Once a lavish warehouse, the Putulbari Mansion in Kolkata is today better known as the Doll House. Rumors of the wealthy and powerful murdering their servants, as well as the story of a daughter's obsession with dolls, make it one of the most haunted places in Kolkata.
Kolkata, a city renowned for its wealthy history and vivid culture, hides a disturbing secret at its heart. Among the centuries-old mansions and Rajbaris that decorate the city, one stands out for its haunting stories and chilling past.
Putulbari, also known as the Dolls’ House, is now a heritage building and is renowned for being one of the most haunted places in Kolkata, where the decaying structure tells a story of darkness and despair. Most locals are familiar with the history and alleged hauntings of the building, which is adjacent to the Circular Railway tracks at 22 Hara Chandra Mullick Lane, and are said to stay away from it. Especially at night, as the rumours haunting the building are quite sinister and violent.
The wealthy era of Shovabazar
Once upon a time, in the heart of Shovabazar in Kolkata, stood Putulbari, a sprawling mansion belonging to one of the wealthy families that prospered during the era of British colonialism. Shovabazar, located on the banks of the Hooghly River, was a center for trade such as spices and silk, fueling the rapid rise of Bengali aristocrats.
Their immense wealth and power have made these Rajbaris symbols of splendor and grandeur. The power of Rajbaris can still be felt today, although perhaps not as much as a hundred years ago.
It is said that Putul Bari served as a kind of warehouse on the river bank, ready for shipment around the world. However, many legends claim that it was more than that, perhaps even a home for wealthy Bengali babus.
Putulbari's sinister past
But beneath the surface of grandeur and prosperity lie sinister tales of exploitation, abuse and inhumane treatment, especially of women, by the wealthy and powerful. Manors often exploited local women working in their homes and warehouses, subjecting them to sexual assault and torture.
To silence these victims, many were allegedly tragically murdered and buried on the estate. Such events have become disturbingly common, hidden behind a facade of grandeur. Rumors abound that all of this took place behind the walls of Putul Bari.
It is also said that wealthy aristocrats would come to see Baiji's perform. One evening, there was a dance performance in the building during which one of the dancers was murdered. She then returned to haunt it and can still be seen dancing on the terrace during full moons.
Doll Obsession
The owner's daughter was known for her particular obsession with dolls and filled the house with them. Her collection grew to become one of the largest and most terrifying doll collections in the mansion. The eerie doll statue adorning the exterior of the building is a haunting reminder of her obsession.
The ominous aura surrounding Putulbari took a terrifying turn when the daughter, who was obsessed with dolls, met a tragic end due to a freak accident, though details are unknown. After her death, the mansion became the focal point of inexplicable and terrifying events.
Some say the daughter began haunting the building, both through her dolls and throughout the house. And along with the rest of the girls supposedly buried there, their souls seem to still be there.
Paranormal encounters in the building
The people who lived in this ill-fated mansion shared some chilling stories of their supernatural encounters. They spoke of unearthly screams echoing in the night, apparitions of girls dancing on the mansion’s terrace, and a pervasive sense of unease that hovered in every corner of the building. Oddly enough, some of the dolls from the past still inhabit the mansion, covered in layers of dust and decay. Some believe that these dolls come to life, although the truth behind these claims remains shrouded in mystery.
There is also a case of many women who were allegedly murdered and who supposedly haunt this place. And the voices of screaming women are heard by the locals from the antique building.
Putulbari in Kolkata – Doll House
Putulbari in Kolkata is more than just an abandoned mansion; is a repository of horrors and secrets from a bygone era. Even though tenants have put up signs saying “this place has no ghosts” in recent years to discourage paranormal seekers, they still flock to the site to try and see for themselves after hearing the stories.
The owner of the building, which used to be a knitting factory, claims that someone made up all the stories told on the internet. Since then, uninvited guests have been showing up there looking for ghosts.
So how many of the horror stories about Putulbari and the Doll's House are true? Tragic tales of exploitation, a disturbing obsession with dolls, and unexplained encounters have turned this once opulent mansion into a place of horror.
Bibliography:
Putul Bari: Ghost Stories from the Past Dog Doll House in Kolkata – NRI's Vision
Putulbari Dolls' House in Kolkata Looks More Like a House of Terror | Times of India Travel
Putul Bari – The Case of the Missing Ghost – Indian Vagabond
There is a haunted doll house in Kolkata that will send shivers down your spine
Image Source: Pixabay.com
