Royal Landmarks of Bhuj – Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal

Both Prag Mahal and Aina Mahal are located in the same complex. Entry is through Sukh Sadachar Dwar which was commissioned by last Maharao Shri Pragmul ji III of Kutch. You need to get parking receipt before you enter to see them. Parking Counter is open from morning 9am to evening 6pm. Charge – two wheeler – Rs.10/-, three wheeler – Rs. 10/-, four wheeler – Rs.40/-, MMV Rs.50/- and Bus Rs.100/-. Both palaces can be visited in a day trip of Bhuj alongwith some other attractions.

Check out blog on: Vijay Vilas Palace of Kutch, Gujarat – Complete Guide

AINA MAHAL

Aina Mahal literally means “palace of mirrors”. Aina Mahal is open from 9 am to 11.45 am and then again from 3pm to 5.45pm. On Thursday Aina Mahal remains closed. Inside Aina Mahal Camera charge for photography is Rs.50/- (no videography)

At first you will see collection of Maharao Lakhpat ji different types of transportation media, photographs and paintings. This is a Museum now which once upon a time served as the residence of rulers of Kutch.

Aina Mahal was built by Lakhpat ji of Kutch state. It can be divided into following parts: 1.Museum of portraits and other photos, 2. Instruments room or Fuvarna Mahal 3. decorative items collection room alongwith Lion in the cenre 3. Warriors’ Room or Collection of weapons, and 4. Hira Mahal. I am quoting from the information given inside Aina Mahal “In 1741 at the age of thirty four Lakhpaji peacefully seized control of the court from his father Maharao Desai ji. In 1952 Lakhpat ji was finally installed on the gaddi (throne) on the death of his father, the popular and versatile Desai ji. However, during Lakhpat ji’s period as a Yuvraj he was appointed y his father to proceed to Delhi to attend the darbar (court) of the Mughal Emperor Muhammed Shah. his invitation marked the first meeting of the Kutch ruling family with Mughal Imperial Court. At the darbar Lakhpat ji developed a reputation for his concerts of music and dance which he held at his tent at night. Lakhpaji’s solo performance (of) soft classical music and dance succeeded in winning him the hearts of two musician maidens who chose to accompany him on his return to Kutch. Lakhpat ji’s interests and influences in Kutch also extended significantly into the various crafts manufactured in the state. When he returned from Delhi he began to build a palace in Bhuj inspired by what he had seen in the Mughal Court. It’s construction entailed inviting many artists to the Kutch Court. The most and now famous of these artisans is Ramsingh Malam who had returned from Europe at about the time Lakhpat ji acceded to the throne. Lakhpat ji was an excellent poet. In addition he possessed military skills sufficient to successfully battle against Sher Buland Khan and various rebellious jagidars of Kutch.”

Fuvanra Mahal was “built in 1740 by Lakhpat ji who had a passion for music, art, architecture, and literature. This was an entertainment room, decorated by fine pieces of art, Belgium chandeliers and lamps. The marble throne in the centre was meant for the king, the musicians sat on the brocade and zardosi emroidered divan. The small island was surrounded by fountains and a water filled moat -this ensured the room remained cool. The lamps would be filled with coloured water with a layer of oil and a wick on top. The lamps would be lit up along with the numerous chandeliers. One can imagine the overall of the coloured light of the chandeliers and lamps reflecting off the water, the sound of the fountain and the beautiful melody of the instruments being played”.

Hira Mahal

Hira Mahal used to be the king’s bedroom. There is detailed description given inside the mahal I am quoting “The king’s bedroom is a work of art in itself. Twenty seven Roccoco style intricately carved, gold plated mirror frames adorn the room, each design distinctive. Semi precious stones were engraved into marble panels with Minakari work. These panels were then screwed into the walls. Small windows for ventilation were made, earlier a 3 feet long zardosi embroidered fan hung from the ceiling. It is said that a single source of light is all it took to light up the whole room. A legend exists that the Maharao slept on his bed only for a year. Then, customarily a new bed was ordered from his craftsmen and the previous bed was auctioned off to one of the residents of the state. Maharao’s last bed remains in the Hira Mahal collection, it’s four legs are made of pure gold. The room also displays many other opulent and luxurious objects and decorative articles. Among these articles are a diamond studded sword and shield which were presented by the Mughal Emperor Alamgir II in the 18th century, an interestingly designed pair of slippers which sprayed perfume each time the knob on the heel was pressed and two intricate silver and enamel work tree of the late nineteenth century manufacture”.

Hira Mahal is of 4.6×7.3 meters. It contains Maharao Lakhpat ji’s bed within a boldly decorated intimate interior. Maharao Lakhpat ji used to sell his bed every year and a new bed used to e made for the King. As many wealthy people in Kutch wanted to own Maharao’s beautiful bed, it’s sale enabled Lakhpat ji to apply the capital raised annually to other entertainments of his own devising.

Ivory door: It was made in 1708 during the rule of Maharao God ji II by the skilled carpenter Madho, this exquisite piece of work is an amalgamation of fine caring and inlaid ivory. It is said that labor charges for creating this masterpiece was 1 Kori (Kori was the currency of Kutch till 1948, it was replaced by Indian rupee at a rate of 1 Indian rupee = 3.5Kori).

There are few shops outside Aina Mahal for crafts shopping. I found products were little bit pricy. You can also get photographs wearing traditional attire of this region inside the complex.

PRAG MAHAL

Prag Mahal is open from 9.30am to 5.45pm. Entry fee – Adult – Rs.40/-, children above 5 years – Rs.20/-, Camera charge Photography – Rs. 100/-, prewedding photography – Rs.5000/-

Compared to Aina Mahal Prag Mahal is newly built. It is a 19th century building located next to Aina Mahal. Rao Pragmal ji II commissioned to build this palace and construction began in 1865. Although Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are located next to each other bath are totally different when it comes to appearance. Aina Mahal has more Mughal influence. From the exterior and interior designs European influence on Prag Mahal can be observed.

Prag Mahal was designed by British Army Officer Colonel Henry S Clair Wilkins in Roman style. It was completed in 1879 during the regency of Khengarji III (son of Pragmal Ji) costing 3.1 million rupees (artisans were paid in gold coins).

The palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan. In the initial stage Italian construction workers were employed. Local Kutchi builders were employed under the guidance of Colonel Wilkins in the last phase of construction of this palace. This 19th century palace was affected by Bhuj earthquake (2001). Several scenes of famous Hindi movie “Lagaan” were shot in this palace.

This palace has collection of animals shot while hunting in the British era, a small coin collection, paintings, palanquins, furniture, designed mirrors, classical statues, wooden staircases, arched doorways and a distinct clock tower. During our visit the palace was under maintenance hence could not climb to see the view from the top of the clock tower.

Prag Mahal is more spacious than Aina Mahal. Main attraction of Prag Mahal is it’s Durbar Hall which is grand and very well maintained. Visiting both Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal can be completed within 2 hours.

There are many places to visit in Bhuj. We started our trip from Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal. These royal landmarks give initial impression of Kutch region. It requires 2-3 hours to complete visiting both of these palaces. Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal are examples of our bright past.