Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Madhya Pradesh Department of Archaeology and Museums has launched a project to restore the 175-year-old memorial to Raja Khushvakht Rai Saxena, the first Prime Minister of Bhopal state.
The memorial, located in Ashoka Garden area of the city, is built in Rajput style, and comprises Saxena’s Chhatri (samadhi) and a huge bavdi (stepwell) 80 metres in length and 40 metres in width. According to the Bhopal Gazetteer, his Chhatri is the only memorial to a Hindu in the city.
Saxena was appointed to the top administrative position during the reign of Nawab Nazar Mohammed. As the Prime Minister of Bhopal from 1816 to 1854, he laid the foundations of the drainage system of the city. The construction of Taj Mahal and Moti Masjid - two historical landmarks of the city - also started during his term. The title of ‘Raja’ was conferred on him by the Nawab.
The memorial has been designated as a state protected monument. The restoration work is being undertaken by the Bhopal Chapter of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage).
Commissioner of Archaeology, Urmila Shukla said, "The memorial is a part of the history of Bhopal, especially since it commemorates the State’s first Prime Minister. That is why we have declared it a protected monument. The restoration work began last month and is expected to be completed within the next one year"
