Karveti Nagar Raja Bungalow in Tiruvallur to be converted into heritage tourism site

The Karveti Nagar Raja Bungalow, located amid paddy fields near Arcot Kuppam in Tiruvallur district, stands testament to 16^th-17^th Century architecture. In its aim to preserve heritage, the Tiruvallur district administration, along with the Heritage Wing of the Public Works Department (PWD), has drawn up plans to restore the structure and convert it into a heritage tourism site.

Among the structures lined up for restoration, the Revenue Divisional Office (RDO) in Tiruvallur is another heritage building in dire need of attention. The PWD’s Building Centre and Conservation Division (BCCD) will execute the projects.

Pointing out that the 131-year Victory Memorial Blind School in Poonamallee is being restored to its original form, Tiruvallur Collector M. Pratap said more projects were being planned to conserve heritage buildings across the district. The Karveti Nagar bungalow was a resting house used by various rulers in the past. For the last few decades, the building has remained dilapidated.

It is often used by residents as a venue for annual festivals. “We are planning to develop it into a tourism site and have submitted a proposal to implement heritage works at ₹4.5 crore. The RDO office will also be restored at ₹8 crore next year,” Mr. Prathap added.

Nearly 80% of the 3,660-sq.ft single-storey bungalow is dilapidated. A BCCD official said there was no proper documentation on the history of the structure, a challenge common to many heritage buildings. “The bungalow only has remnants indicating the existence of a first floor,” the official added.

Officials said the present region in Tiruvallur district, bordering Chittoor district, was part of the region ruled by the Vijayanagara rulers, the Pallavas, the Cholas, and the local chieftains of the Karveti Nagar Samasthanam, with Chittoor as their headquarters. It is believed to have been used for land revenue collection by various kings and chieftains.

Resembling the Governor’s bungalow in Tranquebar or Tharangambadi, the bungalow in Arcot Kuppam features arches on its façade, a Madras terrace roof, and a staircase leading to the first floor. It has a large central hall, surrounded by Verandah-like structures and four rooms. The rooms, constructed with brick and granite, may have been used for grain storage or as a kitchen.

The two-storeyed red building functioning as the RDO office exhibits Indo-Saracenic and colonial architectural styles. Built in 1871 on an area of 12,142 sq.ft., it has the ex-servicemen welfare office operating on the premises. With pointed arches, a crenellated design, and an exposed brick façade, the significant administrative landmark has suffered damage over the years. Work is expected to start early next year, officials added.