Kapurthala house example of French architecture: Meera

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, October 13

Cynthia Meera Frederick, an American adviser to Brig Sukhjit Singh (retd) from Kapurthala, said during a talk show held at a hotel in Mussoorie yesterday that the iconic landmark known as the Kapurthala Chateau in Mussoorie is a fine example of French architecture.

The talk show was organised by the French Heritage in India (FHI) and the Mussoorie Heritage Centre. Meera through a slide and picture presentation spoke about the construction of the chateau in Mussoorie.

The picturesque chateau was built in 1899 and was electrified in 1911 by then Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of

Kapurthala (1872-1949). It was designed by JOS Elmore and was a summer residence of the Maharaja in the hills. The architecture was directly influenced by his numerous travels to France, including his visits to Chateau de Chaumont-sur Loire, where he was the guest of his friend, the Princesse de Broglie. Meera also highlighted the French characteristics.

Not much was revealed about the chateau earlier and in order to unveil the secrecy surrounding it, Meera provided an opportunity to peek into the life of the royals during the British period with most of the splendor being exhibited through the pictures of costly cutlery with French architecture and influence clearly visible.

Entertainments that used to be lavish at the chateau where the family of the Maharaja of Patiala and other members of the princely estates were regular invitees during the summer was also discussed on the occasion. Brig Sukhjit was also present on the occasion.

The owner of the Mussoorie Heritage Centre, Surbhi and her father Vinod Kumar, coordinated the show while Fortune Hotel was the sponsors of the event.

Surbhi said it was the first discussion in the series and more such talks about the heritage buildings of the town were planned.