Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum

The magnificent Golden Fort of Jaisalmer (State: Rajasthan) is constructed by the renowned Rajput ruler Jaisal in 1156 on the Trikuta hills. The fort contains both ancient and modern structures. There are majestic palaces and Jain temples inside the fort.

Royal Palace of 19the century, also known as Raj Mahal inside the fort is a grand structure. Constructed in lime stone, this is a imposing seven-storied palace. It is also used as museum as well as heritage center. The lattice work on the windows show cases the excellent craftsmanship of the people.

One can enjoy the marvelous beauty of the Royal Palace from all angles from the big courtyard enclosed in the fort. This place might have been used for the ceremonies and celebrations of the Dussehra festivals in those days.

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ASI Museum, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) in the fort area is the 16th century Shivappa Nayak Palace of Keladi Dynasty. Today, this palace also serves as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

Like any other museum on display are here various sculptures belonging to various periods. Apart from the sculptures there are also manuscripts on display. The sculptures are not only inside the palace, but also out in the garden. Here we will see some of the sculptures that are inside the palace.

Above is the idol of Jain Thirtankara Adinath belonging to the 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

Above is the idol of Gajalaksmi belonging to 11th century A.D. Here Goddess Lakshmi can be seen flanked by elephants on either side.

Above is the idol of Mahisusaramardini belonging to 12th century A.D. Every detail is carved beautifully.

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Shivappa Nayaka Palace, Shimoga

In Shimoga (State: Karnataka) the fort originally had occupied around 200 acres of land. Of which now only 10 acres of land is occupied by fort area. Even though I could not see any fort walls, I did see a 16th century palace built by ruler Shivappa Nayak of Keladi Dynasty. This beautiful palace is situated on the banks of river Tunga in the old city. (Click on the images for bigger view)

This was much larger structure, of which currently only the Durbar Hall survives the ravages of the war against Bahmani Kings. The Durbar Hall is built with wooden pillars giving an elevation of almost twenty feet from the ground level.

The carved pillars and artificial roofs is made of teak and rosewood. The roof of the palace is covered with Mangalore tiles. The wooden staircase leads up to the first floor. And there is a projected wooden balcony in the central part.

There are beautiful floral carvings on the pillars and arches between the pillars.

The architecture of the palace is Indo-Saracenic where one can see elements of Rajput, Islamic styles. Today, this palace also serves as a museum for Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The palace is maintained by ASI and as of today no charge or ticket for visiting this elegant palace.

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Meharangarh Fort, Jodhpur

The Fort of Jodhpur (State: Rajasthan) looms on the top of a rocky hill, and it rises 125 mts, above the plains. Built in the 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs, the architecture is such that, one can not separate the fort from bluff-colored sandstone hill on which it is constructed. (Click on the images for bigger view)

The fort is built on the hill in such a way that it is very difficult to identify where the hill ends and the fort walls begin. The fort at several places has 17 feet thick and 68 feet high walls.

It is approached by a series of 7 gateways set at an angle so that armies could not charge them with any success. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away.

Across from huge courtyards are the palatial apartments that have been built over five centuries of bristling history. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled craftsmanship. Only some of the spectacular palaces of the fort are open to the visitors.

These consists of Moti Mahal with its pierced screen windows overlooking the coronation seat where the Rathore ruler have been ritually anointed to rule; Jhanki Mahal, the apartment from where the zenana women would watch ceremonial events; Chandan Mahal, where affairs of state were discussed; the royal Darbar Takhat or throne room with its octagonal throne.

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Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner

Lalgarh Palace is located outside the Bikaner city limits. It is at a distance of 3 kms from the city. This palace was built between 1902 and 1926 by Maharaja Ganaga Singh in the memory of his father, Maharaja Lal Singh.

The architecture of the palace is Indo-Saracenic where one can see elements of Rajput, Muslim and European styles.

Now, this palace has been converted into a heritage hotel. But, the first floor of the palace is converted into a museum, the Shri Sadul museum. The museum has on display are artifacts and personal possessions of the Bikaner Maharajas.

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Badal Mahal, Kumbalgarh

In the 15th century King Rana Kumbh built a massive fort whose walls stretched for 36 kms in the Aravali ranges in a place by name Kumbalgarh (State: Rajasthan). The Kumbalgarh Fort is surrounded by 13 mountain peaks, and guarded by seven great gates, strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watchtowers. (Click on the images for bigger view)

There are many palaces, temples and gardens inside this huge fort complex. At the top most point in the fort is the palace known as Badal Mahal or the Palace of Cloud.

The palace was rebuilt by Rana Fateh Singh in the late 19th century. The legendary ruler Maharana Pratap was born here. The palace has colorful rooms. Unfortunately we could not see them as it was closed when we were there. This palace is very different, when compared to rest of the raw and grim fortress.

The entrance of the palace has beautiful carvings. Even the wooden door of the palace is also carved beautifully.

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Dinman Hardaul's Palace, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the 17th century Dinman Hardaul's Palace is a symbol of the respect and love between brothers. The splendid edifice of Palace represents the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the ancient times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

According to a historical legend, Dinman Hardaul's Palace was constructed in honor of the prince Hardaul who sacrificed his life for his elder brother Jhujhar. The elder brother had suspected that his younger brother was romantically involved with his long time companion and friend. Due to this prince Hardaul decided end his life to show his virtuous nature to Jhujhar.

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Phool Bagh and Wind Towers, Orchha

In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the Phool Bagh is a beautiful garden of the royal rulers of the Bundelkhand dynasty. Surrounded by colorful and attractive flower beds in those days, Phool Bagh was the summer palace of the rulers of Orchha.

The shot below was taken from the Charurbhuj Temple. On the left is Ram Raja Temple and in the extreme right the two towers are Wind Towers. In the center is Phool Bagh Palace. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

Next to Phool Bagh palace, are the cooling towers which caught the prevailing wind. The huge towers would capture the hot winds and produce a cooling effect over the entire area.

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Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

During our visit to Jodhpur (State: Rajasthan) we planned to visit Umaid Bhavan Palace, after the tour of the Jodhpur fort. We reached this place at 6 p.m and the gates were closed for us. If one wishes to visit this place be here before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m the gates are closed for visitors and they are allowed nowhere near the gates.

Constructed of marble and pink sandstone this immense palace is also known as the Chhittar Palace because it uses local Chittar sandstone. Begun in 1929, it was designed by president of the British Royal Institute of Architects for Maharaja Umaid Singh and took 15 years to complete.

This palace is outside the fort and now converted into a luxury hotel. The above snaps was taken from the fort.

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Raj Mahal, Orchaa

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Raj Mahal. Work on the Raja Mahal was started by Raja Rudra Pratap, and is completed by his predecessor Madhukar Shah one of the most prominent rulers of Orchha.

The outer courtyard has some beautiful arches arranged in floral patterns and carved out in lime mortar.

It is a fine example of Mughal architecture with typical stone lattice work. The palace is in the shape of a perfect square that is further divided into two courtyards. The main courtyard is flanked by the palace which has a four-story building at one end of it. The other three sides have five-story apartments.

It has raised balconies and interlocking walkways rise in symmetrical tiers on all four sides, crowned by domed pavilions and turrets.

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Jehanghir Palace, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a three storied most impressive palace, which is a fine example of of Indo-Islamic architecture. The harmony in the construction of palace can be seen in hanging balconies, topped domes and lovely onion shaped domes around the central courtyard.

This palace is more airy and lighted since it has countless windows and pierced stone screens looking out over the skyline to the west. In the other direction one can see a sea of treetops and ruined temples.

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Jehanghir Mahal, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is 17th century palace, the Jehanghir Mahal. It is a magnificent structure and grandest of all palaces in Orchha. This was built by then King Bir Singh Deo between 1605 and 1627 to commemorate the visit of Emperor Jahanghir to Orchha. It is a three storied building, which is a fine example of of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The main entrance of the palace is east-facing facade, which is covered with turquoise tiles. The arrival of Raja was announced by the ringing of bells of the beautiful stone elephants that guards the stairway.

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Rai Praveen Mahal, Orchha

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The Fort Complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)

One of such palace is Rai Praveen Mahal. This palace was built in honor of the ‘Nightingale of Orchha’, Rai Praveen. As per the legend when she had been to Emperor Akbar's court, she was lured by him to stay back in his court by denouncing her King of Orchha. But she returned back to Orchha without accepting the Emperor's offer.

Built in 1618 using circa by then Maharaja Indrajit Singh is a three-storeyed palace. The second floor is decorated with the poses and postures of Indian dance. A octagonal shaped lush garden, with shrubs and flowerbeds developed in many artistic shapes, surrounds the palace.

In the landscape beyond the palace various small temples and Betwa river can be seen.

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Orchha Fort Complex

Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) has an imposing fort, dating back to the 16th century. The fort complex contains magnificent palaces of the Bundela kings presenting a matchless spectacle of those times. (Click on the images for bigger picture)


The complex has 3 palaces:

Raj Mahal - Bundela kings residential palace. a massive square building of which the exterior is almost absolutely plain.

Jehangir Mahal - a square building, but far more ornate, a singularly beautiful specimen of Hindu domestic architecture.

Rai Praveen Mahal - built in memory of the famous poetess and musician, Rai Parveen, the beautiful courtesan of Raja Indramani.

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