Raj Bhavan to be Renamed as Lok Bhavan

Main Article
Fri, Dec 05, 01:52 AM IST

In a notable development for the state, the Governor of Bengal, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, has issued a directive to rename Kolkata’s historic Raj Bhavan as Lok Bhavan.

 

A Landmark of Kolkata’s Colonial Architecture

 

Constructed between 1799 and 1803, Raj Bhavan stands as one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in India.
The sprawling structure features:

 

  • 60 rooms
  • A built-up area of nearly 84,000 sq ft
  • A lush 27-acre campus located in central Kolkata

 

For over two centuries, it has served as the official residence of the Governor of Bengal and continues to house the Governor’s office.

 

What the New Name Represents

 

The proposed name, Lok Bhavan, is seen as an attempt to reflect principles of inclusivity and public representation. While the heritage and grandeur of the building remain unchanged, the renaming marks a shift in symbolic identity.

 

A Living Chapter of Kolkata’s History

 

Raj Bhavan has long been a part of the city’s political and architectural legacy. With this new directive, the building enters yet another chapter in its storied journey.