Bhubaneswar: A report on the status of the Durbar Hall of Paralakhemundi Palace in Odisha was recently released by Matriarch and The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) in Bhubaneswar.
The detailed report has been prepared by Conservation Architect Anisa Swain, who led an expert team from “Matriarch Architecture and Conservation” and members of Intach to Paralakhemundi.
The Durbar Hall of Parala Palace holds a unique place 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.
An iconic monument symbolising Odia Asmita, it was the nerve centre of political, administrative, and cultural activities and during Odisha’s statehood movement as 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 Intach said in a release.
It further noted that the magnificent Durbar Hall echoed with royal gatherings and decisions that shaped the region’s destiny. The interior of the 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.
Describing the Durbar Hall of Gajapati Palace as an architectural and historical marvel, Anisa Swain said that 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 stabilise 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,” she stressed.
Convener of Intach’s Odisha Chapter Biswajit Mohanty 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,” he said.
Anil Dhir, convener of Intach’s Bhubaneswar Chapter, said that the report is a comprehensive document made by an expert, and the government should take immediate heed. “Intach has been batting for the conservation of the structure since the last five years and has repeatedly written to the authorities,” he further stated.
The others who attended the report’s release event included Padma awardee Adwaita Charan Garnayak, Lalatendu Das Mohapatro, Rasmi Ranjan Das, Adyasha Das and Panchami Manoo Ukil.