Punjab cabinet on Monday gave its nod for acquisition, conservation and use of Mubarik Manzil Palace, Malerkotla in Sangrur district, PTI reported. Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa is the owner of the property and the government will provide Rs 3 crore to her for transferring the property with all its rights to the state government.

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As per a report published in The Indian Express, it is Begum Nisa’s “last wish” to “leave the palace to its pristine glory.”

“Meri akhiri ichchha, aap keh sakte ho, yahi hai ke main iss mahal ko pehle ki tarah jagmagata chorr kar jayun (It’s my last wish to leave this palace to its pristine glory),” she told The Indian Express.

Begum Nisa is the wife of the last Nawab of Malerkotla and the successor of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan, who is a notable figure in the region’s history. The Nawab had vehemently opposed the execution of Guru Gobind Singh’s two sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, in the court of the Subedar of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, in 1705. 

Begum Munawwar-ul-Nisa had written to the state government saying that the more than 150-years old palace, spread over an area of 32,400 sq ft, is a valuable heritage property and needs to be properly conserved for future as an integral part of history of erstwhile Malerkotla state and Punjab, PTI reported.

She said she desired to hand over the palace to state for acquisition, conservation and use.

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh said the decision to restore the palace would be instrumental in preserving the rich legacy of the state and to reconnect younger generations with the glorious past.