Baripada, Sep 29: Beyond Similipal and the recently highlighted Belgadia Palace apart, the historic headquarters town of Mayurbhanj has many monuments to be explored by heritage enthusiasts. 

The 18th edition of Mayurbhanj Heritage Walks (MHW) saw around 50 participants visiting the Mayurbhanj Palace in Baripada, the last capital of the princely state, organised under the banner of Mayurbhanja Mirror and Mayurbhanj Lovers. 

Under the guidance of Kumaresh Nayak and  Rushiraj Pattanaik, the heritage lovers explored the architectural style, construction history, governance system, religious beliefs and lifestyle of the bygone era relating to the palace.

Initially built in Baripada by Maharani Sumitra Devi Bhanjadeo, this palace was later renovated by other rulers. This was built in the style of Buckingham Palace in England, with about 156 rooms. The peak of Mayurbhanj Chhau's progress was reached in this palace, which later became Maharaja Purna Chandra College (MPCC). 

Apart from the bedrooms, there was also Durbar Hall, Maharaja's room, special halls for administrative work, etc. The current college library was the Maharani's bathroom at that time. In which the room was illuminated with blue light in the sunlight with the Belgian blue tiles. At the back of this palace, in front of the temple courtyard of the goddess Kichkeswari, the royal deity of the dynasty, there was an office to keep records of people visiting the city of Baripada at that time.

Along with this, it was resolved to promote and protect the heritage and history of his birthplace in the future. Participants also felt restoration of this heritage property to retain its past glory.

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