British era buildings located in Pachmarhi
Introduction :-
During the British hegemony, the establishment of the Central Provinces and Berar was done in 22 districts and 5 regions, which included the Narmada division, Narsinghpur, Hoshangabad, Nimad, Betul, and Chhindwara districts covering an area of 47,610 square kilometers. This area featured the highest peak of the Satpura range, Dhoopgarh, which has an elevation of about 4000 feet above sea level.
Due to an average rainfall of 125 inches, it is covered with evergreen forests, and the temperature throughout the year is conducive to health, which led the British to establish residential buildings and towns here. Previously, this area was inhabited by tribal communities including Mawasi, Korku, Bhariya, Rajgond, and Pradhan, whose livelihood was based on forest produce and shifting agriculture (cutting wood for fuel and farming on the remaining land), where rice, kutki, and maize were the main crops. They also practiced animal husbandry. Many buildings have been constructed in Pachmarhi by the British, some of which are historic monuments, the details of which are as follows :-
1. Pachmarhi Church
The Christ Church built in Pachmarhi is an excellent example of British colonial architecture, marking the beginning of changes in this hill station where the British constructed bungalows and churches in their European style. The church was designed by architects from Calcutta, who also created many significant structures in a Gothic style using red sandstone. James Forsyth traveled to Pachmarhi for hunting and wrote a book during his journey titled ‘The Highlands of Central India,’ which is still quite popular today. Pachmarhi was recognized as a summer retreat for the British. Later, in 1904, they developed a garden known as the Company Garden, which sprawls over 14 acres, and for its irrigation system, a total of 7 wells were constructed based on the mot system (a method of drawing water from the wells using bulls).
The British established polo grounds, Pachmarhi Club, and a golf course for their entertainment, which is now known as the second largest field in Asia. British Governor Sir Henry James Taynum had a special interest in Pachmarhi; during his tenure, the Taynum Memorial, built of sandstone, was established in 1942, and the Lady Taynum Ward in the government hospital, which still exists today, was also built by him. A swimming pool was constructed during his tenure, which is currently known as Taynum Pool. The establishment of the Army Education Corps and the British cantonment, including a sanitorium, military hospital, library, etc., was also done.
2. Police Station
This historic building was under the central province and Barar, built on 0.93 acres. Its construction was completed in 1876, with water supply and electrification work carried out in 1991-92, at which time the cost was 5,909 rupees. The materials used in its construction included lime concrete mortar, lime stone blocks, and tiles from the Burn and co Company.
3. Tehsil Building Pachmarhi
This historic building was under the central province and Barar state, built on 0.92 acres of land. Its construction was completed in 1882, at a cost of 31,998 rupees. Construction work took place in this building from 1935 to 1951. The foundation was laid on lime corn stone, and the walls were built using clay. The flooring was made of concrete, with flagged stone on the floor. In 1882, this building was known as the Assistant Commissioner Court. The electrification of this building was done in 1951-52, which cost 6,808 rupees.
This building was used as a court during the British era, which included two courtrooms, one lock-up, and a government treasury room, along with weather monitoring equipment on the first floor. Separate men’s and women’s restrooms were constructed in this building, which were known by the name Hosbury’s. Currently, this building is home to the Special Area Development Authority The civil court first class, Mahadev Mela Committee, and the office of the tehsildar.
4. Vidya Mandir
This historical building was developed over 7.34 acres under the central province and Bhopal state, which includes the surrounding vacant land. Its construction took place in 1882, costing 12,273 rupees. In 1951-52, electrical, water supply, and sanitary fittings work was carried out, costing 26,010 rupees. The cook house was built in 1882-83 and 1934-35, with a recorded value of 2,779 rupees. A fowl house was built in 1933-34, with a recorded value of 438 rupees. The flooring is made of teride patent stone, and single and double Allahabad tiles were used in the roof. Lime plaster was used in the kitchen and fowl house, with the floors made of mud and concrete, and Allahabad and Mangalore tiles were used for the roofs.
5. Residential and Secretariat building Governor’s house
This historic building was under the central province and Barar state, which was developed over 22.84 acres, including the surrounding vacant land.
Its construction was completed in 1887 at a cost of 155,828 rupees, and in 1889, a kitchen was added along with a porch. Renovation work was carried out in 1933-34 and 1957-58, and it was used as the Governor’s house during the summer. Its walls were made of solid materials, and posts and limestone were used in its construction. Marble and blue-red Indian tiles were utilized; while burn and cos glazed tiles were used in the kitchen.
6. Bison Lodge Pachmarhi
This historic building was under the central province and Barar state, and was developed on 2.43 acres, which includes the main building along with servant quarters, toilets, a cook house, a motor shed, and a well. Its construction was done in 1938-39, and the renovation work continued uninterrupted until 1947-56, with an initial cost of 8,709 rupees. For its flooring, brick, lime, and fine clay were used, and a single and double Allahabad tile R.C.C slab was also used on its roof.
7. Old Hotel Block no. 1
This historic building was under the central province and Barar state, which was developed over 6.27 acres. Its construction was completed in the year 1893, and the renovation work continued uninterrupted from 1926 to 1958, with an initial cost of 51,772 rupees. The foundation was built using concrete, and the walls were made of a mixture of lime and bricks, while the floor was constructed with flagged stone terracing, and double Allahabad tiles, burn end, and bagra tiles were used on the roof.
8. Christian Grave
The construction of the grave on the right side of Apsara Vihar Marg was carried out during the British era, where it is noted that the soldiers who died in World War II were brought here and buried, with a description also written in front of their grave. There is also a well from a Persian cemetery here, which suggests that Parsis also resided in this area.
9. Rock Painting
Pachmarhi has many natural and historical caves in its rocks, inside which there are wall paintings created by ancient forest dwellers in various shapes and colors from natural pigments, depicting animals hunting and social activities of the tribal society, with colors such as red, yellow, and brown. The exact information regarding the chemicals used for these is not available yet, nor is the method of their creation. In many places, artistic engravings have been made on sandstone, primarily depicting the moon, the sun, and Lord Ganesha, none of which have undergone carbon dating to ascertain their age. This suggests that ancient tribes had knowledge of religious civilization earlier.