DHUBRI, May 4 - Once an identity for the people of Bagribari area, the Athani Zamindar Bari, which was not only an administrative office of the Chaudhary Zamindars but an witness to may historical events in western Assam, is now in a shambles.
According to historians and local people, this Zamindar Bari was an important point of administration in western Assam during the period of Harendra Narayan Chaudhary. It is said that the building, the adjacent Rang Mahal and the Moti Mahal played an important role in the freedom struggle of the nation. But now due to lack of proper maintenance, this historic building is in a pathetic condition.
The locals of Bagribari area say that many historians have visited this place and tourists from different places throng here regularly to see the Zamindar Bari. Moreover, different organisations have been demanding, from time to time, to develop this historic building into a popular tourist spot.
Talking to The Assam Tribune, Shreela Chaudhary, the granddaughter of Harendra Narayan Chaudhary and the legal heir of the Zamindar Bari said that she too wants the historic building and the properties of the Athani Zamindars to be a spot of attraction for tourists and a pride and identity for the people of western Assam.
�The glory and hospitality of the Athani Zamindars were so unique that it was known all over the country, but it could not be preserved by the next generations. Most of the properties were encroached upon by illegal settlers but the Zamindar Bari is still surviving. I always wanted it to be a tourist spot,� Shreela, who stays mostly in Kolkata and Japan, has recently arrived to look after the property.
Shreela, who is also known as Rani Ma by the locals, said, �I, being the last heir of the Athani Zamindar properties, have tried a lot towards preserving the lost glory. I have contacted different agencies for developing the area but in vain. A few years back, I donated the property to the Art of Living Foundation with the hope that it will utilize it in a proper way and make it an important centre of spiritual unity.�
The 70-year-old, Shreela says that before her death she wants to see the Zamindar Bari as an important centre of tourism. �After I am gone there will be no one to look after this property. I just want that the people all over the country know this place for the administrative building of the Athani Zamindars.�