Rashtra Niwas

Rashtra Niwas
राष्ट्र निवास
	File:Rashtra Niwas in 2017.jpg Illuminated Rashtra Niwas during Diwali Celebrations in 2017
Former names	President's Palace,; Government House,; Rashtrapati Bhavan
Location	Rajagriha, Purvanchal
Owner	Purvanchal Royal Family
Type	Office residence
Genre(s)	Ceremonies
Construction
Built	1960-1961
Opened	2010
Renovated	2017
Tenants
	Varuna Sriraya, Maharaja of Purvanchal and Royal Family of Purvanchal

The Rashtra Niwas (Hindi: राष्ट्र निवास), translated as State House and formerly known as President's House, Government House and Rashtrapati Bhavan is the principal residence and workplace of the current Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra Varuna Sriraya and the members of the royal house of Purvanchal. Being the principal residence and workplace of the Rashtradhyaksh and formerly that of the President and Prime Minister, the Rashtra Niwas has extensively been used in numerous state ceremonies including hosting state events, oath-taking ceremonies of the leaders, investiture ceremonies, etc.

The Rashtra Niwas has been the official residence of the royal family since 1961 and was first owned by late Prince Grandfather and the founder of the royal dynasty and is currently owned by Prince Nirmal, the elder brother of Prince Debajyoti, the Prince Father of Purvanchal.

History

The Rashtra Niwas was constructed between 1960-1961 as the official residence of Prince Grandfather Sriraya and has since then used by the principal residence of the royal family. In 1990s, the ownership was transferred to Prince Nirmal, the eldest son of the previous owner and uncle of Rashtradhyaksh Varuna Sriraya, who is till date the legal owner of the Rashtra Niwas.

Following the establishment of Vishwamitra in 2007, the Rashtra Niwas was proclaimed to be the principal meeting place for the leaders. At the time of its opening in 2010, the residential building was known as the Government House and following the election of Varuna Sriraya as the President of the nation on numerous occasions, the residence was renamed as President's House. In 2018, the complex was officially renamed as Rashtrapati Bhavan, literally translating as President's House and was further renamed in 2019 to its current name of Rashtra Niwas.

Architecture

The Rashtra Niwas is constructed in the Assam-type architectural style which is the predominant and most-popular architectural style developed in the state of Assam during the late modern period. It is a single-storey building and is made from materials such as concrete, bricks, etc. The residence was designed to be earthquake proof and has witnessed numerous big quakes in its lifetime. The building is rectangular shaped and incorporates living rooms, verandah, kitchen and other bedrooms and guest rooms for the members of the royal family.

Rooms in the complex

The Rashtra Niwas has two official suites, an extended outer verandah, an annexure verandah, an outer and an inner courtyard, private rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and an outer garden. The two official suites have extensively been used for hosting various state events and ceremonies.

The Tanishkaa Patranabish Throne Hall, formerly the Ashoka Hall, is the largest room in the residential building and was previously used for hosting oath-taking ceremonies, parliamentary meetings, etc. The room was renamed to its present name in 2020 in the honour of Tanishkaa Patranabish.

The Durbar Hall, meaning court room, is presently the principal meeting place in the building. The room was previously used for hosting civil investiture ceremonies and occasionally for hosting oath-taking ceremonies. The room is now used for receiving state dignitaries and for meetings hosted by the Rashtradhyaksh and the members of the royal family. The notable 2023 G16 summit hosted by Vishwamitra was virtually hosted from the Durbar Hall.

The other rooms in the building are used for various purposes.

The extended outer verandah often serves for smaller ceremonies which include very less attendees.
The annexure verandah also serves as the Dining Hall and is used for hosting dinners and other dining events.
The outer courtyard and the outer garden is used for hosting garden parties and high-tea events. The venue is also used for hosting various religious and under the sky events.

The Vishwamitran Royal Museum is housed in one of the private rooms of the complex and is hence, inaccessible to the general public except for selective guests and invited personages.

Flora and fauna

The Rashtra Niwas is home to a variety to floral and faunal species. Among the various trees and plants grown in the outer garden of the complex include Mango, Jackfruit, Black plum, Coconut, Betel nuts and Banana. The flowering plants include Hibiscus, Shiuli, etc.

File:DSCN6066-7 (24).jpg

Clerodendrum found in the Royal Gardens.

The faunal species found in the Rashtra Niwas and surrounding complexes are squirrels, monkeys, parakeets, common pigeons, egrets, sparrows, Indian mynas, etc.

Portraits and paintings

Several portraits and paintings are hung on the walls of the Rashtra Niwas. These paintings are intricated works by the Rashtradhyaksh himself which are framed and put to public display. These works include glass paintings, canvas paintings in acrylic and oil paints, emboss painting, etc. The glass painting is the most prominent artwork on display which is that of Goddess Durga sitting in a village hut with Lord Ganesha depicted as a child on her holding the lotus flower.

External links