Seraikela

Seraikela Maharaja’s Palace

The Maharajas of Seraikela had a large palace in the town. In pre-British times Seraikela was the capital of the Singhbhum area. The Maharaja was the overlord of the estates of Chakradharpur, Porahat and Manoharpur. There was a large temple to ‘Paudi Ma‘ in the palace grounds. This was the deity of the original inhabitants of Singhbhum, the Bhuiya people. The Ho also worshipped ‘Paudi Ma’ as an important ‘bonga’ after settling in the Bhuiya territory.  They considered the Maharaja as their ultimate overlord. He is also the patron of the internationally renowned Chhau Dance Troupe.

The bandstand in the entrance yard to the palace at Seraikela. When the newly independent Indian Congress government abolished the rights of feudal kings and their privy purses in 1949, the maharaja's authority and wealth declined. However his ritual status remains influential among the Ho.
The bandstand in the entrance yard to the palace at Seraikela. When the newly independent Indian Congress government abolished the rights of feudal kings and their privy purses in 1949, the maharaja's authority and wealth declined. However his ritual status remains influential among the Ho.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace main residential building. In foreground is the 'Durbar' hall, the administrative building, and where he held public meetings. The Maharaja is the overlord of the many smaller rajas in Singbhum District, such as Manoharpur, Chakradharpur and Porahat.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace main residential building. In foreground is the 'Durbar' hall, the administrative building, and where he held public meetings. The Maharaja is the overlord of the many smaller rajas in Singbhum District, such as Manoharpur, Chakradharpur and Porahat.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace. A side view of the 'Durbar' hall, where the maharaja had held public meetings.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace. A side view of the 'Durbar' hall, where the maharaja had held public meetings.
A rooftop view of the Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace. It shows the main entrance yard, the 'Durbar' assembly hall and, in the distance, the residential building. On the left is he stable block.
A rooftop view of the Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace. It shows the main entrance yard, the 'Durbar' assembly hall and, in the distance, the residential building. On the left is he stable block.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace and the ‘gopuram’, temple spire, over 'Paudi Ma’s' shrine. 'Paudi Ma' is now called ‘Paudi Bonga’ and worshipped by the Ho tribals. This implies that the Maharaja may originally have been a Ho tribal, who now assumes Rajput Hindu status. However 'Paudi Ma' is the main deity of the 'Bhuiya' people, original inhabitants of Singhbhum. 'Paudi Ma' was later adopted by the Ho people, when they migrated into Singhbhum.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace and the ‘gopuram’, temple spire, over 'Paudi Ma’s' shrine. 'Paudi Ma' is now called ‘Paudi Bonga’ and worshipped by the Ho tribals. This implies that the Maharaja may originally have been a Ho tribal, who now assumes Rajput Hindu status. However 'Paudi Ma' is the main deity of the 'Bhuiya' people, original inhabitants of Singhbhum. 'Paudi Ma' was later adopted by the Ho people, when they migrated into Singhbhum.
The front view of the Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace residential wing.
The front view of the Maharaja of Seraikela’s palace residential wing.
Valerie Yorke, my partner, with the Maharaja of Seraikela in the entrance yard, looking at the residential wing, which, in 1973, new whitewash.
Valerie Yorke, my partner, with the Maharaja of Seraikela in the entrance yard, looking at the residential wing, which, in 1973, new whitewash.
Valerie Yorke, my partner, walking round the gardens with the Maharaja of Seraikela, looking at the residential wing.
Valerie Yorke, my partner, walking round the gardens with the Maharaja of Seraikela, looking at the residential wing.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s ‘zenana’ women’s quarters.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s ‘zenana’ women’s quarters.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s summer house pergola in the garden.
The Maharaja of Seraikela’s summer house pergola in the garden.
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