Wondering what’s common between me, Dr. Annie, Beasant, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, Sarojini Naidu, Mahatma Gandhi and his goat of course? Well, we all had the pleasure of staying at the same property, at different points in time, of course!

Sometimes I wonder what life would have been like, had I been born in a different era, maybe like two centuries ago. For I love all things antique, from the rich fashion to the architecture and when people talked to each other instead of their screens.

Talking about the commonalities and my love for all things heritage, a place that’s definitely worth a mention is the Dalmia House in Varanasi.

Let’s dig into the city’s vibrant history and its special bond with Bengal – all centered around the charming garden house.

Back in the British Raj, having a garden house was the fancy norm for the well-off. And standing tall as a relic of that era is Dalmia Bhavan, a heritage gem built between 1835 and 1845.

One can discover the incredible stories behind this charming garden house, once owned by Raja Kishori Lal Goswami from the renowned Goswami Rajbari in Serampore. This historical gem witnessed several significant events! Raja Kishori Lal Goswami, a key figure among India’s prominent landlords and bankers, earned the distinguished title of “Raja” from the British Government. One can also spot their royal seal at the back gate of Dalmia Bhavan. This place is like walking-talking history!

The Goswamis didn’t stop at just their Serampore crib – they also had this rad property in Benares, designed with Dutch flair. You can totally spot that unique Dutch touch in the architecture of both their homes!

The evolution from Goswami Bari to the splendid Dalmia Bhavan:

A property that’s almost like a time capsule; it’s a living piece of Indian history. In the ’60s, the Dalmia family, known for their business acumen and dedication to Indian culture, took it under their wing. Currently, they’re in talks with upscale 5-star hotels to give it a makeover into a Heritage Boutique Hotel – a pretty exciting transformation in the works!

The Dalmias aren’t just business tycoons; they’re passionate about preserving Indian culture and are strong nationalists. Laxminiwas Dalmia, the late patriarch, went beyond words. In 1973, he gifted a 425-room hostel to BHU in memory of his father, Duli Chandji Dalmia – it’s now known as Dalmia Hostel. There’s also a Home Science block at BHU named “Savitri Devi Dalmia Vigyan Bhavan” that came from their generous contributions.

This building isn’t just a structure; it’s a living chronicle. From colonial beginnings to the triumphant days of independence, it’s silently witnessed the transformation not just of a city but the entire nation. Over 200 years of Indian history echo through its walls, and now, it’s poised for a new chapter.

What makes the Dalmia House so special?

The Dalmia Bhavan is a treasure trove of stories:

In India, structures tied to the Danish East India Company, like those in Tranquebar and Serampore, are exceedingly rare. Dalmia Bhavan’s clear link to the Danish East India Company makes it an invaluable architectural gem.

This is a standing witness to the fierce contest between the British and Danish East India Companies along the Ganges.

Trace the transformation of Benaras from opulence to adversity and back to its present-day splendour through the eyes of this venerable house.

Feel the echoes of history as Freedom Fighters, including Dr. Annie Besant, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and Sarojini Naidu, frequented this magnificent property during their visits to Benaras.

Delve into the literary ties as Harivansh Rai Bachchan immortalizes Dalmia Bhavan in his autobiography, “Neid ka Nirman Fir.”

Summing it up, Dalmia Bhawan is a saga that intertwines with the nation’s narrative, etched into its walls!

I can’t wait for the revamp and how they restore and still bring something fresh and luxurious yet rooted for us history lovers!

Until next time!
Lots of love,

Srishti Nadhani