A fire suddenly broke out on Wednesday afternoon in the historic old Rajmahal located in the Junga area near Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The incident occurred in the Old Junga locality, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Dhalli police station. Around 1:00 , a local resident informed the Junga police post about smoke billowing from the palace, prompting immediate administrative action.
Emergency Response And Damage Control
Upon receiving the information, police personnel reached the spot to assess the situation. The Fire Department in Chhota Shimla was immediately notified. A team from the fire department arrived at the scene with fire tenders and launched an operation to extinguish the blaze. The police, fire department, and local villagers worked together to bring the fire under control.
According to officials, the fire was largely brought under control after some time. Police stated that the fire started on the upper floor of the palace. Since the Rajmahal had been in a dilapidated state for a long time and was uninhabited, there was no loss of life in this incident, which is a matter of relief. However, most parts of the wooden palace were severely damaged by the flames.
The cause of the fire has not yet been ascertained. The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to determine whether the fire was caused by a short circuit, anti-social elements, or any other reason.
A Symbol Of Historic Heritage
The old Rajmahal of Junga is considered one of the state's historical and cultural heritage sites. This palace, approximately 200 years old, was associated with the Keonthal princely state, of which Junga was once the capital. The name Junga is said to be derived from the local deity 'Junga.' This palace was not only the residence of the royal family but also a major center for administrative and cultural activities.
Known For Ancient Architecture And Wood Carving
The palace was distinguished by its Pahari architecture, intricate wood carving, and traditional construction style. Over time, due to a lack of proper conservation, the structure became dilapidated and fell into disuse.
New Palace And Location Context
A new palace, also known as Chaurni Palace, is located near the old structure in Junga and is currently associated with the royal family. Situated amidst lush green hills about 26 kilometers from Shimla, Junga is a peaceful area. This region falls under the Kasumpti Assembly constituency, represented by current Congress MLA Anirudh Singh.