IEP Chandigarh, January 5
Haryana Deputy Chief Minister, Sh. Dushyant Chautala said that Mahendragarh district boasts a rich historical heritage and is poised to emerge as a significant tourist attraction in the near future. The coalition government remains committed to the preservation of these cultural treasures.
The Deputy Chief Minister shared his remarks with journalists following an inspection of the conservation efforts at the historic Chhatta Rai Bal Mukund Das in Mahendragarh. He said that soon, tourists would have the opportunity to explore this historical site, with the preservation work nearing completion. A budget of Rs 620.38 lakh has been allocated for the restoration of the state-protected monument, renowned as Birbal’s hive. While 70% of the conservation work is already accomplished, the remaining 30% will be addressed through separate tenders.
Highlighting the abundance of historical sites in Mahendragarh district, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized its potential to become a sought-after destination for both domestic and international tourists.
The uniqueness of Diwan Ray-e-Rayan Mukand Das’s hive lies in its historical significance
Constructed by Mukand Das, Diwan Ray-i-Rayan of Narnaul during Shah Jahan’s reign (1628-1666 AD), this grand edifice is meticulously designed and famously known as Birbal’s hive. It has retained its original layout without any alterations. The southern wall’s platform in this four-storey mansion adds a regal touch, with a grand entrance on the west side featuring a depiction of an elephant fight. The ceilings, tops of entrances, and the pavilion at the north-east corner showcase net-vaulting traces, enhancing their allure. The inward path from the entrance, featuring four sharp turns, leads to open courtyards surrounded by differently sized rooms and verandahs. The two large rooms on the southern side, once with mezzanine floors, have unfortunately collapsed. The verandah’s marble pillars have square bases, while their shafts are polygonal.
Key features on this floor include a cradle balcony in the southern wall and a spacious hall in the south-west corner above the main entrance. The balcony boasts a rectangular cradle, topped by a bungalow-style curved roof, with all lower floor pillars crafted from marble. The hall’s western wall promotes cross-ventilation through three openings. Adjacent to the mansion stands a structure with pronounced Rajasthani characteristics, believed to be the entrance to the mansion’s enclosure. Now referred to as Moti Mahal, it features a central arched opening and projecting balconies on the upper level, showcasing the distinctive Hindu architectural element of chhajja or deep caves.
