Shimla, Jan. 7 -- A massive fire broke out on Wednesday at the historic royal palace of the erstwhile Kyonthal princely state in Junga near Shimla, causing extensive damage to the nearly 800-year-old heritage structure and destroying invaluable historical and religious property.

According to members of the Kyonthal royal family, the blaze is believed to have originated near the sacred installation of Devta Maharaj Deo Junga, located within the palace complex, and rapidly spread through the ancient wooden structure. The palace, constructed during the reign of Raja Khushvakram Sen, was largely made of old timber and had been lying unoccupied for several years due to its dilapidated condition.

Royal family member Vijay Jyoti Sen said that ...