Introduction
There are so many Monuments can be visited in Jabalpur and is more famous for being the best place to be visited in Jabalpur. But a lot of people do not know that it is also home to some of the most famous historical Monuments in the country. These were built at various times in history and have withstood wear and tear over centuries to look as majestic as they still do today.
Empire Talkies
Nostalgia rewinds as one visits Empire theatre, situated in the heart of the civil Lines. Scene here is no more a welcoming one. The theatre, which had been a focal point of bustling activity, now stands in crumbling state. Drama troupes from as far as Britain performed on the semi-circular platform designed in the British Style. Initially, it served as a stage for classic plays. It moved with time and with technology and the invention of movies, silent movies came to share the platform. Later, it became a cinema for the talkie movies and was the chief cinema for watching English movies in town. The first talkie film to be screened was Rio Rita.
During the 1950’s, Prem Nath, the famous Hindi film actor bought the theatre from Bellamy, who ran a ballet dancing school. Time has been witness to the turbulent journey of this majestic theatre. This theater is located in the military area so it is not permitted to develop this place or change in to any other type of building. Now it is in the hands of son of Premnath and supposes to be become third mall of Jabalpur city.
Nerbudda Club
It is located in Jabalpur cantonment area. Established in 1889 the club was formally registered in 1904 as "Nerbuda Club". Cantonment Board has given 14.63 acres of land in 1905 to the club on lease for ever. Main building of the club was also constructed in 1905. During second world-war, 26 residential blocks for Army officers were also constructed in 1936 with the consent of the club on this land.
The game of Snooker was invented at Jubbulpore in the year 1875 by Colonel Sir Neville Chamberlain, Billiards had been a popular activity amongst British Army officers stationed in India, and variations on the more traditional billiard games were devised. One variation, devised in the officer's mess in Jabalpur during year 1874 or 1875, was to add colored balls in addition to the reds and black which were used for pyramid pool and life pool.
Royale Hotel
Building standing just opposite of the Raja Gokuldas's out house (Which is now the RTO office), was 'Rajakumari Bai Kothi' presented by Raja Gokuldas to his granddaughter as gift in her marriage. But, during the later years this Italian style mansion became part of Royal Hotel. At that time this was a grand and glorious building. When it becomes a hotel Only Britishers and European can use it because Indians are not allowed in the property. Even Security guards and workers were Englishmen. But few know that the hospitality offered by the Hotel was much talked about among the European circle. Though less opulent, this sturdy double storied haveli had been built with superior plan. After independence this building has being occupied by MPEB and afterwards as office of Girls NCC Battalion But now it is empty and in worst position.
Kamania Gate
It is located in old city area, a congested place thus can't be visited by car in day-time, when market is open. Kamania is the gateway of the area. It is built at the time of Britishers when Jabalpur was in Maratha's hand of Bhonsle of Nagpur. Kamania comes from the Kamaan. Meaning of Kamaan is (Bow) of (Arch), which forms the lower part of the gateway. The clock which adorns the gate was added in 1939 to commemorate the Tripuri Congress session held nearby on the Tilwara Ghat. Now a days, it lies in heart of Jabalpur city. This area is now developed as a busy market place of common use items. Its condition is good but in order to visit Kamania gate in Jabalpur, we need to visit either before 10:00 AM or in late evening hours. Due to heavy rush, 4-wheelers are not allowed in this area in day time. We can reach this place by walking in day time.
Ghanta Ghar or Victory Tower
It is another monument and attraction at heart of city. It is more than 100 years old thus can be visited during Jabalpur city tour.