Adaptive reuse of Ranjit Vilas Palace Mahalwada, Ratlam, Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The state was founded in 1652 A.D. by a great-grandson of Raja Udai Singh of Jodhpur, namely Raja Ratan Singhji, son of Mahesh Das of Jalor. Who belonged to the Jodhpur royal family, of the Rathore dynasty. Although, the settlement is presently in the old Ratlam city District in Madhya Pradesh. In India, the region is a part of the Malwa plateau and is located in a plain area. The palace, which is the primary heritage resource for the settlement, along with other built heritage resources of the settlement, is presently in a state of neglect and disrepair due to various natural and human-induced factors and issues, and requires immediate attention in terms of structural repair and restoration. Majority of the spaces within the palace are put under incompatible use such as office and storage spaces, due to which various spatial transformations and insensitive interventions have been done. There has been a significant rise in the adaptive reuse sector in the past few years. India, with its rich heritage, culture and tradition has finally found strength in its roots. The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in the form of hotels, museums, galleries, etc. has ensured a sustainable approach and also has inserted a sense of pride in the hearts of the people regarding their past. If the palace is left to its present-day condition and spatial use, there is a high probability of it reaching a stage of severe damage and insensitive transformation. Therefore, a comprehensive, heritage-centric, and sensitive conservation approach needs to be adopted in order to restore the palace back to its former significance. This thesis articulates the process of transformation as the vehicle for the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in our contemporary condition.