Historic ‘Bakhri’ Showcases Royal Heritage in Sambalpur

Sambalpur,April 18:: Sambalpur, a heritage-rich city in Western Odisha, is home to several ancient monuments. These historical sites are closely associated with the era of monarchy, British rule, and the freedom struggle. Among them, one of the most prominent is the historic “Rani Bakhri.”
A witness to Sambalpur’s past, history, and transformation, this place has now been revived in a new form and stands proudly before the present generation. Once a center of royal administration, it now welcomes visitors with traditional Odia hospitality and a renewed identity.
About two years ago, the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) converted it into a traditional Odia restaurant, offering customers a royal and cultural dining experience. Due to its historical significance and the popularity of traditional Odia cuisine, the place has gained unique appreciation and demand among visitors.
Located in the heart of the city and near the revered Maa Samaleswari Temple, this historic site is linked to Sambalpur’s feudal governance system. It was constructed around the 18th century (approximately 1700 AD) by rulers of the Chauhan dynasty.
Although the exact builder is not clearly known, historians and cultural researchers believe it dates back to the reign of Maharaja Sai, a descendant of Balaram Dev. After establishing temples of presiding deities Samaleswari and Pataneswari, the Chauhan rulers made Sambalpur their capital and built this structure as a royal palace, especially for the queen’s residence.
Locally known as “Bakhri” (meaning the queen’s palace in Sambalpuri language), the structure features strong fort-like walls, secured temples, chambers, surveillance systems, and defensive arrangements. Later, during the time of Veer Surendra Sai, it is believed to have played a significant role in the rebellion against British rule.
Now a Traditional Restaurant Serving Odia Cuisine
On September 20, 2023, on the occasion of Bishnu Pakhal Divas, the site was inaugurated by OTDC as a royal-themed restaurant named “Nimantran.” It is one of the three such restaurants established in Odisha (along with Bhubaneswar and Puri) to promote traditional Odia food culture.
The restaurant features royal-style interiors and antique furniture. Its uniqueness lies in serving exclusively traditional Odia dishes. Popular items include various types of pakhala, machha besara, machha checha, chingudi checha, paliri masala, and mushroom masala, which attract a large number of customers.
Currently, around 23 staff members are employed here. With its royal hospitality and authentic Odia style of food service, the place is witnessing a growing crowd of visitors. New visitors not only enjoy the cuisine but also gain a deeper understanding of the site’s rich historical significance.