Located in the heart of Bhandara city, Pandey Mahal is a structure recognized as a symbol of pride for the Bhandara district. Built approximately 125 years ago during the era of Lord Hastings in the 18th century, this grand palace was commissioned by Rai Bahadur Yadav Rao Pandey. The construction was completed in 1896. The Mahal covers an area of around 60,000 square feet and contains over 200 rooms. These rooms and halls are intricately decorated and include a dance hall and a prayer room. With its huge Belgian glass mirrors, chandeliers, Italian marble tiles, fountains, beautiful carvings, and grand architecture, Pandey Mahal was once the pride of Bhandara. ... Today, however, the condition of the palace is extremely dilapidated. Due to structural deterioration, the Pandey family relocated to Nagpur, abandoning the Mahal. Years of neglect have caused serious damage—plaster has fallen off in many places, iron beams have rusted and collapsed, and parts of the structure have already caved in. The upper floor is in such a fragile condition that it could collapse at any moment. Upon entering through the main gate, a marble statue of Yadav Rao Pandey is seen in a central hall. Due to the unsafe condition of the palace, visitors are only allowed to view this area. Adjacent to it, artefacts from Chapari near Devghar are also on display. The Archaeological Department has surveyed the palace and, following the assessment, has declared it a heritage building. Yadav Rao Pandey served as an honorary commissioner of the Bhandara sub-division during British rule. He owned 77 villages and was a moneylender to the Nagpur Bhonsle. In 1898, the British seized control of the palace through a police operation, but in 1901, ownership was restored to Ganpatrao Pandey. Unfortunately, the Pandey family is now financially weakened, and due to its private ownership, the Archaeological Department has shown limited attention to its preservation. If immediate measures are not taken, this historic structure could be lost forever. The Ganapati idol worshipped in the Pandey Mahal is still considered to be Bhandara city's Ganapati.
© Suresh Nimbalkar