Art Institutions of Jharkhand | Jharkhand State (JPSC) PSC: Preparation - JPSC (Jharkhand) PDF Download

Audrey House

• Audrey House, constructed by Captain Hailington between 1855 and 1856, is a historic building located in Ranchi, Jharkhand. During the summer months, the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Odisha was transferred to the Governor's House Ranchi, and Audrey House was included as part of this residence.
• A significant historical event associated with Audrey House was the meeting of Mahatma Gandhi with Sir Edward Albert Gat, the then Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces of Bihar and Orissa (now Odisha), on June 4, 1917. This meeting was held to discuss solutions to the agricultural unrest in the region. The discussions led to the formation of a committee that recommended the abolition of the oppressive system that forced Champaran farmers to grow specific crops and sell their produce under duress. These recommendations were eventually enacted in the Champaran Agricultural Act of 1918.
• Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is situated on the southern part of the Chhotanagpur plateau. Its hilly terrain, combined with lush greenery and natural water sources, made it a favored retreat for British Raj officers and Indian elites. This led to the construction of several institutional and recreational buildings, including Audrey House.
• Audrey House, now a part of the Raj Bhawan (Governor's Residence) of Jharkhand, stands as a significant heritage site. Over its 150-year history, it has witnessed numerous important events and continues to be a prominent landmark in Ranchi.
• Audrey House was built by Captain John Huntington, a British officer, during 1855-56 as an indoor entertainment center. Constructed from wood and tile, it is a notable piece of architecture. When Ranchi served as the summer capital of Bihar, Audrey House functioned as the state secretariat and, prior to the construction of the current Governor's House, also served as the Governor’s Secretariat.
• Today, Audrey House is one of the few surviving heritage buildings in Ranchi. A small portion of it currently houses the State Law Commission's office. Its historical significance and unique architectural value make it an important landmark in the region.
• Originally, during its time as the summer capital of undivided Bihar, Audrey House served as the state secretariat. The Raj Bhavan was established later. Over the years, the building was largely vacant except for a small section used by government departments. It was later reconstructed and repurposed by the Jharkhand government. President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated it as a center for art and culture.
• The state government, led by Chief Minister Raghubar Das, is expected to follow the recommendation of Governor Draupadi Murmu to rename it as the Mahatma Gandhi Art and Culture Center.
• A century ago, Mahatma Gandhi arrived in Ranchi on July 4, 1917, marking his first visit to the city as part of his effort to organize a mass movement against British rule. He was warmly received by the local community. During his visit, a group of Urav tribals, known as Tana Bhagats, embraced vegetarianism and joined the freedom movement under Gandhi's leadership. They became known for their adherence to white khadi clothing, a vegetarian diet, and their reverence for Gandhi as a spiritual leader.
• Recently, Jharkhand Governor Draupadi Murmu and Chief Minister Raghubar Das commemorated Gandhi's historic visit to Ranchi with an event at Audrey House. The celebration, organized under the BJP government, included a special invitation to the Tana Bhagats, honoring their historical connection to Gandhi and the freedom movement.

Manbhum Chhau Kendra Silli

• Manbhum Chhau is a traditional martial arts dance from Jharkhand, performed by various communities in the region. 
• The dance is characterized by its use of heavy masks, bright colorful costumes, and traditional jewelry, all of which contribute to its visually striking and engaging presentation. 
• The masks are particularly important as they are used to represent different characters and elements within the performance.

Saraikela Chhau Kendra