Dhenkanal: Jatan Nagar palace, considered as an architectural marvel, is all set to emerge as a tourists’ attraction following the renovation works currently underway.
Just six kilometres from Dhenkanal bus stand, the 100-room palace was built atop a hill in early 20th century by Pattayet Nrusingha Pratap Singhdeo, the younger brother of the then king of Dhenkanal.
It is believed that the palace was built with forced labour and elephants were used to carry the heavy stones to build this mega structure.
But Nrushingha Pratap nor any member of his family could stay in the magnificent palace for reasons yet to be confirmed. Soon, it turned into an abandoned place.
However, former MLA Krushna Chandra Patra, who now legally holds the ownership of the place, is trying to reshape the old architectural giant into a heritage place.
Krushna Chandra Sahoo, a senior citizen of Dhenkanal town said, “We have been hearing many theories regarding the mysterious Jatan Nagar since our childhood. We are happy that it is undergoing renovation.”
