Bhowal

Bhowal was a large zamindari (landowning) estate located in what is now Gazipur District, Bangladesh. Historically, it was one of the most significant and wealthiest zamindari estates in Bengal.

The Bhowal estate gained notoriety in the early 20th century due to the Bhowal Sanyasi case, a famous legal battle concerning the alleged return of the second Kumar (prince) of Bhowal, Ramendra Narayan Roy, after he was presumed dead. The case revolved around a sanyasi (ascetic) who appeared in Dhaka claiming to be the long-lost Kumar, leading to a lengthy and sensational court case that captivated public attention. The court eventually ruled in favor of the sanyasi, recognizing him as the rightful Kumar.

The Bhowal estate played a role in the social and economic landscape of Bengal. Zamindars like those of Bhowal wielded considerable power and influence within their territories. The Bhowal Estate, like other zamindari estates, was eventually abolished in the mid-20th century following the partition of India and the rise of socialist policies aimed at land reform. The legacy of Bhowal continues to be remembered, primarily due to the sensational court case associated with it.