Baripada: Beyond the renowned Similipal National Park and much highlighted Belgadia Palace, Baripada, the historic headquarters town of Mayurbhanj is a treasure trove of monuments for heritage enthusiasts.
The area’s rich history and architectural legacy continue to draw attention, as evidenced by the recent 18th edition of the Mayurbhanj Heritage Walks (MHW).
The latest MHW event saw approximately 50 participants explore the magnificent Mayurbhanj Palace in Baripada, which served as the last capital of the princely state. Organized by Mayurbhanja Mirror and Mayurbhanj Lovers, the walk offered a deep dive into the palace’s past.
Guided by Kumaresh Nayak and Rushiraj Pattanaik, participants learned about the palace’s architectural style, construction history, governance under the princely state, religious beliefs, and the lifestyle of the bygone era.
The palace was initially built in Baripada by Maharani Sumitra Devi Bhanjadeo and later expanded and renovated by successive rulers. Its design was inspired by the Buckingham Palace in England, featuring an impressive 156 rooms.
The structure housed essential royal and administrative spaces, including the Durbar Hall, the Maharaja’s room, and special halls for administrative work.
A fascinating detail is that the current college library once served as the Maharani’s bathroom, which was famously illuminated by a striking blue light in the sunlight due to its Belgian blue tiles. Furthermore, an office to record visitors to Baripada was located at the back of the palace, facing the temple courtyard of the dynasty’s royal deity, Goddess Kichkeshwari.
The palace holds a significant place in the cultural history of the region, as it was the center during the peak of Mayurbhanj Chhau dance’s progress. Today, this historic property continues to serve the community as the Maharaja Purna Chandra College (MPCC).
The event concluded with a strong resolve to promote and protect the heritage and history of the region.
Participants emphasized the urgent need for the restoration of this invaluable heritage property to ensure the retention of its past glory for future generations.