The Varanasi Heritage Dossier/Rana Mahal Ghat

Detailed description of each heritage Site - Ranamahal Ghat to Tripurabhairavi Ghat

Rana Mahal Ghat



Location
25º 18.282’ North and 83º 00.585’ East (Rana Mahal Ghat, centre to Ghat).

Exact location on a map
Rana Mahal Ghat

Area
0.06 ha

Historical/cultural/natural significance
Attached to the northern part of the Causatthi Ghat, the palace at the ghat was built in ca 1670 by the king Rana Jagatsingh of Udaipur (Rajasthan), thus it is called as Rana Mahal ghat. During his pilgrimage to Kashi the king has taken shelter in this palace. The palace is a distinct example of Rajasthani style of architecture. There are three porches facing the Ganga river, and the windows with stone networking are the additional example of craftsmanship. From the river bank towards the upper part at every five steps there is a platform. In the upper portion of steps in north and south there are niches containing Shiva lingas. In its vicinity at the upper part there is a shrine of Vakratunda Vinayaka (house no. D 21/ 22).

Present state of conservation
Except by the Rana Mahal Udaipur Estate trust directly taking care of its properties, there are no specific action plans, programmes and strategies for conservation and preservation of the ghats. The trusts maintain their properties according to their own perspectives without specific plans.

Specific measures being taken for conserving the specific property
It is expected that by the support of active people participation, awareness to save the age-old rich heritage, and development under the Master Plan (and its judiciary control) the ghat heritage will be protected and conserved for the better befit to the society.

Ownership
The palace related properties along the ghat are owned by the Udaipur Estate Trust; the houses and other properties by the inhabitants; and the ghat area is owned by the Municipal Corporation.