Restoration Alters Moti Mahal’s Original Doors, Ventilators; 179-Year-Old Heritage Project Delayed In Bhopal

Bhopal, in Madhya Pradesh, is witnessing a controversial restoration of the 179-year-old Moti Mahal, located in the Old City. Architect and historian HM Hussain has criticized the restoration work, stating that the project has deviated from the original Nawabi-era design. According to Hussain, the material and design of the doors and ventilators used in the restoration do not match the original structure.

The doors of the 1847-built Moti Mahal, which served as the residence of Sikandar Begum, the Nawab of Bhopal, were originally of French style with a wooden frame and Belgian glass panes. However, the restored doors do not replicate this design. Similarly, the ventilators above the doors, originally featuring small square openings, have also been altered in the restored structure.

The two-storeyed building is currently undergoing restoration by the MP State Tourism Development Corporation (MPTDC) with a total cost of Rs 17 crore. The project, which was to be completed by January, is now eight months behind schedule and still not finished. MPTDC executive engineer Manisha Gautam stated that while they aim to stick to the original structure in terms of material and design, minor changes may be necessary considering the future use of the restored building, which will house the City Museum showcasing Bhopal's past.