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and poet, said the two-storey palace was built with a unique blend of architectural styles, with main features combining European design and Mughal ornamentation. It includes a royal court, guest house, hawa khana, hidden chambers and passages that still bear witness to its past grandeur.

“Once, this palace regularly hosted drama [jatra] and puppet performances, musical events, and various cultural festivals. As a result, Kakina became known as one of the major cultural centres of northern Bengal,” he said.

Around 1925, following years of financial crisis, revenue complications, and administrative shortcomings, the estate was auctioned off. Once the feudal system was abolished, the palace fell into gradual decline due to the lack of government or administrative attention. After the independence of Bangladesh, neglect, encroachment, and natural decay left the palace in ruins.

Visiting the palace recently, this correspondent observed that the roof has collapsed and wide cracks have appeared in the walls. The royal court, guest house, and most other parts of the palace are in a dilapidated condition.

“A part of the palace now hosts the Uttar Bangla College. Nearby stands the Kakina Mahima Ranjan Memorial High School. There are also Kakina Janomilon Kendra, Mission House, Kachhari Ghar, and the historic Hawa Khana, which still helps preserve parts of the palace,” said Abdur Rouf Sarkar, principal of the college.

“It is necessary to preserve and renovate the Kakina Zamindarbari through immediate government initiatives before it is lost to oblivion. If this historic architectural landmark is restored, it could facilitate local tourism prospects,” he added.

Contacted, Abu Sayeed Inam Tanvirul, field officer of the Rangpur Divisional Department of Archaeology, said they were aware of the palace’s present condition.

“We will visit the area and take steps to bring the palace under the DoA’s protection,” he added.