The Tribune - Magazine section

Patiala pegs its fortune on heritage THE former princely state is reinventing itself as a hub of art and culture. As part of this makeover, Rajendra Kothi is being turned into a heritage hotel, the first in Punjab, writes Aditi Tandon

(Top) Rajendra Kothi in Patiala will be Punjab’s first heritage hotel. Hotels qualify for the heritage tag if at least 50 per cent of the floor area has been built before 1935 and no substantial change has been made in the facade. (Right) The Kothi offers a rich blend of Mughal and colonial architecture. — Photos by Rajesh Sachar
ONCE the abode of Punjab’s nobility, the Rajendra Kothi in Patiala may soon throw its doors open to visitors who wish to take a part of history back with them. It is now official that the state government has zeroed in on the magnificent Kothi to kickstart its campaign of rejuvenating the rich heritage of the state. Kila Mubarak set to revive royal splendour Jangveer Singh THE fortunes of Kila Mubarak, the fort palace of the Phulkian dynasty in Patiala, have been inconsistent. Though it is no longer in the possession of the scions of the erstwhile dynasty, it is inexplicably tied up with their fate. When Amarinder Singh is out of office, the Kila remains forgotten. When he returns to political limelight, the Kila becomes the cynosure of all eyes.