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In the year
1876, the Government decided to purchase Upper Norwood and Lower Norwood, which
belonged to the trustees of Lawrence Asylum and started efforts for the
establishment of the Government House at Ootacamund. The Duke of Buckingham,
who initiated the purchase, took possession of both the Upper and Lower Norwood
and the Garden Cottage. But after a single stay, the Governor was convinced
that the Upper Norwood was not a fit abiding place for the Governor. Soon after
returning to Madras, the Duke proposed the building of a large two storeyed
building which can afford complete accommodation for the family and provide
public reception rooms. Between 1878 and 1881, various estimates were
prepared and a final estimate for the construction of Government house at a cost
of Rs.4,02,914/- was approved. But this estimate did not contain the cost
of furnishing the building and hence a further comprehensive estimate was
prepared in July 1888 for an amount of Rs.7,79,150/-. Finally, the
Government House was constructed at a cost of Rs.7,82,633/-.
In
1899, a Ball room with an ante-room was added to the Government House and in
1904 electrical installation for the whole premises was approved and installed.
During the period of construction of the Government House, the Duke of
Buckingham resided at Upper Norwood and was constantly inspecting the work,
altering the plans and making suggestions. Sir Arthur Havelock
considerably improved the interior of the original building especially the very
fine and handsome Ball room. After Independence, the Government House was
renamed as Raj Bhavan.
The present
area of Raj Bhavan, Udhagamandalam is 86.72 acres. The main building has a
plinth area of 29,505 sq.ft. and consists of a large Banqueting Hall, ball room,
Drawing and Reception rooms, besides 17 Guest rooms and office rooms. The
elevation of Raj Bhavan is 2,303 metres above mean-sea level and enjoys a warm,
temperate climate with an average rainfall of 1,400 mm per year.
The
famous Banquet Hall of Raj Bhavan was given a complete face lift in 1988, in
association with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH)
and the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural property,
Lucknow. The Embossed canvas, which was damaged has been restored.
The Raj
Bhavan Gardens is a fascinating experience. It consists of ornamental gardens
in an area of about 9 acres, a rich lawn on 3 acres, four rosaries, two lily
ponds, a sunken garden, two green houses, a vegetable garden and a nursery.
History of Raj Bhavan, Chennai
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