Indore (Madhya Pradesh): For the first time since independence in 1947, the Madhya Pradesh government will hold a ‘cabinet meeting’ at Darbar of Indore’s historic and 18th-century Rajwada Palace.
The meeting is set to be held on May 20 in the same hall which used to be Holkar Dynasty’s centre of governance.
The decision has been taken to commemorate 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilya Bai.
Not just a meeting, but this would be a landmark moment remembered as the first cabinet meeting held at Rajwada Palace in the ‘Independent India.’
A tradition started by Devi Ahilya
Rajwada Palace encapsulates the rich legacy and history of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s admired governance and public welfare initiatives. It was from this very palace that she laid the foundation of her rule.
Later, other rulers of the Holkar dynasty, including Yashwantrao Holkar III, followed Devi Ahilya and conducted important administrative meetings in the Darbar Hall.
A photograph of one such historic meeting is preserved in a museum in Indore.
Now, after 78 years of Independence, history will repeat itself in a new form.
Beautifications begin at historic site
Rajwada’s Ganesh Hall and Darbar Hall are being specially decorated in traditional Holkar-era style, showcasing Malwi art and culture. These halls, which once hosted music performances, cultural events like Rangpanchami’s Gair, and Tajiya processions, will now become the venue for key decisions on the development of Indore and the state.
Numismatics is my hobby
A temporary secretariat will be set up inside Rajwada to handle administrative work related to the cabinet meeting. Special security arrangements are being made, and liaison officers will assist ministers and senior officials. An exhibition on government schemes and Indore’s development will also be held in the palace gardens, which are being beautified for the occasion.
After the meeting, a traditional Malwi lunch will be served for the ministers on the palace's first floor. The menu will include local delicacies such as dal-bati, dahi bada, mawa bati and others.
This way Madhya Pradesh’s modern governance will reconnect with the state's royal and cultural past, rejuvenating the legacy of 18th century Rajwada in the 21st century.
