Cuttack: Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, Pradip Kumar Mohanty, has called upon the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to designate the centuries-old Lalbag Palace in Cuttack as a centrally-protected monument. He emphasized its immense historical, architectural, and administrative importance.
Memorandum Highlights Palace's Legacy
Mohanty, a resident of Cuttack and former judge of the Orissa High Court, submitted a memorandum noting that the historic palace, now housing the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Shishu Bhavan), served as a seat of power through successive Mughal, Maratha, British, and post-Independence regimes. He described the structure as a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and stressed the need for urgent conservation measures, pointing out that despite its rich legacy, the monument lacks adequate protection.
Demolition of Old Police Station Raises Concerns
The memorandum, submitted to the ASI Director General on May 29, also sought conservation of the old Lalbag police station building, originally part of the palace complex. The police station was relocated due to its deteriorating condition. Mohanty requested ASI authorities to inspect both structures and assess their historical value for notification as protected monuments. However, he expressed disappointment that the appeal has not received any response from ASI. Meanwhile, the old police station building was demolished on May 30 as part of an administrative exercise reportedly aimed at developing a parking area.
Historical Significance of Lalbag Palace
The demand gains significance given the palace's long history. Built in 1633 by Mughal governor Mutaqad Khan on the banks of the Kathajodi River, it was described as an imposing structure by European traveller William Bruton during his visit that year. After serving as the headquarters of the Maratha Bhonslas of Nagpur, the property came under British control following the conquest of Odisha in 1803. It was used by the East India Irrigation Company and later housed British commissioners and collectors. In 1942, Lalbag Palace became Odisha's Government House and remained the governor's residence until 1960, before being converted into a children's hospital and later Shishu Bhavan.
