Bari Kothi is an iconic palace of the Dudhoria family located in the twin cities of Jiganj-Azimganj, and Murshidabad, 4 hours from Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Murshidabad contributed 5% of the GDP of the World in the late eighteenth century and as such was a global trade center.
Darshan Dudhoria and Lipika Dudhoria, the seventh generation of Rai Bahadur Budh Sing Dudhoria, a dynamic brother-sister duo decided to embark in possibly one of the most audacious projects of East India, to restore the rich cultural heritage of Bari Kothi to its former glory. Bari Kothi was not restored in structure but by soul and practice arising out of the cultural heritage of Bari Kothi and the local community. What transpired was five arduous years of restoration work by an Indian-born Canadian architect, Dr Samar Chandra, using the local community to adapt Bari Kothi into the First Government classified ‘Grand Heritage’ Hotel of East India being completely run by the local community based on the Goals laid down in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Bari Kothi is now a self-sustaining ecosystem that would endure for another century having, in a short span of time, already received the prestigious Best Palace/Heritage Hotel Award 2023 by Economic Times and the Sustainable Leadership Award 2023 by Outlook Traveller.
The resurrection of Bari Kothi gave birth to 15 resplendent suites, 3 gardens, seven enchanting courtyards, and 5 dining areas located on the beautiful ___ of the mighty River Ganges. The restoration project became a catalyst for change, empowering over 500 villagers with newfound skills and opportunities. Bari Kothi, now a symbol of rebirth, serves as a model project of how tangible heritage and intangible cultural heritage can be preserved, conserved, and converted from a liability to an asset, a true testament to the power of restoration and the preservation of cultural heritage.

V-Cut The Blouse Expert is a renowned house of designer blouses based in Kolkata and a part of Indian Silk House Agencies, one of the most renowned brands in Eastern India. Founded in 2014 V-Cut aims to provide women with perfectly fitted blouses, eliminating the hindrance often faced while wearing sarees. At V-Cut, we understand that fashion is ever-evolving, and the concept of blouses has transcended traditional boundaries. We cater to cosmopolitan, brand-conscious women who appreciate contemporary designs that align with their modern fashion sensibilities.
The brand's exclusive pieces can be purchased from their flagship store located in Keyatala, Southern Avenue, Kolkata. To meet the growing demand and reach a wider audience, V-Cut has expanded its presence under the mentorship of Darshan Dudhoria. Currently, the brand owns six new studios at Acropolis Mall, Avani Mall, Mani Square, Bhowanipore (Opp Homeland Land Mall), Malda Station Road, and P&M Mall, Jamshedpur. The brand aims to open 25 studios by the end of this calendar year, aspiring to become the largest blouse retailer in India and ensuring quick and accessible services for a broader customer base. V Cut Blouses has also partnered with other brands like Taneira and Avantra to have their kiosk in a shop-in-shop format.

ROOH - A Bari Kothi Initiative

With a legacy of craft that spans generations, the fantastic world of Bengal’s craftspeople remains unsurpassed in its beauty and extent. Craftsmanship in Bengal comes naturally to hundreds of thousands of unlettered people who weave myths, legends, and simple daily experiences into different forms of creativity that can change shape from day to day, yet maintain their consistency for centuries to enrich their lives.
Bari Kothi underwent restoration five years ago, sparking our commitment to champion local artisans and sustainable practices. The launch of this in-house boutique store is our way of celebrating the heart and soul of Bengal – its artisans.
The mission has always been clear: empower artisans to create high-quality, sustainable products. Each handcrafted item is unique, narrating the distinct story of the skilled artisan who brought it to life.
Bari Kothi aims to make craft a sustainable livelihood for artisans and the next generations. By reaching new markets and creating contemporary products, we set in motion a cycle of repeat orders, making craft a lucrative work option for future generations in artist villages.

Murshidabad Heritage Development Society

The Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) was formed in 2010 to revitalize, preserve, and restore Bengal heritage and has since been focusing on preserving, conserving, and reviving tangible and intangible heritage. Murshidabad, located in the northern part of West Bengal 4 hours from Kolkata, once a thriving economic center, had contributed a substantial 5% to the world's GDP in the 18th century. Despite its historical significance, Murshidabad is now often referred to as the "Forgotten Wealth Capital of the World," highlighting the need for renewed recognition.
Murshidabad boasts a plethora of cultural assets, including historic monuments, palaces, mosques, and temples that narrate tales of a bygone era. Murshidabad's unique cultural identity shines through its lively folk dances, rich storytelling traditions, vibrant festivals, and diverse crafts. Within a very short span, MHDS has been successful in creating awareness of the valuable heritage of Murshidabad and more importantly, in conserving and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the region. The society has over the past decade organized several marquee events with the support from the government agencies and departments, education foundations, corporate organizations, crafts council, and the district and municipal administration, amongst others.
For the past decade, MHDS has been hosting its annual flagship event, the “Murshidabad Heritage Festival” - a three-day mega event that showcases heritage, art, and culture in its entire splendor.

Project HHH

Bengal, with its rich history and cultural heritage, served as India's power capital in the 17th century. The region was not only known for its political significance but also its economic prosperity, capable of producing a diverse range of products such as silk and salt. Over time, however, many of the heritage sites in Bengal have fallen into neglect, with numerous rajbaris (palatial mansions) facing abandonment.
Recognizing the need to preserve and revitalize these historical treasures, Project H-H-H (Heritage, Hospitality, Humanity) was initiated. The project aims to restore neglected heritage sites, focusing on Bari Kothi as a blueprint for the revival of lost heritage.
The key concept behind Project H-H-H is to leverage hospitality as a means to restore and sustain these heritage sites. By converting these historical properties into hotels or cultural centers, the project seeks to not only preserve the architectural marvels but also generate economic opportunities for the local communities. The fusion of heritage and hospitality is envisioned to attract tourists, providing them with a unique experience while contributing to conservation efforts.
Bari Kothi, as a flagship model, sets the standard for the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage structures. The blueprint involves meticulous restoration work, respecting the architectural integrity of the building while incorporating modern amenities to meet contemporary standards. The project also emphasizes community involvement, aiming to create a sense of ownership among locals and instill pride in their cultural heritage.
In addition to private efforts, the project collaborates with government initiatives to restore and maintain heritage sites. With over 100 government-owned rajbaris identified for potential restoration, Project H-H-H seeks to create a comprehensive and sustainable approach that involves both private and public sectors.

Foundation for Sustainable Heritage (FSH)

The Foundation for Sustainable Heritage (FSH), an innovative non-profit organization spearheaded by Bari Kothi Heritage Hotel, stands as a beacon for the comprehensive development of culture, heritage, and artisanal traditions in Bengal. Rooted in a profound commitment to preserving the rich historical tapestry of the region, FSH strategically addresses neglected heritage sites and crafts a holistic approach to uplift local communities. With a mission encompassing cultural preservation, artisan empowerment, sustainable tourism promotion, educational initiatives, and community development, FSH operates as a catalyst for positive change. The foundation envisions a vibrant future where Bengal's cultural legacy thrives, benefitting both its historical treasures and the communities integral to its existence. Through collaborations with government bodies, private enterprises, and academic institutions, FSH endeavors to create a sustainable ecosystem that fosters pride, awareness, and prosperity for Bengal's diverse heritage.