PALACE MARBLE

The Marble Palace is a beautiful building built in 1835 by Rajendra Mullick, a rich 16 year old raja who received a western education. This two-story mansion is a fine example of the mansions built in Calcutta by the Bengali bourgeoisie during the British Raj, as was the Thakurbari, the Tagore residence. The Marble Palace is neo-classical in style with a mixture of Bengali, Victorian, Italian and Chinese architectural influences.

As you walk across the polychrome marble floors, you will discover in this collection of objects and works of art, mostly from Europe, some small marvels, including two paintings by Rubens and Murillo, The Marriage of Saint Catherine and the very expressive Saint Sebastian, without really knowing if they are originals or copies of excellent quality. Sumptuous Victorian furniture, mirrors and other objects are crammed into overly decorated rooms. Also of note: two sitars under glass donated by the virtuoso Ravi Shankar. The tour of the palace is conducted under the watchful eye of guards/guides who ensure that nothing is damaged or stolen. The descendants of Rajendra Mullick continue to live in the palace, in a wing closed to the public. In the park, peacocks, monkeys and deer drown their sorrows in what remains of the country's first zoo.

To visit it, ask for a free permit at the Tourist Information Centre (4, Shakespeare Sarani, Maidan).