Sun sets on a royal legacy in Delhi

Even as the endless cacophony of traffic on Bhagwan Dass Road in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi continues, the grand, Raj-era bungalow — Tehri Garhwal House — stands tall and is likely to be sold sooner rather than later. It is a landmark estate located at No 5, Bhagwan Das Road. Spread across 3.2 acres, this expansive property is the Delhi residence of the erstwhile maharajas of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal.

Upon entering Tehri Garhwal House, one is greeted by manicured lawns and vintage cars parked on the premises. It is now available for sale at an estimated price of a whopping Rs 1,000 crore, signalling yet another major deal in Delhi’s high-end real estate market. For several generations of people from Uttarakhand, Tehri Garhwal House has remained close to their hearts, carrying deep emotional significance.

The property is owned by the Tehri Garhwal royal family, specifically Maharaja Manujendra Shah, who has overseen this historic legacy. The sale is significant not only economically but also because it marks a turning point where a chapter of India’s royal history meets the forces of the modern market.

Symbol of changing times

The imminent sale of Tehri Garhwal House is significant beyond its financial scale. It reflects the changing circumstances of India’s former royal families. “After independence, many royal households sold or repurposed their estates, converting them into hotels or heritage resorts. I believe the sale of Tehri Garhwal House marks a new chapter in Delhi’s real estate landscape — where historic legacy intersects with modern commerce. More than just a building, the estate symbolises the royal heritage of Tehri Garhwal,” says Nikhil Jain, an expert in real estate matters and managing director of Bhoomann Developers Pvt Ltd.

Roots in history

Tehri Garhwal House traces its origins to the colonial era in India. It was originally established as a residence in Delhi for the rulers of the princely state of Tehri Garhwal, enabling them to manage affairs in the British capital. Tehri Garhwal — now a district in the state of Uttarakhand — was once an independent princely state. It was established in 1815 after the Anglo-Gorkha War, when Sudarshan Shah was installed as ruler by the British. The state extended across the Himalayan region, with Tehri as its capital.

Following India’s independence in 1947, Tehri Garhwal merged with India in 1949, and the royal family retained certain properties under private ownership. “The Tehri Garhwal House in Delhi stands as a reminder of the era when rulers would travel to the capital to meet British officials. Though now privately owned by the royal family, its historical importance remains intact,” says Sunil Negi, author and editor of Uknationnews.

The dignified Shah

The current owner of the property is Maharaja Manujendra Shah, born in 1948, the son of former Maharaja Manabendra Shah. Manabendra Shah served as a Member of Parliament from Tehri Garhwal between 1957 and 1962. Manujendra Shah also entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament from 1991 to 1996. His wife, Mala Rajya Laxmi Shah, is currently the Member of Parliament from the Tehri Garhwal constituency and has held the seat since 2012. Tehri Garhwal House presently serves as her Delhi residence during parliamentary sessions.

According to Sunil Negi, “When Maharaja Manabendra Shah was around, I visited Tehri Garhwal House a couple of times to discuss issues concerning the local Uttarakhandi community in the capital. He was a very dignified man and one of the founders of Garhwal Bhawan on Panchkuin Road.”

According to media reports, the buyer is a local entrepreneur with a strong presence in the food and beverage sector. Interestingly, the same businessman is also in the process of acquiring Jawaharlal Nehru’s former residence on Motilal Nehru Road for over Rs 1,100 crore.

Both properties are located in the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone, one of Delhi’s most prestigious and expensive areas. Tehri Garhwal House spans approximately 12,949.94 square metres and includes a grand bungalow structure.

The property has been valued at around Rs 1,000 crore, although some experts believe this figure may be slightly below prevailing market rates. A public notice has reportedly been issued by a legal firm inviting any claims on the property to ensure a clear and transparent transaction.

Grand location

Tehri Garhwal House enjoys a highly strategic location on Bhagwan Das Road in the Mandi House area, widely regarded as Delhi’s cultural hub.

Nearby landmarks include the Supreme Court of India, just a few hundred metres away. India Gate, approximately 2 kilometres away, is one of Delhi’s most prominent national monuments. Connaught Place is a major commercial and retail centre. The National School of Drama and Kamani Auditorium are also located in the cultural hub of Mandi House.

The entire area is lush with greenery and surrounded by key government buildings, including the Ministry of External Affairs. In terms of connectivity, the Mandi House Metro Station — serving both the Blue and Violet Lines — is within walking distance.