Raja Bilah's Mansion Historical Signage Unveiled
The historical signage for Raja Bilah's Mansion was unveiled on February 1, 2025, by the great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren of Raja Bilah, marking a new chapter for this mansion. Coincidentally, on February 1, 1909, 116 years ago, history was made at this mansion when Raja Yacob was appointed as the Penghulu of Papan, succeeding his father, Raja Bilah.
The installation of the historical signage is part of the Perak Heritage Association's efforts to uphold the history of Raja Bilah's Mansion and Kota Papan, once a major Mandailing settlement in Kinta, as part of the Papan and Kinta Valley Heritage. Hopefully, this effort will promote 'Histourism' in the Papan Heritage Town.
For information, Raja Bilah was a member of the Mandailing royalty who was both influential and wealthy. He built a mansion known as Istana Bilah or Raja Bilah's Mansion. The mansion still stands proudly in Papan, Perak.
Raja Bilah's Mansion features an impressive wooden mansion design. The attractive and neat interior decorative art is a testament to the continuity of the architectural style of the Mandailing royal mansions, or 'Bagas Godang'.
The palace is situated on a hill and stands beautifully. It is truly captivating and reflects the grandeur of Raja Bilah as a royal nobleman of Sumatran descent.
Raja Bilah built his home in Perak as a place to spend the remainder of his life. The construction of the palace was fully completed in 1896. To this day, this mansion is seen as the largest building in Papan Town, Perak.
Because Raja Bilah was the Penghulu of Papan at the time, his mansion also functioned as a 'Sapo Godang', a house for noblemen to hold meetings.
Historically, it was used for wedding ceremonies, festive celebrations, and other events. Most importantly, the primary motive for building Istana Bilah was to serve as a center for deliberation and meetings for the Mandailing community and Muslims from the West Kinta region.
Most of them would meet with Raja Bilah to discuss problems they faced and propose development suggestions, particularly after Friday prayers at the Old Papan Mosque.
Gratitude is extended to the Batu Gajah District Council, the heirs of the Raja Bilah family, Kinta Valley Geopark, Malaya Historical Group, Papan Heritage Group, media partners, and all parties involved. "Raja Bilah's Mansion, Icon of Papan Heritage"
References:
- Fb - Hisham Muhd's
- https://www.orangperak.com/fakta-tentang-istana-billah-di-papan-perak.html
