On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of Meghalaya statehood, Governor Phagu Chauhan today unveiled ‘Ki Mawbynna’, or monoliths, erected outside the main gates of Raj Bhavan, Shillong, in commemoration of 150 years of the official residence.
On the occasion, the Governor also inaugurated a tree house constructed in the sprawling lawn of Raj Bhavan, adding to its beauty.
The unveiling was witnessed by the officers and staff of Raj Bhavan led by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, BDR Tiwari.
Formerly known as Government House, Raj Bhavan was the one of the first houses to be built in Shillong. Designated as the official residence of the then Deputy Commissioner, Colonel Henry Stuart Bivar, it was designed, built and modelled to showcase the grandeur of the British colonial rule. In 1874, when Shillong became the headquarters of the newly created province of Assam, Bivar house was transformed into the Chief Commissioner’s Residency.
The Residency, however, was damaged beyond repair in the Shillong earthquake of 1897. The present building was constructed over the remains of the Residency and was occupied in 1903-04.
Government House was renamed Raj Bhavan on December 6, 1951.
