BETTIAH, May 29 -- The district administration of East Champaran has identified a site associated with Raja Todar Mal, celebrated as one of the Navaratnas (nine gems) of Akbar's court, to develop it as a major tourist destination in the district. Talking to HT, East Champaran's district magistrate (DM), Saurabh Jorwal, said that the district administration is compiling a list of the lesser-known historical places among which include a place linked to Raja Todar Mal at Bhopatpur village in Kotwa block of my district where once existed a palace. "There is no trace of the palace now. However, its remains are there. We are looking forward to forwarding a detailed report for future inspection of the site and its development as a tourist destination. It has been identified as a site linked to Raja Todar Mal," said the district magistrate, adding that the proposed list included other lesser-known structures of historical significance across the district. Officials believe the recognition of the site may help promoting tourism in the district a great deal, while preserving the region's historical legacy. Located about 30 km south-east of Motihari, headquarters of East Champaran district, Bhopatpur village in Kotwa block is believed to be associated with Raja Todar Mal, one of the Navaratnas (nine gems) in the court of Akbar. Spread over area of two to three kathas of land, the site is said to have once witness to a palace associated with Raja Todar Mal. As things stand today, scattered remains can still be seen at the site though no standing structure of the palace is surviving. Some portions of the palace are believed to lie buried underground. Visitors also notice a few later structures there, including one building carrying a plaque indicating it was constructed in 1935. "This building appears to have been constructed much later than the palace of Raja Todar Mal," the district magistrate said, who visited the site to take stock of the situation recently. Raja Todar Mal is widely known for introducing an efficient land revenue system during Akbar's reign. This, in turn, played a major role in strengthening the Mughal administration. The district administration's initiatives are now expected to draw the attention of tourists, historians and researchers. The proposed development of the site may include basic tourism infrastructure, historical documentation and promotion of the location as a heritage destination in Bihar. Local residents have also expressed hope that the initiative would bring recognition to the area and create opportunities for economic and cultural development. It is here, sharing a vanshawali (family tree) in support of his claim to be a scion of Raja Todar Mal, Mukesh Kumar, who lives in Motihari said Raja Todar Mal's scions in Bhopatpur were reduced to the status of farmers under British rule. "The palace of Raja Todar Mal collapsed during the devastating earthquake which rocked this part of Bihar in 1934. Later, his scion built a house in 1935 near the same location," said Sinha, based on the information handed down from one generation to another....