Heritage Garli-Paragpur buildings get facelift as GeNext rediscovers a world of wonder

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Ravinder Sood

Palampur, March 6

Situated in the lap of the snow-clad Dhauladhars, the twin villages of Garli and Paragpur in Kangra valley are a major attraction for tourists due to the heritage buildings here.

It is a delightful destination for anyone looking to explore the countryside of Himachal Pradesh. The villages are also known for the “dynasty of Soods” and have been designated as heritage zones by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

One can see dozens of heritage buildings, havelis and mansions here whose architecture resembles Belgian, Italian, Islamic, Rajputana and Portuguese styles, making these one of India’s most unusual villages. Narrow paths lead to mansions done up in different styles – with elaborate woodwork, Gothic windows, gabled roofs, Jharokha windows, brick jaali work, huge arches and imposing doors.

The buildings have interesting names such as “Santri wali Kothi”, Mystery House, “Raeeso wali Kothi”, “Bhagwan Niwas”, with a reason behind these names. For example, “Santri wali Kothi” has statues of two guards known as “santris” on the roof of the house. “Raeeso waali Kothi” has opulent murals and Rajasthani motifs on the walls, reminiscent of the way the rich lived.

Heritage homes here showcase an amalgamation of architectural styles that capture visitors’ imagination with an appreciation for art and history. If houses could speak, these structures would have fascinating tales to tell. Apart from the gabled roofs with slate shingles, which are common to all, builders of these homes have tried to outdo each other.

Unfortunately today, many structures are abandoned, locked up or have caretakers living in them, their owners having moved away for better jobs to places like Shimla, Chandigarh, Delhi and other parts of the country and abroad.

Deepak Sood, whose family has been running a business in Pragpur for the past 40 years, says that fortunately, the situation is slowly changing as many descendants of those who built these homes are returning to their ancestors’ villages, realising the significance of their assets and discovering the potential these hold. A few places have already been restored as the younger generations is realising the potential of their heritage. One of them is Mela Ram’s residence, Chateau Garli, which lay abandoned for many years and has been restored by his grandson. A heritage tourist resort known as “Judges Court” has also come up here, and the family has renovated and restored the building, converted it into a resort. Besides, many heritage properties are being renovated these days.

History also reveals that villages were built by the prosperous Sood community from Rajasthan, a merchant clan, which came to Garli and Paragpur in the 19th century after travelling extensively, and established a trading village and built grand homes here in European styles. Unfortunately, many of these are in dire need of renovation.

The Heritage Zone of Garli-Pragpur is zealously protected by local residents. In their endeavour that the villages retain their unique character, panchayats preserve the heritage buildings and give their advice and guidelines on new constructions.