WARANGAL: A grand 139-year-old building in the heart of Hanamkonda city, a true masterpiece from the Nizam era, is now ready to welcome the public. Once the residence and office of district collectors, this magnificent bungalow will now serve as a heritage landmark and a new attraction for Warangal.In 1853, Salar Jung reorganised the Nizam Kingdom into five Subas and 17 districts. On August 10, 1886, the wife of British officer George Palmer laid the foundation stone for the bungalow, and construction soon began. The building later served as the residence of the Subedar, giving the surrounding area its name, Subedari. Located in the Subedari area, the impressive structure spans 13 acres. Built using dung sunnam (a traditional lime mortar) to withstand floods and natural calamities, the building remains remarkably resilient. Its grandeur is evident in its royal appearance. The main entrance, visible from the Subedari main road, features a large arch flanked by guard rooms and an original wall clock from the Nizam period that still chimes every hour. The bungalow houses 22 large rooms with high ceilings. The main hall, measuring 44 feet in length and 10 feet in width, was originally designed to host guests. The 22-foot-high ceilings and grand chandeliers reflect the opulence of that era. The hall is flanked by eight rooms on the left and seven on the right. A central wooden staircase leads to a spacious terrace that offers panoramic views. From 1886 until 1948, the bungalow served as the residence of Subedars, the high-ranking officers under Nizam rule. Since 1950, it has hosted 43 district collectors and their families as an official guest house. In 1982, during the tenure of collector Jawahar, Nizam-era swords and other artifacts were discovered in a well on the premises. Interestingly, some former collectors have recounted stories of unusual or paranormal activities within the bungalow, which once caused a stir. Nevertheless, the building continued to function as a key official residence. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Kakatiya Urban Development Authority (Kuda) chairman Enagala Venkatram Reddy said the government decided to restore the structure as a heritage site, assigning Kuda to carry out the project. The government allocated ₹2 crore for the restoration, which began in February and is now complete. The building is ready for inauguration. The bungalow has been meticulously restored using traditional materials. It has been given a fresh coat of white paint, enhanced lighting, and a revitalized garden featuring rare plant species such as black acacia, copper pod, Java plum, sandalwood, and neem, along with several fruit-bearing plants. Local residents are thrilled that this historic bungalow, witness to over a century of history and host to numerous dignitaries, is now open to the public.
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