The Assam government acquired the historic Matiabag Hawa Mahal of the Gauripur royal family in Dhubri district to preserve it as a heritage site by paying an amount of Rs 15.20 crore to the family members.
The royal property was handed over to the state's department of cultural affairs for its restoration and preservation as a museum in the memory of Goalparia folk singer Pratima Pandey Barua.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma performed the 'Bhumi Pujan' for the renovation of the Hawa Mahal which is scheduled to be completed by January one, 2024.
The state cabinet had taken a decision on Oct 7, 2022, to preserve the cultural contribution of the singer and to preserve her birthplace as a heritage centre.
The palace was built in 1914 by Prabhat Chandra Barua of the Gauripur royal family on a small hilltop called Matiabagh on the banks of the Gadadhar River.
