Raipur: The Chhattisgarh Government is planning to establish a dedicated heritage gallery titled ‘Riyasat Veethika’ to preserve and showcase the historical legacy, royal traditions and cultural heritage of the state’s 14 former princely states under one roof.
The proposed gallery will bring together historical artefacts, archival records and cultural materials associated with the erstwhile princely states. Its blueprint was presented during a consultation meeting with descendants and representatives of former royal families, with the government seeking their suggestions and cooperation for developing the collection.
Officials from the Tourism and Culture Department presented the proposed action plan and discussed ways to document, preserve and display the heritage associated with the former royal establishments.
What Will ‘Riyasat Veethika’ Showcase?
Tourism and Culture Department Secretary Dr S. Bharathidasan outlined the proposed scope of the gallery, explaining that it would document and display different aspects of the royal history and cultural traditions of Chhattisgarh.
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The proposed collection will include:
- Royal court traditions: Historical practices, ceremonies and traditions associated with royal courts
- Royal insignia: Emblems and symbols representing the former princely states.
- Traditional attire: Royal clothing and distinctive traditional costumes.
- Ancient weapons: Historical arms and weapons preserved by former royal families.
- Historical coins: Coins associated with the erstwhile princely establishments.
- Royal seals: Seals and other historical identification marks.
- Archival records: Historical documents, family records and other archival materials.
- Socio-cultural traditions: Distinctive customs, practices and cultural traditions of the former princely states.
Many of these historical materials are currently preserved in private palace collections, family archives and regional museums. The proposed gallery aims to bring them together on a common platform.
Nodal Officer to Coordinate With Former Royal Families
To facilitate the collection and documentation process, the Tourism and Culture Department plans to appoint a dedicated nodal officer.
The officer will coordinate with former royal families and undertake visits to their residences to:
- Record oral histories and accounts associated with the princely states.
- Verify historical documents and family records.
- Identify artefacts and other materials suitable for exhibition.
- Coordinate with royal families for documentation and collection-related activities.
The department is seeking the participation of former royal families to ensure that the historical information and materials are documented with their guidance and cooperation.
Historical Palaces to Be Developed as Heritage Tourism Destinations
Chhattisgarh Tourism Board Chairman Nilu Sharma highlighted the contribution of the former princely states to the state’s cultural, archaeological and religious identity.
He also spoke about the government’s efforts to develop historical palaces into heritage tourism circuits and homestays.
The proposed development is part of broader efforts to conserve historical properties and explore tourism opportunities associated with the state’s royal heritage.
Representatives of Former Royal Families Participate
The consultation meeting brought together descendants and representatives of several former princely families from different parts of Chhattisgarh.
Among those who participated were:
- Sarangarh: Dr. Parivesh Mishra and Kulisha Devi.
- Raigarh: Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh.
- Surguja: Adityeshwar Sharan Singh Deo, Kumudini Devi and Vindheshwar Singh Deo.
- Kawardha: Yogeshwar Raj Singh and Maakleshwar Singh.
- Chhuikhadan: Giriraj Kishore Das.
- Udaipur-Dharamjaigarh: Jitendra Narsingh Rana.
- Khairagarh: Aryavrat Singh and Shatakshi Singh.
- Sakti: Dharmendra Singh.
The representatives shared suggestions for developing the proposed gallery and making the documentation and exhibition of the state’s royal heritage more comprehensive.
Gallery to Serve as a Resource for Students and Researchers
The proposed ‘Riyasat Veethika’ is intended to provide a consolidated account of the history and traditions of Chhattisgarh’s 14 former princely states.
Once developed, the gallery is expected to serve as a resource for students, researchers and visitors interested in the state’s historical and cultural heritage.
By bringing together materials currently preserved across private collections, family archives and regional museums, the initiative seeks to create a dedicated platform for documenting and showcasing Chhattisgarh’s princely history.
