Cooch Behar, Heritage municipality in northeastern West Bengal, India.
Cooch Behar is a town in northeastern West Bengal that sits along the Torsa River, covering roughly 8 square kilometers (3.1 square miles) of flat terrain. The area lies within the Himalayan Terai belt at around 35 meters (115 feet) above sea level and forms part of a low-lying plain.
This territory belonged to the Kamrupa kingdom between the 4th and 12th centuries before passing into the hands of the Kamata rulers. The Koch dynasty later established its own principality here and maintained control for several centuries.
The place takes its name from the Koch Rajbangshi people who once governed this area and the word Bihar, a term linked to Buddhist monasteries. Bengali serves as the daily language in markets, homes and local gatherings throughout the town.
Municipal services handle water distribution and waste collection for the town, while Bengali remains the main means of conversation with residents. Visitors find basic facilities throughout the area, from small shops to local offices that serve the daily needs of people living here.
Victor Jubilee Palace was built in 1887 and draws on Italian Renaissance design elements that echo Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. This European architectural reference stands out in a setting far from Italy and offers a surprising contrast to the surrounding landscape.
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