Baripada: Beyond Similipal and the recently highlighted Belgadia Palace, the historic headquarters town in Mayurbhanj district has many monuments to be explored by heritage enthusiasts.
The 18th edition of Mayurbhanj Heritage Walks (MHW) saw around 50 participants visiting the Mayurbhanj Palace in Baripada, the last capital of the princely state. The event was organised under the banner of Mayurbhanj Mirror and Mayurbhanj Lovers.
Under the guidance of Kumaresh Nayak and Rushiraj Pattanaik, the heritage lovers explored the architectural style, construction history, governance system, religious beliefs, and lifestyle of the bygone era related to the palace.
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Initially built in Baripada by Maharani Sumitra Devi Bhanjadeo, the palace was later renovated by other rulers. It was built in the style of Buckingham Palace in England, with about 156 rooms.
The peak of Mayurbhanj Chhau’s progress was reached in this palace, which later became Maharaja Purna Chandra College (MPCC). Apart from the bedrooms, the palace also had a Durbar Hall, the Maharaja’s room, special halls for administrative work, and more.
The current college library was Maharani’s bathroom at that time, illuminated with blue light in the sunlight through Belgian blue tiles.
PNN & Agencies
