Qila Mubarak Complex

The colorful and exuberant state of Punjab, the hot seat of India's cultural extravaganzas is opulent in grand palaces and majestic forts. Of the innumerable palaces and forts, the state boasts of, the Qila Mubarak Patiala, undoubtedly holds a special place.

The erstwhile residence of the famed Patiala dynasty, the Qila Mubarak Patiala is a rampart fort cum palace, surrounded by crenelated walls, battlements, and turrets. The fortification however does not in any way diminish the beauty or the imperial grandeur of the palace.

The palace was built under the benevolent auspices of Maharaja Ala Singh in 1764. During its days of inception, QilaMubark was merely a kuch-Garhi of a mud fort that was later renovated into a rambling two-storied mansion with an imposing entrance with intricate arches. A large part of the fort however has been converted into a heritage museum.

History

Patiala city of emperors, gardens, and palaces has a huge heritage. Quila Mubarak a Historical National Monument of Patiala is situated in the heart of the city and is the oldest part of Patiala. The palace was built by Maharaja Ala Singh in 1764. In earlier days, Quila Mubarak was just a Kuch-Garhi of a mud fort but later it was named Quila Mubarak. It was reconstructed with baked bricks. It was again renovated into a sprawling two-storied mansion with a grand entrance with elaborate arches. A huge part of the fort was changed into a heritage museum. The construction of the inner palace was completed by Maharaja Amar Singh (1765-1781 AD). The royal members of the Patiala reign occupied Quila Androon or the Inner Fort. Maharaja Sahib Singh (1781- 1813 AD), Maharaja Karam Singh (1813 AD – 1845 AD) Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845 AD to 1862) also lived in this fort. The Quila Mubarak complex stands on the 10-acre ground in the heart of the city and has the main palace or Quila Androon the guesthouse Darbar Hall or Ran Baas.

Architecture

The Quila Mubarak Complex includes several buildings, namely the Ran Basa, Quila Androon, Darbar Hall, Sard Khana, Jalau Khana Quila Mubarak Gateway, and the boundary walls. Quila Mubarak Gateway is the only entrance to Quila Mubarak Complex which leads to Quila Androon Chowk. The whole structure of Quila Androon can be watched from this space. It is made of red sandstone and carries the exterior of multiple domes. Androon Gateway is in the inner boundary of the Quila Androon Chowk. The whole gateway is constructed with stucco work. The upper portion of this building was probably used by the king to direct the functions performed in the court.