Bowali, which is a suburb of Kolkata on its south-western fringe, is historically notable. Approachable via Tollygunge, Behala and Bakrahat, Bowali at one time was the ancestral residence of the Mondal family that had large land-holdings in that area dating back to the 18th century. Even now, some of the relics of that age, such as the "Rasha-mancha" shown below, may be seen.
One section of the family broke away in the late 18th century and came over to the Tollygunge area of Kolkata, just next to the famous Adi Ganga. Here was constructed in 1797 the huge "nava-ratna" or nine-pinnacled temple to the deity, Radhabinode by Ramnath Mondal of the Bowali family. It is said that this was taken as the model for the famous Dakshineswar temple built by Rani Rashmoni to the north of Kolkata.
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