Cooch Behar Palace under restoration

The Archaeological Survey of India is giving a makeover to the palace in Cooch Behar built by Maharaja Nripendranarayan in 1887. The state government intends to host the rash mela and the first Palace Festival in winter.

The ASI was delegated the responsibility of preserving the erstwhile princely palace with its alloyed dome way back in 1982, when it was declared a monument of historical importance. Apart from the dome, the southern roof of the palace is being restored and several rooms are being given a fresh coat. Besides restoring the outer façade, the large room in the upper floors is being renovated to host a photography exhibition in the festival. The restoration work is likely to be completed before November 15, when the festival will be held.

There are eight galleries in the palace that houses a collection of memorabilia – and three teams of the ASI is working on the horticultural branch; the museum; and the maintenance.

The ASI has added historical ambience to the atmosphere by playing Indian classical music over a concealed music system with speakers placed at the right places in the grounds.

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