Assam Govt Declares Residence Of Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court As 'Living Heritage Building'

The 120 years old residence of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court has been declared as a 'a living heritage building' by the Governor of Assam vide notification dated July 20. Pursuant to such a declaration, the residence will now be extended protection and preservation as per the provisions of the Assam Ancient Momuments and Records Act, 1959, the Assam Ancient Monuments and Records Rules, 1964 and the Assam Heritage (Tangible) Protection, Preservation, Conservation and Maintenance Act, 2020.

On July 14, 2021 a Cabinet Memorandum had been passed declaring the residence of the Chief Justice as a 'living heritage building'. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has also been signed in this regard between the Directorate of Archaeology, Assam, and the Gauhati High Court Authority.

About the residence:

The double storied bungalow is among the oldest and few standing examples of the unique Assam type architectural houses which were in vogue during the 19th and 20h century in Assam. The bungalow was originally built by the colonial administrators and was eventually converted into the residence of the Chief Justice.

The bungalow has a beautiful wooden façade at the front, and built originally using ekora (reed) and mud-lime plastered walls, mud-lime plastered flooring in the ground floor and wooden flooring on the first floor. While the main framework of the bungalow was erected with reinforced steel columins and beams, which became a distinct addition after the earthquake of 1897. This made the buildings resilient against future earthquakes. It also features a chimney which runs through the center of the house and four fireplaces accommodated in the living and bedrooms on both the ground and first floor. On the interior a wooden staircase is beautifully carved with intricate patterns. Over the years, necessary repairs and renovations have been carried out yet its grandeur is kept intact and preserved.

The Directorate of Archaeology provides assistance in the conservation of such historic buildings in Assam. With the residence being now declared as a 'living heritage building', the stability and strength of the structure will be inspected at least twice a year.

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