In a bid to safeguard Belagavi’s colonial-era architectural legacy, the district administration has decided to conserve and restore the historic Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) and Regional Commissioner’s (RC) office buildings, both dating back to 1910 and built during British rule. These iconic Indo-Gothic style structures will now be repurposed for public access.
The Indo-Gothic style, which gained traction in British India during the late 1800s and early 1900s, combines elements of European Gothic Revival with Indian, Islamic, and Hindu design traditions. Often reserved for landmark public structures such as government offices, courts, and railways, this style is known for its grandeur and intricate detailing.
Initially, the district administration had proposed the demolition of both buildings to pave the way for a new, consolidated DC office complex. The state government had even earmarked ₹50 crore in the budget for the project’s first phase, which was to house multiple government departments under one roof. However, the proposal drew sharp criticism from historians and heritage conservationists, prompting a change in course.
“After reviewing the concerns raised by experts and activists, we’ve decided to preserve both buildings in their original form and restore them using the same materials,” said Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, speaking to reporters. He added that once the new complex is operational, the heritage buildings will be opened to the public , with the DC’s office being transformed into a library, and the RC’s office into a museum and exhibition centre. “This is about preserving Belagavi’s historical identity for future generations,” he said.
Archival documents confirm that both structures were built in 1910, using basalt stone sourced from Indore, a durable, fine-grained igneous rock. Despite their tiled appearance, the core construction is of solid stone. Roshan noted that the restoration work will be overseen by expert architects and will employ the same materials used in the original buildings.
The DC’s office was inaugurated during the tenure of British officer B.A. Brandon was built in 1910 and partially renovated in 2007 under the DC Shalini Rajneesh. The three-storey building includes 30 rooms and two meeting halls.
