Dhenkanal’s history is intricately woven with tales of valour, culture, heritage and fairs and festivals. This district in Odisha boasts a rich tapestry of history dating back centuries. Jatan Nagar Palace is one such place that is located amidst the serene landscapes of the district, has its share of tales, a palace that is embedded in everyone’s memory but still seems forgotten. The palace stands as a testament to the grandeur and architectural finesse of the region’s royal heritage. Built-in the early 20th century, this palace is located at a distance of around five kilometers from Dhenkanal town.
According to the legend, while Raja Sri Shankar Pratap Singh Deo Mahindra Bahadur was in England, his younger brother, Pattayet Nrusingha Pratap Singh Deo was ruling over Dhenkanal and built the Jatan Nagar Palace. It is believed that the palace was built with forced labour and elephants were used to carry the heavy stones to build this megastructure. Every worker was tortured a lot and it is said that many of them even died during the construction and their spirits live within the walls of the palace. The labourers were said to be tortured and in addition to that the Raja’s accountant also extracted money from common men. Subsequently, the building was ruined and became one of the most haunted palaces in India. After all these incidents people expected an improved state of affairs after Raja Sri Shankar Pratap returned from abroad and take over administration from his younger brother. Though there are stories that exist about this palace but no one can pinpoint if it is true or if some of it are just a myth.
Some stories say there were 99 rooms and some mention that there were 100 rooms, people also believe that the king never actually stayed at the Jatan Nagar Palace or even that it was never completed but during an interview with RP Singh Deo, a member from the king’s family, mentioned that there aren’t 99 or 100 rooms and that the king did indeed stay there for a few days but because of the agitation against the Britishers he could not manage to live there alone and took the decision to shift to Cuttack. It was also mentioned in the interview that people talk about the palace for various reasons and he also talked about how some say that a person from their family went to stay at the palace for a night and vanished but RP Singh Deo termed it as not true. Over the years, the Jatan Nagar Palace has been offering a glimpse into the bygone era of royalty and grandeur. As of today, it stands as a heritage landmark, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike, who are drawn to its majestic architecture and past, ensuring that the legacy of Dhenkanal’s royal heritage lives on for generations to come. Jatan Nagar Palace is a tangible testament to the city’s rich historical legacy and this magnificent palace stands as a symbol of grandeur.
Currently, the palace is being maintained and has been set up with various lights to give it a whole new look at night and caretakers have also been stationed who look after the maintenance of it and switch those on once the sun sets. Today, it has become more like a local hangout spot where students often spend time and people often go to conduct photo shoots and night photography as well since the palace is situated on top of a hill and provides a marvelous view of the night sky. Another reason people visit the palace is that it offers a huge view of the town of Dhenkanal and looks even more astonishing once the sun goes down.
SHRISTI SRINIDHI, OP
