The city’s own Taj Mahal, which was once identified as the crown the city and was the residence of Shah Jahan Begum, is now in ruins. Aggravating the situation, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and Directorate of Archaeology are passing the buck on this issue pointing each others’ responsibility. Ironically, State has celebrated the nomination of its six sites (located at different places) in UNESCO’s list and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav lauded efforts of officials for this achievement but in the heart of the State this 19th century palace which has witnessed a three-year-long celebrations upon its completion namely, ‘Jashn-e-Taj’ is now craving for reviving that interest which was once showered upon the royal mansion.

 

The monument which presents itself as an excellent example of an amalgamation of various architectural techniques is now a lost memory. The extent of the previously mentioned line can be assumed from the fact that when ‘The Hitavada’ reporter asked the local auto and e-rickshaw drivers about the monument, they were completely unaware of the place. As per the information, the palatial structure was given to a private firm of Indore namely Goldman Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, in order to develop a ‘grand’ heritage hotel (as written on the main entrance) comprising of 120 rooms in the city in 2017 but as of now no developments have been made in this regard. Ironically, some local people passing by the area believed that the state of the palace was better when the possession was given to the private entity because with every passing day, the condition of the palace is deteriorating.

 

“Abhi jao 2 saal baad aana” (Go now, come after 2 years), this was the answer received when we enquired about the same at the ground by someone who claimed to live inside the palace and also refrained the reporter from entering. He said that cameras are installed everywhere in the premises and so everyone is debarred from entering into the place. After seeing a glimpse of the building, one feels pity at its condition. It now looks like a dream which has shattered and seems like a poem Contd on page 2