Lucknow: The first phase part of the memorial dedicated to 1857 uprising hero Rana Beni Madhav Baksh Singh in Rae Bareli’s Salon is set to open to the public this month, an official spokesperson said on Wednesday.“Nearly 95% of the work on the project is complete and is expected to be ready this month. The Rs 36-crore project will feature an auditorium, library, guest house, amphitheatre and exhibition spaces, besides facilities for cultural programmes,” they said. Officials said that Rs 20 crore was released for the first phase while another Rs 12 crore was provided for the second phase. They also said that 65% work for the second phase has been completed. This includes the guest house, amphitheatre and supporting infrastructure.A separate Rs 4-crore light and sound show, now 75% complete, will narrate episodes from Rana Beni Madhav’s resistance and the role of Awadh in the 1857 uprising through visuals, narration and sound.Rana Beni Madhav, ruler of the Shankarpur estate, emerged as a prominent leader of the revolt in Awadh and mobilised local forces against the British. His legacy has survived through Awadhi folk tradition, including the popular refrain, “Awadh ma Rana bhayo mardana”.Tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the memorial would take the leader’s story beyond local memory and make it accessible to younger generations through historical interpretation and cultural experiences. Govt expects the project to position Salon as a new heritage and cultural tourism destination for visitors exploring Rae Bareli’s association with the freedom movement.
