trip from Mymensingh to Muktagacha, which is 17 kilometers away, takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes. Once you arrive in Muktagacha, a short walk or rickshaw ride through the market will take you to the Zamindar House.
Where to Stay in Muktagacha?
Muktagacha has several residential hotels where you can stay. Alternatively, you can choose from various hotels in Mymensingh city, such as Amir International, Hotel Mustafiz, or Silver Castle.
Where to Eat in Muktagacha?
If you want a hearty meal, there are decent hotels in Muktagacha market. In Mymensingh city, you can try the chicken pulao at the Press Club Canteen, which is well-regarded. For quality food, Hotel Dhanshiri and Hotel Sarinda are also popular choices.
Don’t forget to try Muktagacha’s famous Monda; missing out on this delightful treat will leave your joyous journey incomplete. The renowned Gopal Pal’s Monda shop, with a 150-year tradition, is located right in front of the Rajbari, and this Monda is famous throughout the country.