Rural stands in the heart of Tamil Nadu, centuries old palaces and mansion standing as extinct praise for a past era. From the grand palaces of the hero and the Nawab to the Grand Zamin structures, these architectural miracles, embedded in stories of dynasties, art and culture, are collapsing under the weight of time and neglect.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has replaced the spotlight on the restoration of a wide range of such heritage structures. This practice is inspired by the belief that if restored, these under-explored locations can be converted into unique sites for some fans beyond tourist circuits.
Located in a place, a city, a city, a few kilometers from Arani, known for silk heritage in Thiruvanmalai district, the historic truth Vijaya Nagaram Palace, called better, called Arani Jagir Mahal, which is as long as one of the forgotten gems of Tamil Nadu. A ride through the roads of the narrow village leads to a grand structure.
In collapse
This example of ‘Stuart Architecture’ spread over 4,600 square meters is being different. The two-storey building has several windows, which are accompanied by striking motifs on its facade. Such plaster works, which have figures such as lions, flowers and human faces, have filled the walls and columns. The SV Nagaram Raja Palace was built in 1825 by Jagir (Zamindar) Venkatanath Rao Sahib. With its cracks and debris crawling through the debris, it was scattered within a once and a one-one-groom, the palace has been neglected and canceled for three decades. Stunning architectural features are a pipeline made of curved terracotta tiles, exiting the wall to transport rain water to the ground.
Pointing to the board at the entrance of the campus, the Building Center and the Conservation Division (BCCD) Officers, PWD’s Heritage Wing, says it was once used as an office and training center by Regional Development and Panchayat Raj. An estimate of about ₹ 60 crore has been prepared to restore it. The proposal is waiting for the government’s approval. The complex consists of a two -storey Queen Mahal, which is spread over 2,950 square meters and is with a fountain behind it. This structure is in better shape with its Madras roof roof. A plaque in dancing or court hall reads that it was rebuilt in 2009 with assistance from Anna University. The site is waiting for the ₹ 13-crores project.
Given that similar structures in other districts have gained prominence as tourist places, especially the Chettinad region, the residents want the area to become a tourist hub, even PWD is planning to renovate such low-finished royal sites in the North Arcot region. Several heritage structures have been identified, including the people of the colonial era. The list is the 17th -century Nawab bungalow, which is in Valjah in Ranipat district. This year, two major structures will be restored in the region in two phases. PWD is protecting the Dissing Raja Rani Memorial in Ranipat district, which was built in 1771. Work is going on to restore two tomb structures in octagonal size at a cost of ₹ 2.5 crore. The landscaping, a decorative water fountain, a memorial park with a dysinging king’s statue, and part of a gallery project showing the history of the monument.
PWD is protecting the Dissing Raja Rani Memorial in Ranipat district, which was built in 1771. Work is going on to restore two tomb structures in octagonal size at a cost of ₹ 2.5 crore. , Photo Credit: C. Venkatachalpathy
Another magnificent structure in Thiruvannamalai district, Posimallicupam Palace, many other names – French Castle, Shooting Box, and ‘Kannadi Maligai’ (a Darpan Mahal) (a mirror palace). Officials say that based on a series of small hills, the One Palace located in the Arani taluk is attracting tourists and adventurers. In 1850, the 10th Arni Jagir, built by Srinivasa Rao Sahib, included a building in the palace with a kitchen. It was used till the 1990s as a school and shelter for the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. The PWD is ready to complete the Hercules task of increasing it with a skeleton without a roof. Officials say the terrace decorative cornice and the dressing room and the rooms with the verandah are being rebuilt based on the old photos. The two -storey palace was also chimney for the chimney. Traditional category tiles from Pavurchtram are being fixed on its Mangalore-tile roof. Officials say that once the work is completed by August, it can be developed as a tourist space with a library or museum.
About 450 structures identified
The BCCD has started work on restoring ancient palaces in Tamil Nadu. These include Chaepuk Palace in Chennai, Sharja Madi in Thanjavur Mahal and Aaronial Palace in Kanniakumari. It has identified about 450 historical structures. Renewing 81 of these structures is in progress. The Tamil Nadu government had approved Crore 650 crore for the protection of heritage in the last decade. The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology also collapses in PWD projects.
A scene of Thirumalai Nayakakar Mahal, who goes through a renewal era in Madurai. Photo Credit: G. statue
The two iconic palaces of Madurai have been built in the 17th century, the 400-year-old 400-year-old Thirumalai Nayak Mahal and Rani Mangmal, and will now be opened in the Gandhi Memorial Museum in a few months. Officials say that with the completion of about 80% of the work, the museum is likely to open by April or May. Every detail including the auditorium was given importance. Tourists now add temporary gallery and model houses, museum officials.
Thirumalai Nayak Mahal will be ready in six or seven months as 95% of the structure has been restored according to the officials of the Archaeological Department. Renewal is being executed without affecting tourists around the world. Based on scientific studies, additional funds were given to complete the ₹ 40-crore project. The sculpture yard will be upgraded as a sculpture park in the palace. Officials said the height of the floor of the palace is being restored at its original level with materials like granite, which was then used.
A scene of Gandhi Memorial Museum which is going through a renewal in Madurai. Photo Credit: G. statue
The BCCD team of architects is trying to identify the land bungalows and palaces to provide them a new lease of life. About 60 such sites have been identified, and the final report will be submitted soon. Sulur Zamin Bungalow of Coimbatore, Ramalinga Wilsam Palace, who belonged to the Sethupathi dynasty at Ramanathapuram, are part of the list of palaces and zamin sites in Virudhunagar and Thirunelveli.
There is also a demand for the government to restore the dilapidated palace of the Udapalayam Zamindars of Ariyalur district and 600 -year -old Etayapuram Zamin Palace in Thatukudi. “We recently came to know about Yamunambal Chatram in Needamangalam, Thazavur. An official says that some boarding places are being rebuilt in Orathandu and Thiruvayaru.
Lack of manpower
Even PWD is taking huge steps towards heritage protection, manpower and lack of vehicles and rising cost currency challenges. Sources say that there are seven sub-divisions in Chennai and Madurai regions. To achieve mammoth tasks requires sufficient infrastructure and more division with engineers. A sub-division consists of 4-5 districts. For example, more field engineers are required to reach the structures in remote places to Thiruvannamalai, Coimbatore, and Madurai regions. The deficiency often slows down the identity of ancient buildings. After the formation of the heritage wing, there has been a slight increase in contractors who specialize in the restoration of heritage. The government should accelerate the approval of projects as these structures decline with each passing day, increasing the cost.
KC Jayakumar, a heritage contractor involved in 30 projects in Tamil Nadu, says the inheritance work is from time to time that includes careful procedures and needs to use trained workers. “We are unable to accelerate work due to lack of sand of river. We cannot use M-Sand to renew historical buildings. We also bring traditional carpentry from neighboring states, ”they say.
Skilled mason needs
More efficient masons need to be trained, given the significant number of ancient structures waiting to achieve a new look. The residents pointed out the slow disappearance of Mandapam (a passenger Sarai) at the arterial stretch in various districts. These centuries old structures are often sacrificed for infrastructure projects. Experts say that some of these structures live in Theinigapolur near Wandavasi, Tiruttani and Iarkonam. Residents and experts also highlighted the need to prioritize the safety of structures, especially from encroachments.
Since the Constitution of a Tamil Nadu Heritage Conservation Commission is delayed, it is a difficult task to balance urbanization and protection. KP Satyamurthy, former engineer-in-chief, PWD, who wrote experience in the protection and restoration of heritage buildings, says that the recent intervention of the Madras High Court has not yet to bear the fruits, to implement the Tamil Nadu Heritage Commission Act, 2012 (amended in 2017). “The Commission has the imperative for laying tough criteria, protecting heritage structures, including private sites, being demolished or replaced, and gives them the same importance as monuments under India’s Archaeological Survey. The grading of historical buildings indicates the scope of changes, often not followed in the absence of a commission, ”he says.
Their adaptive use of buildings restored without their historical essence has been lost and maintaining them for contemporary utility is another challenge. Risseing them as museums, offices or cultural centers and meeting modern security standards is the major function after restoration. For example, Humayun Mahal will soon keep the house of a museum. “When we create awareness among the younger generation of architectural miracles, it is important to train engineers for detailed research and skilled workers who will help the delicate structures to avoid more damage,” they say.
(In Madurai with input from B. Tilak Chandra).
Published – March 09, 2025 12:18 AM IST
