Naulakha Palace: Difference between revisions
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[[File:Palais Naulakha balcon.jpg|upright|thumb|A [[Jharokha]] of the Naulakha Palace balcony that inspired many similar architecture in other royal buildings]] |
[[File:Palais Naulakha balcon.jpg|upright|thumb|A [[Jharokha]] of the Naulakha Palace balcony that inspired many similar architecture in other royal buildings]] |
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The '''Naulakha Palace''', the oldest extant palace in [[Gondal, India]], dating back to the 18th century (1748), with a "sculpted facade" |
The '''Naulakha Palace''', the oldest extant palace in [[Gondal, India]], dating back to the 18th century (1748), with a "sculpted facade"{{sfn|Bradnock|Bradnock|2000|p=1241}} is a part of the [[Durbargardh]] complex. It is named "Navalakaha" meaning rupees "nine lakhs" (Rs 900,000) which was the cost of building it at that time. It has impressive [[stone carving]]s with exquisite "[[jharokha]]s" (balconies), an extraordinary pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "[[Durbar (court)|durbar]]" hall (court house) witnesses stuffed [[leopard|panthers]], gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors.{{sfn|Bradnock|Bradnock|2000|p=1241}}<ref name= Chakraborty>{{Cite web|last= Chakraborty|first=Subhasish |url=http://wsimag.com/travel/11180-the-palaces-of-gondal|title=The Palaces of Gondal A Tryst With Royal Gujarat|accessdate=30 June 2015|date= 4 October 2014|publisher=Wall Street International}}</ref>{{Sfn|Miller|2012|p=77}} The "Private palace museum" displays an impressive array of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages and gifts for the Maharajah [[Bhagvatsingh of Gondal|Bhagwat Sinhji]] on his [[silver jubilee]] as ruler of Gondal.<ref name= Chakraborty/> |
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==Layout== |
==Layout== |
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The Naulakha Palace is part of the Durbagadh complex (an old fort complex), which was built during the 18th century (1748 |
The Naulakha Palace is part of the Durbagadh complex (an old fort complex), which was built during the 18th century (1748{{sfn|Bradnock|Bradnock|2000|p=1241}}), and with a number of additional structures built in subsequent years. It was the capital city of a [[Jadeja]] [[Rajput]] [[clan]].{{Sfn|Abram|2013|p=662}} The palace has an overview of the Gondal River. The main approach to the complex is through a curved gateway structure with a clock tower which rises in three tiers above the gateway. The palace is at the far end from the gate and is fronted by a rectangular forecourt.{{Sfn|Miller|2012|p=77}} |
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The Gondal city is well connected by road, rail and air services. It is located {{Convert|38| km}} away from [[Rajkot]], |
The Gondal city is well connected by road, rail and air services. It is located {{Convert|38| km}} away from [[Rajkot]],{{sfn|Bradnock|Bradnock|2000|p=1241}} which is also the airport ({{Convert|40|km}} away) and rail head.<ref name= Chakraborty/> |
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==Features== |
==Features== |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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*{{cite book|last=Abram|first=David|title=The Rough Guide to India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FfKtAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT662|date=1 October 2013|publisher=Rough Guides|location=London|isbn=978-1-4093-4267-0|ref=harv}} |
*{{cite book|last=Abram|first=David|title=The Rough Guide to India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=FfKtAAAAQBAJ&pg=PT662|date=1 October 2013|publisher=Rough Guides|location=London|isbn=978-1-4093-4267-0|ref=harv}} |
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*{{cite book|ref=harv|last1=Bradnock|first1=Robert W|last2=Bradnock|first2=Roma|title=India Handbook|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=-RowAQAAIAAJ|year=2000|publisher=Trade & Travel Publications}} |
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*{{cite book|last= Miller |first=Sam |title=Gujarat: Chapter from Blue Guide India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=6Uy_CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT77|date=27 October 2012|publisher=Blue Guides|isbn=978-1-909079-68-7|ref=harv}} |
*{{cite book|last= Miller |first=Sam |title=Gujarat: Chapter from Blue Guide India|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=6Uy_CQAAQBAJ&pg=PT77|date=27 October 2012|publisher=Blue Guides|isbn=978-1-909079-68-7|ref=harv}} |
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Revision as of 17:15, 3 July 2015
The Naulakha Palace, the oldest extant palace in Gondal, India, dating back to the 18th century (1748), with a "sculpted facade"[1] is a part of the Durbargardh complex. It is named "Navalakaha" meaning rupees "nine lakhs" (Rs 900,000) which was the cost of building it at that time. It has impressive stone carvings with exquisite "jharokhas" (balconies), an extraordinary pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "durbar" hall (court house) witnesses stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors.[1][2][3] The "Private palace museum" displays an impressive array of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages and gifts for the Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal.[2]
Layout
The Naulakha Palace is part of the Durbagadh complex (an old fort complex), which was built during the 18th century (1748[1]), and with a number of additional structures built in subsequent years. It was the capital city of a Jadeja Rajput clan.[4] The palace has an overview of the Gondal River. The main approach to the complex is through a curved gateway structure with a clock tower which rises in three tiers above the gateway. The palace is at the far end from the gate and is fronted by a rectangular forecourt.[3]
The Gondal city is well connected by road, rail and air services. It is located 38 kilometres (24 mi) away from Rajkot,[1] which is also the airport (40 kilometres (25 mi) away) and rail head.[2]
Features
The Naulakha Palace said to be the oldest palace in the Gondal area, has very exclusive architectural features of arcades, jharokas, a royal audience hall (durbar hall) (which is still used by the present Maharaja), a winding stairway, shining chandeliers, decorated mirrors and antique furnishings.[2] It is a unique triple storied edifice with an open arcade with stone carvings on the first floor flanked by towers. The eaves above the stone fittings on this floor are carved with sculptures of real and mythical animals. A part of the first floor also houses a museum which has elegant architectural features over the rooms with carvings made out of wood and stone over its doors. The exhibits in the museum include artifacts collected by the Maharaja of a large number of toy cars, pictures, a library of books, trophies and so forth. The decorated balcony provides scenic views of the Gondal town. The side room on the left side of the palace has exhibits of kitchen ware and a pair of huge weighing balance; the weighing balance was used on special celebrations of the Maharaja's birthdays when he used to be weighed in gold equivalent which would then be donated to the poor. Another interesting scene noted near a bridge over the river is the reflected image of the palace.[3]
Other structures
There are many other structures within the complex, and these are:[3]
A zenana (womans' quarters) is a building in a state of ruin, adjoins the palace. It is flanked by two statues of guards and has stone tracery architectural features on its upper floor. The Gori Pir, a Muslim shrine (dargah) of a saint is within its courtyard.[3] The Huzoor Palace here is a large building which is currently the residence of the royal family.[3]
The Riverside Palace, which is 1.26 kilometres (0.78 mi) away from the Naulakha Palace, was built in 1875 by Bhagwat Sinhji for his son, Yuvraj Bhaijraji, the then crown prince. This palace has artifacts collected by the royal family, pictures, and trophies of heads of stuffed animals fixed on walls. This palace and the Orchard Palace are currently run as hotels.[3][5] The living room here has the elegance of colonial architecture and has rich antique furniture. An exclusive Indian wing of this palace has beautiful brass ware and miniature paintings.[2]
The Orchard Palace located next to the Huzoor Palace, which is 600 metres (2,000 ft) to the east of Naulakha Palace, was used as a guest house during the nineteenth century. As it is located next to an orchard of fruit trees, in a well tended garden, it is called the Orchard Palace.[3][4] It has many garages known as "the Royal Garages" which display a plethora of cars mostly of 1950s vintage still in well preserved and in working condition. This collection of vintage cars is stated to be "the greatest collection of vintage cars in the whole of Asia". Also exhibited in the garages are a large collection of horse drawn coaches both Victorian and Shetland type.[2] The rooms here have high ceilings and the bed room furnishings include four posters, apart from the royal artifact collection of over 100 years.[3][4]
An old railway saloon which is displayed in the gardens of the complex has basic accommodation of a bedroom, dining room, and is fitted with a bathroom with period fitments.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d Bradnock & Bradnock 2000, p. 1241.
- ^ a b c d e f Chakraborty, Subhasish (4 October 2014). "The Palaces of Gondal A Tryst With Royal Gujarat". Wall Street International. Retrieved 30 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Miller 2012, p. 77.
- ^ a b c Abram 2013, p. 662.
- ^ Kaushik Pandya (2007). A journey to the glorious Gujarat. Akshara Prakashan.
Bibliography
- Abram, David (1 October 2013). The Rough Guide to India. London: Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-4093-4267-0.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - Bradnock, Robert W; Bradnock, Roma (2000). India Handbook. Trade & Travel Publications.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - Miller, Sam (27 October 2012). Gujarat: Chapter from Blue Guide India. Blue Guides. ISBN 978-1-909079-68-7.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help)