COMPARITIVE STUDY OF THE FORTS AND PALACES

OF CUTTACK

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CUTTACK

Cuttack, the former capital and one of the oldest cities of Orissa is the administrative
headquarters of the district. The town is situated at the apex of the delta formed by the rivers
Mahanadi in the North and Kathajodi in the South.
The past history of Cuttack is limited to the inscriptional details, which have been excavated so
far. The inscriptions of Anagamahadeva III refer the original city as Abhinab-Baranasi-Katak.
Cuttack is also known as "Abhinab Baranasi" because resembling Baranasi, it also situated
between two rivers Mahanadi and Kathajodi. The historical records of Cuttack show that the
entire tract of Cuttack is an amalgamation of five villages viz. Choudwar Katak, Saranasi Katak,
Sarangagarh Katak, Viraja Katak and Amaravati Katak.
The importance of Cuttack as a significant administrative unit originates from the fact early in 12th
century when the king Chodagangadeva ascended the throne and transferred his capital
to Cuttack from Kalinga Nagar. The famous Ganga ruler Anangabhimadeva III constructed their
Barabati fort in 1229 A.D. to protect his country from the foreign aggression.
After the Gangas Orissa passed into the hands of the Gajapati, under whom Cuttack continued to
be the capital of the state. As it is accounted in Ain-I- Akbari, during the supremacy of
the Mughals in India, Cuttack was a flourishing capital under the native ruler Mukunda Deva. On
the eve of Afghan invasion , Cuttack was found well-protected and fortified Capital. However the
Afghans were predestined to be ousted by the Mughals .But the Mughals could not retain their
supremacy in Orissa for long and they yielded before the vibrant Marathas. During the Marathas,
the history of Cuttack delineates the scenario of prosperous trade and economy of Cuttack.
Cuttack at that very time served as the central market of exchange between the Marathas of
Nagpur and the British merchant of Bengal and North Circar.
Following the historical records of Cuttack, according to the treaty of Deogaon in 1803, Cuttack
came under the jurisdictional control of the British. With the aim to constitute a strong political
foundation, the British set to consolidate the fragmented parts and the land revenue
administration. But the British suffered a set back in 1866, due to the devastating famine. Finally
the Government resolved to remove the isolation of Cuttack from the rest of the country
observing the after effect of the destructive catastrophe of the famine. In the second half of the
19th century, Cuttack was interlinked with the rest of the country and a number of waterways and
roads were developed to the heart of the city. Finally in the last decade of the 19th century the
BNR railway line connected Cuttack directly with Madras and Calcutta.
As the history runs, Cuttack was the nerve center of the nationalist movement during the Indian
Struggle for Independence. During the course of freedom struggle, Swaraj Ashram of
Sahebazada Bazaar was the center of all nationalist activities. The indoctrinated followers of
Gandhiji assembled in the Ashram to discuss the principles and ideals of Gandhi to expel the
British from India. The growing militant revolutionary activities in Cuttack appeared as a threat to
the British and they appointed a Commissioner of Orissa division stationed in Cuttack till 1936.
Cuttack has been serving as the administrative and the commercial hub of Eastern India since its
advent. In the post independence period, Cuttack was reduced from the status of the capital city
following the decision of the State government that Bhubaneswar will be the new capital of Orissa
because of administrative convenience. Cuttack till date is significant as one of the oldest city of
India.
MAP OF CUTTACK SHOWING THE LOCATION OF STUDY
• BARABATI FORT
• TALCHER KOTHI
• KANIKA PALACE
BARABATI FORT

HISTORY
The ruins of Barabati Fort with its moat and gate and the excavated palace complex and base of
the Ganga period temple lie on the bank of the river Mahanadi as the silent witness of the
vicissitudes of Orissan history. It witnessed the fortunes and falls of the Ganga & sSuryavanshi
rulers .It witnessed the fall of the short Bhoi dynasty & the short rule of Mukandadeva ( 1560 –
1568 A.D ). Barabati was captured in 1568 A.D by Suleiman Karnani, the Sultan of Bengal.
From 1568 – 1751 A.D the fort remain under Afghan and Mughal occupation and then passed
into the hands of the Marathas. During the rules of the Muslims & Marathas, Barabati remained
the main seat of occupation and rulers added to the building of the fort and strengthened its
fortification .From the Marathas the fort was captured by the British army on 14 Oct 1803 A.D and
used as a political jail .The vandalism to destroy the fort was intensified in the early phase of the
British rule. In 1837 A.D the fort was converted into unsightly series of earthen mounds and stone
pits In 1914 A.D. The remains of the Barabati fort was declared as a protected monument by
Govt of India.

This fort in its ruins slowly crumbling into dust is carrying with it a testimony to a grand artistic and
architectural vision. It certainly was one of the greatest achievement of the Orissa architecture
which otherwise was famous for the magnificent temples and places of worship like Puri,
Bhubaneswar and Konark. The history of Barabati is closely associated with the history of
Cuttack, which was the Capital of Kalinga empire for ages.

For better safety and protection of Bidanasi Kataka, Markata Keshari, of the Keshari dynasty
constructed the stone embankments of the banks of the rivers Kathjodi and Mahanadi. It may be
noted here that the nomenclature of Kataka was usually referred to a place where the kings used
to stay temporarily or permanently or place where the armies were garrisoned.

Mukunda Deva the last independent monarch of Orissa recorded and rebuilt the defensive wall of
the fort and erected a nine-storied palace. Since then the fort of Barabati was popularly known as
the palace of Mukunda Deva. Mukunda Deva is recorded as the greatest builder.

Stirling ,a European traveler, who was present at Cuttack in 1818 described the then condition of
the fort. "Its square sloping towers or bastions, and general style, bespeak clearly a Hindu origin.
The Mohammedan or Maratha Governors added a round bastion at the N.W. Angle, and
constructed the great arched gateway in the eastern face, which alterations are alluded to in a
Persian inscription, giving for the date of the repairs and additions. The fort has double walls built
of stone, the inner of which enclose a rectangular area measuring 2,150 by 1,800 feet. The
entrance lies through a grand gateway on the east, flanked by two lofty square towers, having the
sides inclining inwards, from the base to the summit. A noble ditch faced with masonry surrounds
the whole measuring in the broadest part two hundred and twenty feet across. From the centre of
the fort rises a huge square bastion or cavalier supporting a flag staff.”

The king of Khurda, Ramachandra Deva was imprisoned in this fort by Taki Khan in 1725 A.D. In
1742 Bhaskar Pandit, the leader of the Marathas attacked the fort and in 1745 A.D. Raghuji
Bhonsla occupied the fort. Thus by 1751 the fort and Cuttack came entirely under the occupation
of the Marathas. The ninestorieyed palace of Mukunda Deva was not in existence at the time of
English attack in 1803. The Maratha armies stationed in the fort were not ready for the
unexpected battle nor had any opportunity to get military help from the feudal lords of Orissa. So
the British armies under the commandership of Colonel Harcourt and Colonel Celton bombarded
the fort and could enter without resistance . The fort was thus the seat of administration for
several centuries and was utlimately used as the prison for illustrious kings and nobles of the
land. In 1803, the Raja of Kujanga, in 1818, the Raja of Khurda and in 1819 the Raja of Suguja
with his family members were kept under confinement in this fort. In 1828 A.D. Under the
suggestion of Packenham, the commissioner, stones of the fort were used for repair of
revetments and public roads and even sold to moneyed men at a price of Rupees five to six per
hundred pieces of size stones. In 1829 the Light House at False Point and the entire Cantonment
Road were constructed with the stones of the crumbling fort.

1. SITE & ITS ENVIRONMENT

A. ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
Barabati fort is situated at the right bank of river Mahanadi, in
the western part of Cuttack city. The fort, roughly square in
plan having an area over 102 acres is surrounded on all sides
by a stone lined moat having width of 10m on its northern and
western sides and 20m on eastern & southern part. The fort is
surrounded by indoor stadium Barabati stadium, mosque,
individual quarters. The distance of the Barabati fort from the
main transport hub Badambadi Bus Stand is 5km and the
Railway Station is 3-4 km.

B. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Barabati fort has a great cultural impact on the city of Cuttack.The famous Baliyatra is related to
the Barabati. The famous Gadachandi temple within the Barabati is known for its cultural values.

C. RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE
Both Hindu and Muslim religious and architectural characteristics are found in the Barabati fort.
The Gadachandi temple signifies the Hindu religion. During the Mughals the mosque within the
fort signifies the Muslim religion.

D. SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
The total site is covered by a grass lawn. The quiet ,calm environment gives a mental peace to
this area . The moat and pond help in developing a water eco system . The whole structure is in a
good balance with its environment. Trees surrounding the whole area giving a pollution free
atmosphere

E. CONSERVATION POTENTIAL
In 1984 A.D the remains of the Barabati fort was declared as protected monument by the G.O.I &
for the exposed structure. Measures are taken to preserve & conserve them including
beautification of the surroundings.

F. CLIMATIC INFORMATION
CLIMATIC INFORMATION:Rainfall-800 mm
Type of climate-warm humid,
Temperature-Max 45 deg,Min 28 deg
Humidity- 60 to 75%

2. ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ISSUES

A. PAST AND PRESENT USERS

Past – Residential palace.
Present – tourist interest / Monument
 B. CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
1229 – 1238 A.D

C. ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
Provincial style of architecture

D. LOCAL ARCHITECTURE
With the advent of the Muslim rule the city became a great center of the Islamic culture. By the
Muslim architecture the first lintel of the corbelled ceilings were replaced by arches and spanned
by dome. Some of the provincial architecture are seen in the Gadachandi temple.

E. MATERIALS USED
Material used – Dressed Khondolite stone block
Filling by sand & malba
Lime flooring

F. PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES

No paintings are available. From outside the citadel wall on the southern side, the antiques
recovered consisted of seven iron arrow heads and one iron canon ball. Beside this 400
architectural fragments belonging to temple parts and pieces of sculptures depicting erotic
couple ,musicians ,standing female statue , heads of female showing ornaments and different
hair style etc were recovered.

G. STRUCTURAL HEALTH AND DECAY CAUSES

Structure is in a ruined position with vegetative growth all around .
Decay Causes are:
Climatic – By solar radiation, Rain fall, Humidity
Chemical – No chemical pollution
Botanical – There are some decay of material due to small plants & creepers.
Biological & Microbiological – There are some structural decay also caused by fungi and algae.

H. PLANNING CONCEPT

The Barabati fort is now in a ruined stage, but some of its elements and structures are still there
which were found during the excavation.
 • High Mound :
In the center of fort exists a high mound to the west of which is a tank. The area covering the
high mound and some flat area around it measures about 15 acres. Part of the high mound on
its northern side is encroached by kitchen gardens belonging to inhabitants residing in Govt.
quarters. Towards the east of the high mounds stands a mosque known as Sahi mosque while
to the west of the tank is the Mazar of Hazrat Ali Bukhari.
• Square structure :
The main square structure had two phases, in the first phase, it was a simple square structure
18 m. on the side in which offsets were used to decorate the exterior. In the second phase, an
addition of about 2m. was made on all the four sides and a ramp was added on the northern
side.
Trenches taken on the eastern side of revealed a filling of sand and malba. In the malba filling
were found 32 pillars built of laterite blocks, roughly square but varying in size. On plan these
pillar formed rows running east-west & north-south.

• These pillars 32 numbers found so far, on plan showed a central hall having a width of
10m. north-south and length of 25m. east-west, with 7 openings from the northern and
southern sides.

• Around the central hall on the southern and eastern sides, there were corridors with pillars
on the exteriors while a plastered wall formed the exterior on the northern side.

TALCHER KOTHI
 1. SITE & ITS ENVIRONMENT
The site of 13936 sft is more or less plain land with lots of vegetation growth. On the right is a low
land filled with water during rain. Initially the site had an area of 3.5 acres with a tennis court on
right and a football field on the left. Now it is occupied with residences which have sprung up on
this area because the land is sold to some private personnel.

A. ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
Landscape is abundant, but the accumulation of water during rains and improper maintenance
pose a threat (unhygienic condition). It is located in a peaceful residential zone with no noise
pollution and traffic is at the minimum.

B. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Raja of Talcher patronized growth of education and was an important share holder in forming
Cuttack printing company. The state merger agreement for Rajwada was signed in Talcher kothi
in Sardar Balabhbhai Patel’s presence ( Orissa gained as number of districts inc from 6 to 13 ; 25
rulers signed the merger )

C. SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
From the original site of 3.5 acres, only 1.29 acres are occupied under Talcher Kothi now, rest of
the site is sold with either proposal for construction or already has 3-4 storied residential
buildings with negligible setbacks devoid of any harmony of composition or proportion.

D. CONSERVATION POTENTIAL
The potential for conservation is nil. Self sustainability of the structure has expired and it is in a
dilapidated condition. Mr R.K Sahoo a contractor has already purchased the area. He will
demolish the Kothi and then sell the land.

E. CLIMATIC INFORMATION
Rainfall-800 mm
Type of climate-warm humid,
Temperature-Max 45 deg, Min 28 deg
Humidity- 60 to 75%

2. ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ISSUES

A. PAST AND PRESENT USERS

Being used for residential purpose by the children of Raja Krushna Ch. Deb to stay while studying
in Cuttack.

IMPORTANT NAMES ASSOCIATED: Raja Saheb of Talcher ‘Raja Krushna ch. Deb (1884-1945) and
Lord Curzon(Viceroy)

B. CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
Constructed during the British rule by Lord Curzon during his viceroyship in the year 1898, as a
single storied structure on a site of 3.5 acres. The upper storey was added later in 1920 by Raja
Kishore Chandra Deb who had purchased it in 1909 from Lord Curzon.

C. ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The style was predominantly British, very simple without much ornamentation except for the
capitals of pillars on both sides of the entrance porch which are bulb shaped with a floral pattern
on its apex bearing similarities to Romanesque and Maratha architecture to some extent. The
parapets all around the terrace form a design of concentric semicircles.

D. LOCAL ARCHITECTURE
Sites near by smaller and structure on them much higher, and all of them recent construction
( nothing like kothi )

E. MATERIALS USED
Load bearing structure with1’-2” brick wall Sloping tiled
roof . There are arches all around the verandah.Roof is of
timber construction. Walls are of brick masonry in lime
,mud mortar and jaggery. Timber is used for beam and
structural support

F. PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES

A painting of a dancing tribal man is near entrance door.
There are no sculptures, but a lot of photographs of the royal family which are unidentifiable now
(spoiled due to moisture).

G. STRUCTURAL HEALTH AND DECAY CAUSES

Structural health is very bad. Roof is fully collapsed in some parts.
Decay causes are:
CLIMATIC: High humidity, exposure to sunlight, vagaries of temperature along with the monsoon
are important causes.
CHEMICAL: Domestic fumes is the main reason.
BOTIANICAL: Vegetation growth cause cracks and damage.
ZOOLOGICAL: Bat and bird excretes cause decay.

H. PLANNING CONCEPT

GROUND FLOOR PLAN

TERRACE FLOOR PLAN

FRONT VIEW REAR VIEW

KANIKA PALACE
 1. SITE & ITS ENVIRONMENT
Kanika Palace, a dilapidated old building is accessible by means of a branch road connecting
Kanika chakk with Biju Pattnaik chakk. It is a 44 acre flat land almost 40 % of which is a scum
covered pool. The mansion lies at the south west corner. The land is infested by a multitude of
plant species ranging from unwanted weeds to crevice growing plants like Banyan and thorny
bushes.

A. ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
The palace stands aloof within a vast premises beyond which lies arrays of erratic modern
constructions. Considering its huge magnitude, the building appears to be balanced but isolated
within the huge area encompassing it. Its alienation from the main road might have been the
reason regarding why any Govt. or any private agency has not still not taken any interest to
restore this building.

B. CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE

There are positive evidences of social and religious events. The Temple compound is at the right
side of the mansion. Presence of a Puja Mandap within an internal courtyard reflects the religious
and social ceremonies. Private residences for priests inside the temple complex suggest that
elaborate, meticulous religious and social functions and not mere petty worship was done during
that period. A small Mandap adorns the central position of the courtyard. Most probably this was
used as a platform for performing private rituals and worship.

C. SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
The surrounding buildings are of recent origin and have no substantial bearing over the mansion.
Industrial pollution is not existant and noise pollution is less. Only one part of the land abuts the
road.

D. CONSERVATION POTENTIAL
Owing to the close proximity of the Barabati ruins and the stadiums it might well serve as a tourist
place , drawing crowds from the adjacent stadiums and Fort. Kanika palace has all the attributes
which can be harnessed to the fullest to reconvert it into a self sustainable building since it can
serve as a tourist place drawing quite a crowd to witness its magnificence.
An interested agency from Mumbai had come up with a proposal of renovating the mansion into
a tourist place but for the lack of funds and the indifference of the government, this proposal
couldn’t materialize.
Vandalism though not evident cannot be ruled out as a future possibility keeping into view the
lack of proper security of the huge complex.
Most parts of the mansion are in poor condition. The entrance to the temple is in a ruinous
condition .The kitchen has been completely broken due to the presence of a pond nearby from
which water might have seeped into the walls by capillary action. The Puja Mandap is in a
relatively good condition due to regular cleaning and proper maintenance. The roof of the
entrance porch has blown off during the super cyclone of 1999.The timber rafters in some parts of
the structure has given way to be replaced by steel sections. The abutting road which connects it
to Barabati Fort if developed properly, might enhance Kanika palace as a tourist spot.The
adjacent lake by the side of the mansion can be converted into a boating spot owing to its wide
expanse. The vast land in front can be landscaped properly and a horticulture unit can be started
under the brand name of Kanika.The temple of the palace can be made open to public .The
furniture ,paintings and the sculptures can be exhibited in the Kanika palace itself rather than
having a separate museum at Bhitar Kanika.

E. CLIMATIC INFORMATION
Rainfall-800 mm
Type of climate-warm humid,
Temperature-Max 45 deg,Min 28 deg
Humidity- 60 to 75%

2. ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING ISSUES

A. PAST AND PRESENT USERS

The mansion lies in the name of the Kanika king and the lawful heirs to the same are still involved
in litigation problem regarding the land acquisition and hence no implementation of plans of any
kind has been possible to give way to new structures.

B. CONSTRUCTION PERIOD
Dates back to 1842, almost 161 years back

C. ARCHITECTURAL STYLE(Indo – British style).

A temple adjoining the mansion at one side, presence of courtyard with Mandapa for religious
functions and typical wide arches suggest a strong influence of Hindu architecture. There is also
a reflection of British style of architecture in the stairs having wrought iron balustrades and posts.

D. MATERIALS USED
Stone , lime, brick along with wood ,mortar and glass were used extensively with local materials
like jaggery and bael gum as the binding material.

E. PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES

A majority of the paintings in the mansion have been shifted to a museum at Bhitar kanika . A few
paintings have however been retained .

F. STRUCTURAL HEALTH AND DECAY CAUSES

The construction system is typical brick masonry in lime mortar. Local binding materials like
jaggery and bael gum has been used . The rafters are of timber and some of later origin is of iron.
It is a load bearing structure with flat roof . Columns spanned by wide semicircular arches.The
original exterior of the mansion has been retained partially , the residing rooms have been
remodelled for habitable interiors, but a major portion of the mansion like the kitchen area has
given way and the first floor has been declared unsafe by the ASI. Some portion of the mansion
complex , i.e-the Billiards and the T.T. room, have been completely demolished to give way for
modern construction.
The staircase 7’6” wide, with 6” riser and 14” tread ,leading to the first floor is a straight flight
whereas the one leading to second floor is an open well. Floor to floor height is 14’0” and the total
height of the mansion is 29’6” .
Problems are:
• Cracks and collapses of walls and roofs.
• Leakage / Dampness problems
• Vegetation growth.
• Corrosion of steel components.
• Ageing of materials.
Ponds, lakes and other water bodies around

CHEMICAL DECAY – No Industrial pollutants or chemical fumes.

BOTANICAL DECAY –
Plants -Bushy plants: Amaranthus, Achyranthus.
Creepers -Tecoma, Puthos Piper, Ficus Indica.
BIOLOGICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL DECAY-Most of the walls are covered with lichens and mosses.
The pool adjoining the building is wholly covered with algal growth (scum).
Moss - Funaria. Lichens - Fruticosa.
ZOOLOGICAL - The front corridor at the first
floor has been totally covered with pigeon
droppings and rat droppings.

G. PLANNING CONCEPT

The presence of courtyard, typical lion sculpture at the entrance of the temple compound ,a
square plan ,the typical roof comprising of the shikhara, amalaka, kalasha and elaborate
ornamentation at the exterior facade of the temple, all points out the evidence of early influence of
Orissan architecture.

COMPARISION BETWEEN KANIKA PALACE AND TALCHER KOTHI

Contents Kanika palace Talcher kothi
Plot area 44 acres 3.5 acres
Period of construction 1842
Number of storeys G+1 G+1
Style of architecture Indo-British style English style
Materials used No surface treatment except No surface treatment as
the temple and the such. Glass ,brick ,white
mandap .Stone, brick ,lime, cement and jaggery were
wood ,mortar and glass were used.
used in addition to local
materials ,i.e –bael gum and
jaggery.
Functionally • Residential purpose • Residential purpose
• Kanika Raja constructed • King dev of Talcher
it for residential purpose. bought it from the
Britishers so that he
• Interconnected rooms. along with his sons could
• Toilets at periphery. stay at Cuttack(For
academic purpose )
• Kitchen was present but
now is in a dilapidated • Interconnected rooms.
condition. • Toilets at periphery.
• No traces of kitchen.
Structurally • Load bearing • Load bearing
structure,columns structure, arches
spanned by wide arches. present.
• Presence of long • Verandahs present.
verandahs
• Clear storey above
• No clear storey toilet
• Flat roof, wooden • Pitched roof with
rafters. earthernware tiles,
wooden rafters.
• Ist floor to terrace –
open wellGround floor to • Staircase – u turn
1st Floor- straight flight

Present condition • Some portions declared • The whole structure is in

unsafe. If some a very poor condition and
renovation is done the will soon be demolished.
palace can become an
important tourist centre.