Raj Bhavan, Government residence in Kolkata, India

Raj Bhavan is a heritage government residence in Ward No. 45 of Kolkata, featuring four radiating wings and a central core with state rooms. The building covers about 7,800 square meters and includes three floors with a total of 60 rooms.

Lord Wellesley laid the foundation stone in 1799, declaring India should be governed from a palace; the building was completed in 1803 at a cost of £63,291. It became the Viceroy's residence in 1858, and in 1911 the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal was upgraded to Governor and moved here. The Otis Elevator Company installed India's first elevator in 1892.

The throne room preserves Richard Wellesley's original seat alongside portraits of national figures. These rooms continue to host official receptions and ceremonial occasions today.

The property includes the Prince of Wales Suite for high-ranking guests and state visits. Visitors should note that this is an active government residence and access may be restricted.

The cannon at the main entrance was taken from Nanking in 1842 after the First Opium War and presented by Edward Law, 1st Earl of Ellenborough. It is mounted on a dragon and flanked by smaller cannons, and a marble plaque records the peace dictated to the Emperor of China beneath the walls of Nanking.