World Heritage Day 2025: Indore's Heritage Buildings Decay Under Monumental Neglect

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): On the eve of World Heritage Day, an alarm has been sounded over the deteriorating condition of heritage sites.

The world observes World Heritage Day on Friday, with the 2025 theme “Heritage under Threat from Disasters and Conflicts”, Indore stands at a critical juncture — home to several stunning architectural marvels of the Holkar era, the city now watches its rich heritage fade into decay due to decades of neglect and poor planning.

Prominent historian Zafar Ansari expressed deep concern over the condition of several historical structures in Indore, which, once the pride of the Holkar State, are today shadows of their former glory.

While the passage of time has damaged some heritage buildings over time, Ansari says the real tragedy lies in administrative apathy and reckless urban development, which have slowly erased these cultural assets from the cityscape.

Shiv Vilas Palace – A symbol of royal grandeur in a state of decay

Once known as “Naya Rajwada”, the Shiv Vilas Palace, built in 1894 by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar, was among the most exquisite palaces of its time. Designed by architect Gopal Rao, it cost Rs 4 lakh back then and featured a lush garden spread across acres with flowing hot and cold water canals. Today, this architectural marvel is nothing more than a crumbling structure, surrounded by unauthorised shops, houses, and even a parking lot. The once beautiful palace gardens have disappeared, now replaced by a chaotic readymade clothing market.

District court building – Hidden from public memory

Another victim of shortsighted governance is the historic District Court Building, constructed during the reign of Maharaja Tukojirao Holkar III. Located near MG Road, the building once stood in full view, exuding royal charm. However, a municipal market complex built in front of it has now completely obscured it from public view. What was once a centrepiece of the city’s legal and cultural activities now remains neglected and almost forgotten.

Rampur Kothi – Neglect Creeps

In Located close to the Lalbagh Palace, the Rampur Kothi was once an important government facility, even housing the city’s RTO office until some years back. After the department’s relocation, the building has been left unattended and is now slipping into disrepair. Historians stress the need for immediate maintenance before it turns into another crumbling memory.

Rani Sarai – Historic site threatened by Metro development

Perhaps the most disturbing development is the planned demolition of the historic Rani Sarai to make way for the city’s Metro line. Built by Queen Varanasi Bai Holkar using personal pilgrimage funds, this Maratha-era structure is now under threat of complete erasure due to urban expansion. Zafar Ansari has written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and transport minister Nitin Gadkari, requesting urgent intervention to save this precious part of Indore’s legacy.

Published on: Friday, April 18, 2025, 09:31 AM IST