Bettiah Raj Mahal

Bettiah Raj Mahal is a large palace building in the town of Bettiah, India. The structure includes multiple sections such as gates, courtyards, and rooms decorated with details that blend different architectural styles from various periods.

The palace emerged as the center of a landowning family that ruled for centuries under Mughal and later British administration. The family gradually lost power through inheritance disputes, land losses, and finally after India's independence in 1952, when the estate system was officially abolished.

The palace served as a center of local authority and influence for the region's ruling family. The architecture and interior details reflect the traditions and daily life of those who once held power here.

The palace shows clear signs of age and neglect with peeling walls and damp areas throughout. Visitors should note that some sections are sealed off and the ground is uneven, so care is needed when exploring the compound.

During a festival fair in 1990, the palace treasury building was robbed, and it still bears the marks of this theft with a visible hole in its roof today. The missing valuables and damaged structure remain as silent reminders of this unusual incident.