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| Rajwada palace,Indore city,.alamy.com |
Above image: The Rajwada Palace of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Chhatris and jharokhas (overhanging enclosed balconies), Crenulated arch, etc.
Initially, restoration was focused on Structural Strengthening. The wooden elements (pillars, beams) which had decayed were replaced or restored. Roof waterlogging, which had weakened parts of the structure, was addressed. Exterior plastering with lime (lime punning / lime plaster) has been used, particularly on upper floors, to match traditional techniques and materials. Carvings, wooden brackets and decorative woodwork have been restored. Doors, windows, jali work etc. have been addressed in different phases.
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| Part of Rajwade palace, Indore picxy.com |
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| Part of Rajwade palace, Indore indorecity.in |
The Rajwada Palace in Indore city, one of the most prominent landmarks of the Holkar dynasty, has undergone significant restoration efforts in recent years under the Indore Smart City Development Limited (ISCDL). Built in the 18th century, this seven-storied structure made of stone and wood had suffered repeated damage from fires, age, and neglect, most notably during the 1984 riots, leaving portions of it in a fragile state. The restoration project was launched to stabilize the structure, revive its original character, and ensure its preservation for future generations. The work involved strengthening the wooden beams and pillars that had decayed over time, restoring the exterior walls with traditional lime plaster, and replacing or repairing carved wooden brackets, doors, and windows. Special attention was paid to maintaining the authenticity of the Maratha, Mughal, and French architectural blend that the palace represents, ensuring that the materials and techniques matched those used historically wherever possible.
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| Part of Rajwade palace, en.wikipedia.org Image:Brihaspati |
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| Part of Rajwade palace, .madhyapradeshdmc.com |
The restoration also focused on structural stability since roof waterlogging and natural wear had compromised parts of the palace. Scaffoldings were installed to facilitate work on the upper stories, which took longer than expected due to weather conditions, as lime plaster requires dry conditions to set. Despite delays caused by rains and later by the pandemic, the palace reopened to visitors in early 2023 after much of the major work was completed. However, challenges continue, as parts of the restored façade suffered damage during local festivals when nails were hammered into the walls for decorations and colored water left stains, prompting the archaeology department to issue directives for careful use of the heritage site.
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| Detailedwoodwork,en.wikipedia.org Image:Brihaspati |
Looking ahead, further work is planned, especially with the Simhastha festival in 2028 drawing near. Proposals include renovating the Darbar Hall, improving visitor amenities, and beautifying the surrounding area, with an estimated budget of around Rs 10 crore. While the restoration has revived the grandeur of Rajwada and returned it to public life as a cultural symbol of Indore, continued conservation efforts remain crucial to protect this delicate wooden-stone structure from both environmental and human pressure
