JHUNJHUNWALA KI HAVELI: A SYNERGY OF ART AND ARCHITECTURE

 

Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author)

The land of Gaya is full of architectural marvels. One of them is "Rai Surajmal Jhunjhunwala ki haveli" which is also commonly known as "Tilha Dharamshala". The elegant structure built in 1909 with eye- catching carvings, beautiful human figured cornices,  decorative parapets with mouldings and carvings is an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture with colonial influence. In its construction, Rai Surajmal Prasad Jhunjhunwala Bahadur, the grandson of Seth Ramcharan Das ji and great-grandson of Tuganramji, resident of Ravetri Rajputana located in Chidwa area, played the main role. This Dharamsala was inaugurated by the then Governor of Bengal, Lord Walker.

 

Jhunjhunwala ki Haveli or Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author)

The structure is situated on Ramsagar road of Navagarhi area in the old historic core of Gaya. Carved stucco works on the facade, Floral stucco on the spandrels of arches, wooden louvers in arch openings, and fluted plasters are the special features of the building. Chunar stones have been used in its construction. This Dharamshala is three storeyed, in which 41 rooms are built at the ground floor, 25 on the first and 11 rooms on the top. There is a kitchen for the food and drink of the residents. There is a courtyard in the center of this dharamsala and in its southern part there are a total 14 rooms, which are called kothi. In this kothi, the owners of the Dharamshala used to come and live occasionally. This Dharamshala was originally built for the Pind-daan pilgrims coming from far away cities.

 

Central Courtyard of Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: fun time)

Central Courtyard of Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: fun time)

Though the building has a high architectural and historical significance, it has been neglected at all levels. The building serves as "Dharmsala" for the pilgrims with very basic infrastructures and as a polling booth during elections. The shops in the front portion are acting as a threat to the property structurally and aesthetically as well. There is a need for proper conservation and facade upliftment of the structure.

Top Chatri at Tilha Dharmashala, Gaya (Source: Author)

Author: Abhishek Kumar, Dated 01st day of February 2022.

Copyright @ Abhishek Kumar

Comments

  1. Unknown10 February 2022 at 15:29

    Good information 👍

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mr. Strange10 January 2024 at 12:27

    Certainly, it seems that the government has overlooked the potential of this location. Initially, its facade portrayed a grand Haveli, but closer inspection revealed ropes for clothes and notices scribbled on the inner walls. And the interior rooms evoke memories of antiquated, dimly lit spaces, emanating an unpleasant odor.

    ReplyDelete

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