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Nilaya X Royals: Celebrating the past and present at The Belgadia Palace

Ideas & Inspiration

By Geetika Sachdev

Mar 10, 2025

Vibrant yellow exterior house design - Beautiful Homes

A creative collaboration between The Belgadia Palace and Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints has given a new lease of life to the heritage mansion built in the 18th century in Mayurbhanj, Odisha

Tucked away in the quaint town of Baripada in Odisha, the 200-year-old Belgadia Palace, once the royal residence of the erstwhile kings of Mayurbhanj, has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Presently, a part of it functions as an award-winning boutique hotel.

The stately manor is a great example of Victorian architecture with subtle elements from Greek design. Its princess owners, Mrinalika and Akshita Bhanj Deo have also been making consistent efforts to preserve the cuisine and culture of the region. The Belgadia Palace champions purposeful tourism by curating experiences such as traditional Mayurbhanj Chau dance performances, indigenous culinary journeys, and wellness retreats. Guests can also learn and gain hands-on experience in sabai grass weaving and dokra metalcraft, a form of lost wax casting—both of which are integral to understanding the local culture. In fact, these tours are led by local craftspeople themselves.

Modern Wall Design – Beautiful Homes — The generous use of pattern and colour in The Belgadia Palace demonstrates the versatility of the wallpapers and fabrics found in the Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints collection.

Stylish living room wallpaper design – Beautiful Homes — Princess Mrinalika Bhanj Deo has consistently tried to preserve the region's cuisine and culture.

A Royal Transformation

A stroll around the 18th century-heritage property will transport you to an era of old-world grandeur. No wonder, most guests who visit have a clear agenda: to immerse themselves in the cultural and historical richness of the region. To make the experience even more regal for its guests, the royal family of Mayurbhanj has collaborated with Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints. Princess Mrinalika Bhanj Deo has handpicked a few furnishings and wallpapers, from the special collection designed by fashion icon Sabyasachi Mukherjee, including those of the newly created Paris-Calcutta, Chapter IV collection to transform the interiors.

The project started with the State Room and the Dining Room in the palace. In Mrinalika’s words, “these spaces bridge the gap between the past and present.” An advocate of Sabyasachi’s work, she had previously used wallpapers from an earlier Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints collection to decorate rooms at the Palace. This time was no different. “This entire collection speaks a lot to Indian motifs, such as Mughal gardens, Indian textiles—the use of the paisley, for instance—and has colonial touches,” adds Mrinalika.

Vibrant yellow exterior house design - Beautiful Homes — The Belgadia Palace in Baripada, Odisha is a great example of Victorian architecture with subtle elements from Greek design.

From the Past to the Present

One of the most opulent spaces in the property, The State Room, has been privy to important meetings with dignitaries or traditional events of significance. Its walls are adorned with black and white photos, trophies, and other artefacts. To elevate its splendour, Mrinalika zeroed in on the Persian Sanctuary Ink-Blue wallpaper, the colours of which reflect those of the flag of the former state of Mayurbhanj. “It’s a room where we talk about our culture and heritage, where history and storytelling go hand-in-hand,” she says. To balance the fullness of the wallpaper, Bhaj Deo went for the subtle Jamshed Jamavar Velvet and Company Paisley fabrics for the upholstery.

Simple green chair design for the room – Beautiful Homes — The Dining Room was another space that underwent a makeover.

The Dining Room was another space that underwent a makeover. For this, Bhanj Deo picked the jewel tone wallpaper called Jamshed Jamavar Stripe Burmese Ruby, which she complemented with the verdant hues of the Chowringhee upholstery. “They bring opulence to the room. The jewel tone colours fit perfectly with everything, including the brass serving vessels and the cutlery that we use,” says Mrinalika. “There’s also this storytelling around timeless elegance and craftsmanship, which fits very well into The Belgadia Palace ethos,” adds the princess.

The generous use of pattern and colour in The Belgadia Palace demonstrates the versatility of the wallpapers and fabrics found in the Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints collection. The entire range of fine fabrics and wall coverings, including the Paris-Calcutta Chapter IV, the newest addition to the Sabyasachi for Nilaya by Asian Paints collection, can be found at select furnishing stores across India.

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