Experts Chart Roadmap for Restoration of Historic Manipur Rajbari in Shillong
A consultative meeting chaired by Shri Ngangom Uttam Singh, Director of MAHUD and IPR, was held today at the Mini Conference Hall of the City Convention Centre, Imphal, to discuss the recent dismantling of the historic Manipur Rajbari at Shillong and to chart a way forward for its reconstruction and preservation.
The meeting, attended by eminent scholars, architects, journalists, and cultural experts, deliberated on the significance of the Manipur Rajbari, also known as the Red Land Building, and the urgent need to restore its former glory. The Government of Manipur had earlier constituted a Monitoring and Supervision Committee on October 13, 2025, to oversee the reconstruction and restoration of the historic Manipur Bhavan at Rajbari, Shillong.
The Committee’s responsibilities include monitoring and supervising the reconstruction work, coordinating with stakeholders, ensuring heritage and quality compliance, and facilitating timely execution. During the meeting, members presented a detailed account of the dismantling process carried out between September 29 and October 8, 2025, and informed that the recovered materials have been safely preserved for reuse.
Experts and participants including Shri W. Nabakumar, Retired Professor; Shri Nepram Gitkumar Singh, President, Manipur Architects Forum; Shri Mutua Bahadur, Director, Mutua Museum; Shri Y. Rupachandra, Secretary General, Editors’ Guild Manipur; Shri Homen Thangjam, Convenor, INTACH; Shri Asem Bhakta Singh, President, AMWJU; Shri Thoidingjam Tombi Singh, Eminent Artist; Shri S. Tampha Singh from the Institute of Engineers (India), Manipur Centre; and Professor N. Joykumar Singh, Member, Kangla Board, shared their valuable inputs and recommendations.
After detailed deliberations, the experts collectively proposed three major recommendations to the Monitoring and Supervision Committee:
- To restore the Manipur Rajbari through anastylosis or in accordance with the guidelines of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and UNESCO conservation ethics.
- To engage reputed conservation and preservation professionals for preparing a complete development plan and guiding the State Government in the project’s execution.
- To involve local experts to collaborate with and monitor conservation specialists, ensuring the preservation of the building’s original architecture, cultural essence, and historical value.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to safeguard and revive the cultural and historical significance of the Manipur Rajbari in Shillong, symbolizing the enduring heritage and pride of the State.