INTACH: A report on the status of the Durbar Hall of the Paralakhemundi Palace was released by Matriarch and The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) at the Conference Hall of Ginger Hotel. The detailed report has been prepared by Conservation Architect Anisa Swain, who had recently led an expert team from “Matriarch Architecture and Conservation” and members of Intach to Paralakhemundi.
The Durbar Hall of Parala Palace holds a unique position in the struggle for formation of the province of Odisha in 1936 and has also played a key role for India’s freedom struggle. Well known freedom fighters often met here for important consultations. The Durbar Hall is an iconic monument symbolising Odia Asmita that deserves to be preserved, recognized and celebrated by the state.
The magnificent Durbar Hall, a space that once echoed with royal gatherings and decisions has shaped the region’s destiny. It was the nerve centre of political, administrative, and cultural activities and during Odisha’s statehood movement, the place witnessed historic deliberations, with the Maharaja playing a key role in advocating the formation of a separate Odia-speaking province. It was within this hall that he engaged in discussions with British officials and regional nationalist leaders, laying the groundwork for Odisha’s statehood in 1936.
The interior of the Durbar Hall has an exquisite display of Indo-European architectural craftsmanship, featuring ornate walls, grand doorways, and intricate window details. The walls are adorned with detailed frescoes and floral patterns, reflecting a blend of local artistic traditions with European influences, each panel slightly different than the other, giving them a unique design. The walls of the Durbar Hall are embellished with large oil paintings of royal portraits, mythological scenes, and hunting expeditions, framed in elaborately carved wooden borders.
According to Anisa Swain, the Durbar Hall of Gajapati Palace stands as an architectural and historical marvel, and it faces challenges due to environmental degradation and neglect. It stands at a fragile crossroads, bearing the weight of time, neglect, and environmental stress. Restoration is no longer a choice but an urgent necessity. Immediate action is needed to stabilize the structure, protect its exquisite interiors, and safeguard its cultural and historical significance.With a well-planned conservation strategy, this landmark can once again stand proud—not just as a relic of the past, but as a living monument to the region’s enduring heritage and the legacy of its greatest leader.
Dr. Biswajit Mohanty, the Convener of Intach’s Odisha Chapter, said that the report would be presented to the Government for immediate action. This iconic structure, which is symbolic to the State’s pride should be preserved at any cost. Any further delay will be very detrimental and the structure may collapse. Anil Dhir, the Convener of Intach’s Bhubaneswar Chapter said that Intach has been batting for the conservation of the structure since the last five years and has repeatedly written to the authorities.
Dhir dais that the report is a comprehensive document made by an expert, and the government should take immediate heed. The others who attended the report’s release included Padmashri Adwaita Charan Garnayak, Dr. Lalatendu Das Mohapatro, Shri Rasmi Ranjan Das, Dr. Adyasha Das and Panchami Manoo Ukil.
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