Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 21: On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of statehood day of Meghalaya, the Governor, Phagu Chauhan today unveiled ‘Ki Mawbynna” or monoliths erected outside the main gates of Raj Bhavan, Shillong in commemoration of 150 glorious years of Raj Bhavan.

On the occasion the Governor also inaugurated a beautiful tree house constructed in the sprawling lawn of Raj Bhavan, adding to its majestic beauty.

The unveiling was witnessed by the officers and staff of Raj Bhavan led by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Governor, Dr. B D R Tiwari

Formerly known as Government House, the 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.

The Government House was renamed as “Raj Bhavan” on December 6, 1951.  

After the independence of India, this symbol of the British Raj, in gradual transformation, became the symbol of a vibrant democracy, and ever since it has been the residence of the Governors of the State.