Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], January 7 (ANI): A devastating fire on Wednesday engulfed the historic royal palace of the erstwhile Kyonthal princely state in Junga, near Shimla, destroying much of the 800-year-old structure and irreparably damaging invaluable historical and religious assets.
The blaze is believed to have started near the sacred installation of Devta Maharaj Deo Junga within the palace complex and quickly spread through the wooden structure. Built during the reign of Raja Khushvakram Sen, the palace had been largely unoccupied for years due to its dilapidated condition.
Vijay Jyoti Sen of the Kyonthal royal family said that although the palace was vacant, it housed priceless religious property, including gold and silver ornaments worth crores of rupees, which were completely destroyed. “This palace was nearly 800 years old. Everything has been reduced to ashes. Nothing could be saved as the entire old structure was engulfed,” she said.
Local residents first noticed thick smoke around 1:00 pm and informed the Junga police outpost. Fire tenders were dispatched from Chhota Shimla, Mall Road, and Tilak Nagar, with four fire vehicles and around 20 personnel engaged in controlling the blaze. Station Fire Officer Mansaram confirmed that the fire was under control but smouldering in some areas.
Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed no casualties occurred, given the building was unoccupied. A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called in to investigate the exact cause of the fire. The local police, revenue department, and administration have initiated assessments of the losses.
The incident represents a severe cultural and historical loss for Himachal Pradesh, with large portions of the centuries-old palace and its heritage assets destroyed despite prolonged firefighting efforts.
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