Karnal DC Residence among 3 sites to get protected monument status

In a significant move to safeguard Haryana’s architectural and cultural heritage, the state government has approved three sites — including the Karnal Deputy Commissioner’s Residence — for notification as protected monuments. Once notified, these sites will come under the ambit of the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964, aimed at preserving historically valuable structures and archaeological remains.

“We had sent a list of sites that deserve protection for their historical value. The state government has approved the names of the Karnal DC Residence and two heritage sites in Indri — the Shishmahal and a mound believed to span from the early historical to medieval periods,” confirmed Dr Banani Bhattacharya, Deputy Director, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Haryana.

She said the name of a church on Mall Road in Karnal city has also been forwarded for government approval. “The department will take care of these monuments,” she said, clarifying that the Deputy Commissioner would continue to reside in the Karnal house, though the Archaeology Department would be responsible for its maintenance.

The Karnal DC Residence, a British-era structure, carries immense civic and architectural significance. Historical accounts suggest that before the present house, a large bungalow known as Bhalwala stood on the site but was destroyed in a fire in 1897. Earlier, in 1852, it was referred to as Bungalow Tomson Sahib. Records show that the site was purchased on January 27, 1892, for Rs 9,600 on behalf of the Nawab of Kunjpura, then a minor under the Court of Wards. In 1898, the government acquired the remains of the bungalow and its compound, and the present residence was later erected at a cost of Rs 15,000, including the land.

The residence has also played a key role in the district’s administrative history. William Fraser was the first Deputy Commissioner of Karnal in 1819. Since then, 52 DCs served before Independence and 60 after. Spread across 10 acres, the house is noted for its unique ventilation design, with the main gate visible from every room.

In Indri, the Shishmahal (Glass Palace), located in the old vegetable market, is believed to date back to the medieval period. Nearby lies a brick mound thought to cover remains from the early historical to medieval era, though it currently faces encroachment threats.

Dr Ramji Lal, former Principal of Dyal Singh College and a native of Khera village near Indri, recalled visiting Shishmahal in his student days. “It was known as the Glass Palace. Due to negligence, this architecture lost its glory,” he said, while welcoming the government’s decision. He also mentioned another fort once located on the eastern side of Indri, now reduced to a mound.

“We welcome the step of the government to give approval for the preservation,” said Dr Lal.