Prag Mahal
19th-century palace in Gujarat, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Prag Mahal is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India.
Prag Mahal is named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned it and construction began in 1865.[1][2] It was designed by Colonel Henry St Clair Wilkins in what the local tourist office describes as the Italian Gothic style,[3] although it would be better described as a Romanesque architecture twist on the Indo-Saracenic Revival style, and many Italian artisans were involved in its construction.[2] The palace artisans' wages were paid in gold coins.[4] Construction of the palace, which ultimately cost 3.1 million rupees,[2] was completed in 1879 during the regency of Khengarji III (Pragmalji II's son) following Pragmalji II's death in 1875.[1][5][6] The local Kutchi builder community (Mistris of Kutch) were also involved in construction of Prag Mahal along with Colonel Wilkins.[7][8]
- The palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan.
- The main hall, filled with decaying taxidermy[9]
- Durbar hall, with broken chandeliers and classical statues[10]
- Corinthian pillars[1]
- Jali work depicting European plants and animals[1]
- It has 45 foot high tower with a clock, from where you can see the entire Bhuj city.[1]
- There is also a small temple in the courtyard behind the palace with nicely carved stonework.[3]
The 2001 Gujarat earthquake severely damaged the palace.[11] In 2006, the palace was burgled, with thieves stealing antiques worth millions of rupees and damaging other items throughout the palace.[2] As of 2007, the palace was in a "ghostly", "forlorn" state.[10] The palace and the tower were later repaired, after Amitabh Bachchan took personal interest in restoration of palace,[11] and its tower and clock have been repaired and are now open for public viewing. The Darbar Hall of the majestic Pragmahal Palace was renovated by the Maharao Pragmalji-III at a personal cost of Rs 5 crore. Visitors may enter the main palace halls and ascend the bell tower, which offers views of the city.[1][3]
- Durbar Hall
- Italian Gothic architecture of Prag Mahal with clock tower on right
- Back side of Prag Mahal
- Full View of Prag Mahal
Scenes from the Bollywood blockbusters Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Lagaan, as well as a number of Gujarati films, were shot in the palace.[2][10]
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