Restoration of memorial that gave Ranipet town its name nearing completion

Restoration of the memorial that was built in remembrance of the Rajput ruler of Gingee and his young wife by Nawab of Arcot in the 18th century on the banks of Palar River in Ranipet town is nearing completion.

Officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), which executes the work, said that the restoration work was being done in two phases with a total cost of ₹8.90 crore by the State government.

Artisans were roped in from southern districts like Ramanathapuram, Madurai, and Virudhunagar to bring the original splendour of two tombs at the memorial. “A short history of the memorial will also be displayed at the site for visitors to know its rich heritage. The restored memorial will be maintained by the civic body as the land belongs to Ranipet municipality,” S. Kavya, in-charge, Arcot site museum, told The Hindu.

Along with PWD and museum officials, Collector N. Priya inspected the restoration work of the memorial. PWD officials said that as part of restoration, thick vegetation around the memorial was removed. Stone masonry work with rare green stones was done as many of the stones were damaged.

Spread over six acres of the plot along the river, the memorial consists of two pillars – one each for the Raja of Gingee and his queen, a central pillar, and a vast granite floor. Damaged portions of the tombs were rebuilt using brick-and-mortar methods. A retaining wall with a height of eight feet has been built to prevent water seepage from the river to the memorial.

PWD officials said that a small children’s park with seating arrangements, washrooms, and water taps have also been provided for visitors. A compound wall and LED lights also form part of restoration work to prevent trespassing, especially during night. An approach road to a distance of around 150 metres will be laid for easy accessibility for visitors.

Local historians said that Raja Tej Singh (1693-1714), was a local Rajput ruler of Gingee. His father, Raja Swarup Singh Bundela, was a Rajput commander under the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Subsequently, Swarup Singh was made feudatory chief of Gingee by the Mughal ruler. After Swarup Singh’s death in 1714, Raja Tej Singh inherited the tax-free autonomous Gingee.

The then Nawab of Arcot, Saadatullah Khan objected to it and ordered to pay tributes to the Mughals. However, Raja Tej Singh refused to pay, leading to a war between them where he was killed in October 1714. A few days after his death, young Rani Bai of Gingee was allowed to perform sati.

Historians said that despite his death, Raja Tej Singh’s bravery impressed the Nawab, who later built a memorial with two identical tombs in remembrance of the royal family on a six-acre plot along the banks of the river. The Nawab also named Ranipet town in remembrance of the young Rajput queen, they said.