Post News Network
Sambalpur, Jan 9: Even as two heritage sites in the district – Rajabakhari (king’s palace) and Rani Bakhari (queen’s palace) – have been lying in a dilapidated state for decades, two Central experts recently visited the site and prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for their renovation thanks to attempts made by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach).
The DPR was prepared with the help of Intach experts after proper measurement and the survey of 17 century structures. The DPR contained the position of these palaces, requirement of repairing and renovation, periphery development, beautification and total budget estimation.
Another expert from Intach will visit the place January 19 for a final survey.
District collector Balwant Singh said that measures are being taken to complete the renovation process soon to place the site in the tourism map of the district. After the renovation is over, the site would boost tourists’ inflow to the region, which in turn will generate livelihood opportunities for the residents, he added.
It may be mentioned here that Intach has prepared a plan for renovation of Victoria Town Hall.
It may be mentioned here that with efforts of the Sambalpur chapter of the cultural outfit, people of the town had turned up in large numbers to give a clean look to palaces. They removed unwanted shrubs, bushes and trees from the vicinity at Kunjelpada.
The approach road to the place is so narrow that four-wheeler vehicles cannot pass through it. The road was blocked by bushes and unwanted vegetations.
Raja Bakhari known as Maha Vidya Mahal and Rani Bakhri were built by kings of Sambalpur in the early years of 17th century. The multi-storied buildings have several rooms. However, first floors of both the buildings have been damaged and the whole structure is now in a dilapidated condition. The Rajastani miniature paintings engraved on the walls, which made the structure a rare monument of beauty, have been damaged due to seepage of water from the roof.
Several patches of land alongside palaces have been encroached upon and several houses have come up around them.
Some renovation work was carried out in 2001. However, the place has not been looked after since then.
Freedom fighter Surendra Sai with his 1200 supporters had stayed in the palace for a few days. Freedom fighters had waved the national flag from Raja Bakhri during the freedom movement.
