Raj Bhavan, Ranchi,
the official residence of the Governor of Jharkhand, is a beautiful building in the heart
of the state capital. It is surrounded by lush green lawns and tall trees, truly
representing the spirit of Jharkhand. The Raj Bhavan premises are spread over an area of
62 acres, out of which 52 acres are in the main Raj Bhavan Campus and the Audrey House,
which is now the Governor's Secretariat, covers another 10 acres. |
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The construction of
the present Raj Bhavan was started in 1930 and completed in March 1931 at an estimated
cost of Rs. 7 lakhs. It was designed by Mr. Sadlow Ballerd, architect. Though the building
has primarily a British design, it seems to have been adapted to suit the local climate.
The building has a roof with double Raniganj tiles to keep off heat and the floor, lounge
and Durbar Hall are lined with teak wood. |
The Audrey House,
which is now the Governor's Secretariat, was built much earlier by Captain Hannyington,
who was the Deputy Commissioner of Chota Nagpur from 1850-56. |
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Raj Bhavan is
full of greenery and has many lawns and gardens, which have been named after great men of our Country.
Akbar garden has been newly developed in 2005 and has a beautiful collection of roses and seasonal
flowers. Buddha garden, named after Lord Buddha, has a beautiful landscape and a green house.
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Ashoka, the main lawn has an area of approximately 52,000 sq.
feet, the 'Murti garden' has an area of approx. 15,000 sq. feet and the 'Lily pond' has an
area of 12,000 sq. feet. |
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A large hall named 'Birsa Mandap' has also
been constructed which is used for cultural activities. A museum is also being planned in
the 'Audrey House' to project the rich cultural heritage of Jharkhand. |
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Mahatma Gandhi garden is in the south side of Raj Bhavan and it
is a collection of medical plants. It has in its midst a beautiful fountain. |
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There are more than 150 varieties of timber, fruit bearing plants
and flowering plants in the campus. A new garden by the name of 'Nakshatra Vana' has been
developed and opened for the public in 2003 which has become a major attraction for the
local people. |
Raj Bhavan gardens are open to public every year during the month of January-February during which large number of people
visit the garden. Raj Bhavan premises have also been opened for the school children who
are taken around the premises and the gardens. During the year 2005, more than 25,000 people visited Raj Bhavan to see the gardens. |
