Many years before 1700 AD, Cossimbazar used to be a riverine port in the heart of Bengal, where the river Bhagirathi used to flow all around the city. The Dutch, French, Armenians, and British sailed in their ships from Europe and docked their ships at Cossimbazar Jetty. They used to buy Murshidabad Silk, Spices, Cotton, Bell Metal Utensils, and Ivory Carvings and carry these back to Europe. It is for this reason the river was known internationally as Cossimbazar River. Subsequently, the Dutch, French, and English set up factories producing Silk using skilled labor at low cost. The Dutch Cemetery, Armenian Church, and Pataleshwar temple that stand near where the port once was, still bear testimony to the glorious past. The Cossimbazar Palace of the Roys (Rajbari), the oldest construction starting from the year 1735, was built over 11 generations who were later recognized with the title of ‘Raja’ by the Government in recognition of their charities and benevolent works to society. The Palace is now beautifully restored, having Royal Suite Guest rooms, several temples dating back to 1745, Grand Halls, gardens, Confectionery, and Sweets shop, and a boutique selling Murshidabad Silk and traditional handicrafts. Restoration work has been ongoing for almost 20 years to bring the palace back to its former glory. The Cossimbazar Palace of the Roys (Rajbari) is also a part of the International Network of European Royal Residences. “Palace Day” is celebrated every year on July 19th with a special theme. It is a recognized Heritage Hotel by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The Roy family used to hold the annual Durga Puja at their Pirojpur home, continuing the tradition when they shifted to Cossimbazar around 1735. Even to this day, several Pujas such as Saraswati Puja, Dol Jatra, Annapurna Puja, Rath Jatra Festival, Durgapuja starting on the day of Pratipad and ending on Dasami, Kali Puja Jagadhatri Puja, and Kartik Puja are performed. The ‘Chandimandap,’ a hall with an open courtyard in marble in the middle, a restored char chala roof, the ‘Garbhagriha,’ or the sanctum where the deities are housed, was built around 1745 and has been meticulously restored recently. It is one of the finest examples of design and architectural perfection created by Master craftsmen of Murshidabad. On the opposite side is the Majlish ghar, where musical programs were held, with arched and frescoes two-storied viewing galleries on both sides.