The Sultan Palace is approx 100 years old iconic landmark in the heart of Patna, Bihar. It was built in the year 1922, by Sir Sultan Ahmed who was an eminent lawyer and judge and the first Indian Vice-Chancellor of Patna University. It was designed by Ali Jan. It was used as a home for Sir Sultan Ahmed.
The Sultan palace which is located at Veer Chand Patel Path is an example of Islamic architecture. It has a high domed tower, domed pavilions, minarets and a series of multi foliated arches. In 2008 Bihar Government has mentioned Sultan Palace in its publication “Patna: A monumental History”.
Sultan Palace Architecture
The Architecture of Sultan Palace is based on Islamic Architecture. It has a high domed tower at the centre and domed pavilions at the edges of the roof. It consists of slender minarets and a series of multi foliated arches in the facade. For decorating the roof, Gold Powder has been used. White Marble is also used at many places. The palace is divided into two wings one for Men and the other for Women. The Front one is dedicated to men and the back part of the palace is dedicated to Women.
It was built on a 10 acre plot near R Block, Patna and Sir Sultan Ahmed invested Rs 3 Lacs in its construction in 1922. It took almost two years of construction work.
Where is Sultan Palace Patna
It is located in Gardnier Road, Patna which in present times is known as Veer Chand Patel Path, near R Block Patna. At present, it is also known as Parivahan Bhavan, Patna which is also the Headquarter of BSRTC (Bihar State Road Transport Corporation).
Issues Related to the Palace
In the month of June, 2022 the Bihar Cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has proposed to build three five star hotels in Patna. The three spots that were chosen for the development of the five star hotels were Bankipur Bus Depot, Hotel Patliputra Ashok near Income Tax Golambar and The Sultan Palace.
For the construction of the premium hotels it was advised to raze these buildings. This infuriated the Heritage Property Lovers and they objected to it.
In 2017, senior officers in the tourism department were also planning to develop the Sultan Palace at Veer Chand Patel Path and Rizwan Palace of Dakbunglow crossing as a ‘Heritage Hotel’ but it seemed that this plan didn’t worked out.
Due to the announcement that the current structure will be demolished, the Heritage lovers protested about the Government’s plan and filed a PIL in Patna High Court to protect the Palace.
Citizens also ran an online campaign named ‘Long Live the Sultan Palace’ on twitter on World Tourism Day.
Patna High Court stayed the proposed demolition of the Palace and sought a reply from the Government on this issue.
