Manipur Heritage Crisis: Inquiry Demanded Into Demolition of Historic Redlands Building in Shillong

The building will be reconstructed by retaining original architectural design, Manipur government said

Imphal/New Delhi:

Manipur BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh has requested Governor AK Bhalla to investigate who authorized the demolition of an iconic historic building in Meghalaya's Shillong that holds significant importance to Manipur's history.

Following public outcry over the demolition, Manipur's Planning and Development Authority (PDA) clarified yesterday that the structure would be rebuilt while preserving the original architectural design. The PDA serves as the implementing agency for the "reconstruction/restoration" project.

"Why was this heritage structure not preserved or restored, despite its historic value? How could such a culturally and nationally significant monument be brought down without due consideration of its legacy? Who authorised the destruction of a heritage monument of national significance?" Imo Singh questioned in his letter to the Governor today.

Redlands Building, also known as 'Manipur Rajbari', was the historical site where Maharaja Bodhachandra Singh, the last ruler of the princely state of Manipur, signed the agreement to merge with the Union of India in September 1949.

The building also served as the residence of Manipur's last ruler in Shillong, the scenic hill city that became Meghalaya's capital in 1972.

The Manipur government agency explained that they initially dismantled only the dilapidated portions of the building, but concerns about the structural integrity of the remaining parts necessitated the complete dismantling.

"The demolition of such a site, constructed in the early 1940s and revered by generations in both Manipur and Meghalaya, has rightfully triggered widespread shock and outrage. Unlike other historical structures of similar importance, which have been carefully preserved and renovated to maintain their sanctity and identity, the Manipur Rajbari was demolished down to the ground, erasing a vital part of history. This raises deeply pressing questions..." Imo Singh stated in his letter.

Manipur is currently under President's rule.

The BJP leader requested the Governor to order a thorough and impartial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the demolition, identify and hold accountable those responsible, explore reconstruction options in consultation with heritage experts and historians, and strengthen heritage protection frameworks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Answer Lies With Detailed Project Report?

The PDA revealed that they submitted a detailed project report (DPR) to the North Eastern Council (NEC) as suggested by the Manipur Art and Culture Department, which the NEC approved in July 2023.

Current efforts focus on analyzing this DPR, as it would clarify the original intent—whether renovation, reconstruction, or a combination pending survey results—sources in Imphal told NDTV today.

A team of Manipur government officials today visited the site where Redlands Building stood for over 80 years, documenting the debris and examining original building components.

While the team's findings are forthcoming, the DPR remains the key document that can establish the actual plan for the Manipur Rajbari.

Former Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh announced in August 2021 that the state government had secured the Rajbari land after extended negotiations with the Meghalaya government, with plans to construct a new Manipur Bhawan at the site. Construction of this new building is ongoing adjacent to where the Redlands Building stood.

In June 2022, then-chief minister Biren Singh committed to renovating the place while preserving the original structure. By December that year, he and PDA Chairman Lourembam Rameshwor Meetei unveiled the foundation stone for the 'Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Rajbari, Shillong' project.

On Friday, Biren Singh expressed disappointment upon seeing images of debris at the former Rajbari site, stating, "Never informed and consulted, very very disappointed." He later added, "Got information that PDA is going to construct a new building in the same old design."

The PDA's recent statement did not mention the Manipur Bhawan project.

Letter In September

On September 10, the Manipuri Elders' Consortium, Shillong (MECS) wrote to the state government requesting careful restoration of the bungalow "with utmost care and minimal damage to preserve its structure for the years to come."

While MECS appreciated the government's plans to build a Bhawan adjacent to the Rajbari, they highlighted the poor condition of the historically significant building due to prolonged habitation and lack of maintenance.

"While the main structure remains sound, there has been considerable material deterioration over the years... Almost every visitor from Manipur who comes to Shillong wishes to visit this place and pay respect to the residence of our erstwhile royal family," MECS stated in their letter to the Manipur government.