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| Old Patna Collectorate,1.bp.blogspot.com |
The Patna Collectorate, an iconic heritage site in Patna, India, is facing imminent demolition despite its significant historical and architectural value. This building, which is over 300 years old, showcases a unique blend of British and Dutch colonial styles. Originally constructed by the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century, it was used as a warehouse for storing opium and saltpeter.
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| Old Patna Collectorate, hindustantimes.com |
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| Old Patna Collectorate,Thehindu.com |
When the British took control in 1857, during the tumultuous times of the great rebellion, they began using it to serve as the administrative hub for the Patna district. Old district engineer’s office in the 12-acre sprawling complex was also built in the Dutch era.In 2008, the Bihar state government officially recognized the Patna Collectorate as a significant heritage building, marking it for preservation to ensure its legacy for future generations.
Despite this designation and recognition of its heritage values, in 2016, the state government led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had a proposal to build a modern building complex that would solve space constraints and put various government departments under one roof. He meant demolition of the historic structure. The plan was to replace it this proposal the old structure for for demolition. and his part took decision without consulting the ASI
This decision had caused widespread protests from heritage enthusiasts, historians, and cultural organizations who wanted the building preserved for good. Among the most vocal advocates was the Bihar chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) who along with the Netherlands Embassy, had engaged in active campaign against the demolition, apart they approached the Patna High Court to halt the process.
The London-based Gandhi Foundation also joined the protest urging the Bihar government to reconsider its plans. In July 2016, they addressed a letter to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, highlighting the building's cultural and historical significance. The letter emphasized that the Patna Collectorate is a "crucial link to India's colonial past and its interactions with foreign powers". It appealed to the government to preserve this vital part of the state's architectural heritage instead of replacing it with a high-rise development.
The Patna Collectorate story is not just about bricks and mortar but about preserving the tangible link to our past. The building bore witness to significant historical events and transitions, from the Dutch trading era to British colonial administration. Its architecture reflects the evolving styles and functional needs of different periods, making it a living museum of history.
Heritage preservationists argued that 'maintaining such buildings is essential for cultural continuity and education'. The future generations would understand and appreciate the complexities of their heritage and the past history. Demolition of such heritage structures meant an irreplaceable loss of historical continuity and cultural identity.
The debate over the Patna Collectorate fate underscores a broader struggle between development in modern perspectives and preservation of frozen history. While modern infrastructure is undoubtedly essential for administrative efficiency and gradually evolving urban growth, it should not come at the cost of erasing historical landmarks. It is difficult to maintain a balance between heritage preservation and newly emerging accommodating contemporary needs and countless historic cities around the world face this difficult challenge.
As for the Patna Collectorate, alternative solutions on hand is to carefully restore it for repurposing to address space shortage under one roof, without losing old values and historical narratives. A viable solution will set a role model, a sort of precedent for countless old structures across India that face demolition by the ruling government in the name of solving shortage of office space with modern facilities.
The Patna Collectorate case and the legal battle against its demolition is an eye opener, showcasing the crucial importance of protecting our cultural heritage amidst the relentless march of progress.
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| Patna collectorate, Bihardeccanherald.com |
Above image: Historical Patna Collectorate building (June 29, 2022) Pile of rubble after the demolition of the front portion of 1938 built District Board Patna building in the centuries-old Patna Collectorate campus.........
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| Demolished part of Patna collectorate, Bihar. ndianexpress.com |
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| demolition in progress old patina collectorate, Bihar ,static.toiimg.com/ |
Not withstanding the perpetual protest and legal battle, the Patna Collectorate, was mostly demolished on May 17, 2022 following a Supreme Court ruling. Built in the 17th century by the Dutch East Indies Company and later used by the British, the Collectorate was one of Patna's oldest heritage sites, even older than the iconic Golghar. The building featured notable architectural elements, including Tuscan pillars and high ceilings, and was a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie "Gandhi."
The demolition of the Record Room Building and other parts of the Collectorate complex, including the British-era district board building, had no doubt, caused significant grief among heritage lovers.
The historic Record Room, the 300-year-old majestic building that ran on a north-south axis on the banks of the Ganga river in Patna, had high ceilings, massive doors and unique skylights on its roof. It was also the oldest structure on the 12-acre campus of the old collectorate that included a cluster of British-era and Dutch period buildings and post-Independence structures, which were demolished in phases two years ago starting May 2022.
The modern state of Bihar had just turned 111 in 2023, but the 19th-century Bankipore Central Jail, Dutch-era Patna Collectorate and several other historic buildings which witnessed the creation of the new province in 1912 were disappeared from the capital city's skyline.
It all shows that politicians have their own way, but they ignore the past history that is frozen in the walls and bricks of heritage structures. Because of their ignorance or carelessness, the past history is now frozen in the piles of mud and debris, soon they disappear without any traces.
https://patnapress.com/progress-reviewed-on-new-patna-collectorate-building
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/london-based-gandhi-foundation-appeals-nit
https://www.navrangindia.in/2017/08/patna-collectorate-building-heritage.html
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