Manipur Government Constitutes Committee for Restoration of Historic Rajbari in Shillong

Recognizing the historical and cultural significance of the Manipur Rajbari in Shillong, the Government of Manipur has initiated a major heritage restoration project aimed at preserving the site’s legacy.

The project, titled “Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Rajbari, Shillong,” was conceived in 2022 to restore and enhance the historic complex closely linked with Manipur’s royal and cultural history. The Planning and Development Authority (PDA), Manipur, prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR), which was approved by the North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India, in July 2023.

The DPR comprises two key components — construction of a guest house and the reconstruction/restoration of the exhibition hall or gallery. Both works were awarded to M/S Meitei Construction Ltd. The construction of the guest house, initiated in April 2024, is nearing completion.

However, during the restoration phase of the Rajbari building, it was discovered that the old structure had deteriorated severely due to age, weathering, and termite infestation. To prevent any collapse, the entire structure was carefully dismantled manually. Components such as wooden doors, windows, and wall plates were safely stored for reuse, and the entire process was documented through photographs and videography.

The Government of Manipur has now halted further work at the site and constituted a Monitoring and Supervision Committee for the reconstruction and restoration of the historic Rajbari building. The Committee will oversee the work to ensure that the reconstruction adheres strictly to the original architectural design, historical features, and dimensions based on archival photographs and records.

It will also ensure that materials recovered from the original structure are reused, and may engage heritage conservation experts to maintain the building’s aesthetic integrity and cultural value.

The restoration project marks a significant step by the state government toward safeguarding one of the most important heritage landmarks representing Manipur’s royal legacy in Shillong.