Manipur: Iconic Rajbari Under Restoration, Says Government
The Manipur government has clarified that the historic Rajbari building in Shillong — over 80 years old and declared structurally dilapidated — is undergoing careful restoration under a Detailed Project Report (DPR) titled Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Shillong, which was examined and approved by the North Eastern Council (NEC) in July 2023. Initial manual dismantling of parts of the structure was necessary after inspections found severe deterioration; however, all dismantled materials (wooden doors, windows, wall panels) are being preserved for reuse and the reconstruction will strictly follow the original architectural design to retain the Rajbari’s heritage character.
What the government reported — the facts, plain and simple
• The Rajbari building is over 80 years old and predates 1949. It had suffered significant structural deterioration due to decades of deferred repairs.
• A Detailed Project Report (DPR) titled Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Shillong was prepared at the request of Manipur’s Department of Art & Culture and submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC). The NEC approved the proposal in July 2023.
• Inspections found the structure to be structurally unstable — rotten wooden posts, damaged rafters and purlins, and rainwater leakage posed a risk of total collapse. That led to careful manual dismantling of the structure, section by section.
• All dismantled materials — wooden doors, windows and wall panels — have been preserved for reuse wherever possible. Reconstruction will adhere to the original architectural design to keep the Rajbari’s heritage identity intact.
• DPR (Detailed Project Report): A DPR lays out the full plan — technical drawings, materials, structural assessments, timelines, budgets, and conservation strategies. It’s the playbook for how a restoration proceeds.
• NEC (North Eastern Council): A regional planning body under the Government of India that funds and approves development projects in the Northeast. NEC approval generally means the project has been vetted at a regional level and is eligible for funding and oversight.
FAQs
Q1: Why was the Rajbari dismantled — does that mean it was destroyed?
No — the government states that manual dismantling was necessary because the building was judged structurally unstable (rotten timber, damaged rafters and persistent leaks). Controlled dismantling is often used to safely remove failing elements and preserve reusable historic materials for reconstruction.
Q2: Who approved the restoration plan for the Rajbari?
A Detailed Project Report (DPR) titled Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Shillong was prepared for the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Manipur and approved by the North Eastern Council (NEC) in July 2023, according to the government statement.
Q3: Will the rebuilt Rajbari look the same as the original?
The government says reconstruction will strictly abide by the original architectural design, including room dimensions and overall height, and that dismantled materials will be preserved for reuse wherever possible — all intended to maintain the Rajbari’s historic identity.
Q4: How long will the restoration take?
No official timeline was announced in the government clarification. Complex restorations of timber structures often take months to years, depending on the scale of repair, availability of skilled craftsmen, and funding. Patience is typically required for quality conservation.
Q5: How can local people stay informed or get involved?
Citizens should look for official project updates from the Department of Art & Culture or NEC, attend public consultations if scheduled, and engage with local heritage groups to provide input. Public oversight and community participation strengthen conservation outcomes.
