This Article is From Jun 19, 2010

Mumbai's last palace goes on sale

Mumbai:
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Kilachand house in Mumbai, once owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, and the only palace left untouched in the city, is being acquired by a builder.

The palace will be left standing in the shadow of luxury apartments if a builder manages to acquire all of the property.

Located at the Nepean Sea Road, the palace has already been partially sold, and the builder, Orbit Corporation Ltd, claims that in a few months the company will acquire the remaining share of the property held by the Kilachand brothers.

Historian Sharda Dwivedi said the palace, once owned by the Maharaja of Patiala, was one of the most beautiful structures in the city.

"I have heard about some deal related to the palace. Kilachand House is the only palace left untouched in the city, and if this also goes for development, then there will be no palaces left to admire in their original regal splendour," said Dwivedi.

"The majestic structure appears to be from the first decade of the last century, but the public knows very little about it," he added.

Dwivedi said the palace later came into the possession of the Kilachand family and a few members of the family were still living there.

"What will be left of the heritage of this city except the European gothic public buildings? Our last real palace is on the verge of losing its identity."

Pujit Aggarwal, MD and CEO of Orbit Corporation Ltd, said he hoped to start the project in six months.

"Yes, I have partially bought the palace and the rest of the deal will be sealed in the coming months," Aggarwal said. "I am expecting work to begin in six months."

Aggarwal added that he would be paying less than Rs 500 crore for the property, which occupies nearly 90,000 sq ft, including the grounds. The builder plans to construct a residential tower with high-end flats.

"We will have small luxury apartments, about 2,000 sq ft. I know the palace is a heritage structure and we will take all precaution no damage is done to it," Aggarwal said.

One of the four Kilachand brothers has sold his share in the palace to Orbit and Aggarwal claims another brother has agreed to sell his. "In a few months the deal will be sealed," he said.

The palace was formerly the city residence of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. Born on October 12, 1891, Bhupinder Singh ruled Patiala from 1900 till his death in 1938. He represented India at League of Nations in 1925. He married 10 times, and had 88 children.
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