Janbazar Raj
The Janbazar Raj or the Marh family, (Bengali: মাড় পরিবার) has been one of the leading families of Kolkata, West Bengal, India, and is regarded as one of the key influencers during the Bengali Renaissance. Their meteoric rise from humble beginnings to Royal glory stands as a testament to merchantile brilliance and a fight against orthodoxy. The most prominent figures of this family include Babu Preetoram Marh, one of the leading merchants of 18th-century Calcutta, his son Rajchandra Das, one of the most influential Zamindars of Bengal, their son-in-law Mathurmohan Biswas and finally Rani Rashmoni, herself.
| Janbazar Raj Marh Family of Janbazar | |
|---|---|
| Zamindari and Merchant | |
The Marh family mansion, the ancestorial seat of the family at Janbazar | |
| Country | India |
| Current region | Janbazar, Kolkata |
| Place of origin | Rarh region, Bengal |
| Founded | 17th-century onwards |
| Founder | Babu Preetoram Marh |
| Titles | Raja of Janbazar |
| Style(s) | |
| Connected members | Bawali Raj |
| Estate(s) | Janbazar, Nabadwip, Gopalganj, Ranaghat, Jessore |
| Cadet branches | Das family of Padmamoni Debi
Chowdhury family of Kumari Debi Biswas family of Jagadamba Debi Hazra family of jagadamba Debi |
The family contributed largely to the development in education, infrastructure and culture of Calcutta and Bengal. They were especially famous for their generosity and public spirit. They also offered considerable charity to the Imperial Library (now the National Library of India), and the Hindu College (now Presidency University).