Bungalow 2 - Then & Now
The History of Bungalow 2
The history of our home, Bungalow 2 can inevitably be linked with the Raikabagh Palace, the former residence of the royal family of Marwar, now known as Jodhpur. Built around the late 19th century, Bungalow 2 was originally a part of the Raikabagh Palace but evolved to serve various purposes over time. The historical narrative suggests that Bungalow 2, in its past, served as a place of confinement or “Nazarbandh” (meaning under house arrest), for the Thakurs (Feudal-Chiefs) of Marwar for delayed lagan-tax payments to the Maharajas of Jodhpur.
Until the early 1970s, the residential area of Bungalow 2 covered around 11,000 square yards, functioning as the designated residence for British Residents in Marwar and Commanding Officers of Jodhpur State Forces, among other dignitaries. Presently, the enduring echoes of Rajput heritage and culture reverberate within the architecture and interiors of this historic residence. The history of Bungalow 2 reflects the multifaceted roles it played in the context of Marwar’s political and economic dynamics.
The Story Unfolds
The narrative of our family’s connection with Bungalow 2 unfolds against the backdrop of the Second World War, reaching back as far as we can trace. During that time, the present owner’s father, a young officer in the Maharaja of Jodhpur’s army, was deployed overseas with his unit, The Jodhpur Sardar Infantry, in support of the British war effort. Post-war, Lieutenant Colonel Thakur Dungar Singh M.C. was decorated with the Military Cross for his valor by the King of England. In recognition of his service, Maharaja Umaid Singhji of Jodhpur bestowed various rewards upon him, with Bungalow 2 standing as one of those prestigious accolades.
Fast Forwarding to Present Times
Fast-forwarding to the present, in the year 2008, the present owner, Dr. Jagat Singh, retired after dedicating over 35 years to the Ministry of Defense as a doctor. Faced with the decision of choosing a place to establish his family home, the initial inclination was to sell Bungalow 2 and acquire a smaller, modern house for ease of maintenance. However, Dr. Jagat Singh’s son, Rajat, employed in the travel industry, held a distinctive view. He aspired to transform Bungalow 2 into a distinctive accommodation—a homestay offering travellers from around the world an authentic heritage home experience.
The painstaking restoration journey spanned 9+ years, and Bungalow 2 finally opened its doors in November 2019, only to face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020. Today, Bungalow 2 stands as a testament to the family’s dedication to preserving history and offering their guest’s a unique glimpse into the past.
Presently, Dr. Jagat Singh’s family, comprising his wife Mrs. Dev Kanwar, daughter Sonal, son Rajat, daughter-in-law Susanne, and grandchildren Devina & Jai, reside together in Bungalow 2 and look forward to welcoming guests to their family home. The family occupies the ground floor level of the property and shares the living, dining, kitchen, and garden spaces with their guests. The five guest rooms are thoughtfully situated on the first floor, ensuring a sense of privacy and tranquility for the visitors, while the family’s living spaces remain on the ground floor. This arrangement allows guests to enjoy a quiet retreat in their own quarters, complemented by the warmth of shared spaces whenever they wish to engage with the family or fellow travelers.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Present, and Welcoming the Future
Today, as we reflect on the journey of Bungalow 2, we can’t help but feel that retaining this historic property was not just a good decision – it may well have been the best decision. We consider ourselves fortunate to continue living in the same house that once belonged to our grandparents. Bungalow 2 holds a unique place in our hearts, a property that was awarded to our grandfather, a tribute to his bravery, valor, and unwavering loyalty to his motherland and the revered “House of Marwar” – the Jodhpur royal family. Had this house been like any other, purchased without the weight of history and valour, it might not have meant as much to us as it does today. Selling it and moving into a modern residence would have been a disservice to the legacy it carries. Today, we take pride in having played a part in restoring our grandfather’s legacy, bringing Bungalow 2 back somewhere near its past glory.