Sunday, January 31, 2010 DHANYAKURIA: Palatial mansions and small castles featuring an amalgamation of Gothic and Islamic architecture are features that distinguish Dhanyakuria village in India's eastern state of West Bengal. The village, in North 24 Parganas district, stands witness to the past glory, which has been a symbol of the development since pre-independence. Built by merchants who had settled in the place 170 years ago, the castles and mansions are highly influenced by the European lifestyle. Boasting of splendid domes, intricate filigree-work, gothic carvings, huge turrets and towers, the buildings are a visual feast for tourists and locals alike. The descendents of the merchants' families, despite having moved to India and abroad, have maintained close ties with the villagers. "I took a prompt action to accumulate all the young generations, along with the past generations to make a communication so that our heritage - not only our heritage but it is t...
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