Rajwada Palace

Rajwada Palace is one of the major attractions of Indore tourism. Rajwada is the historical mansion of the rulers of the Holkar dynasty. The palace was constructed about 200 years ago, and to this day, the palace holds a special attraction for visitors. Its grand architectural splendor is a blend of several architectural styles such as the French, Maratha, and Mughal styles.

The building is a seven-storied structure that stands with pride in the center of Indore city. The entrance to the palace is a sight to behold. A great archway serves as the entrance to the palace. A giant door constructed of wood and decorated with iron studs welcomes people into this majestic structure.

The whole palace is constructed of stone and wood. Large windows, balconies, and corridors stand testimony to the grandeur of the Holkar rulers and their style. Rajwada is a must-visit for every tourist.

History of Rajwada Palace

The Rajwada Palace was constructed in 1747 A.D. by the founder of the Holkar Dynasty, Malhar Rao Holkar. The palace was once the center of all the trading activities in the city. Rajwada has been burnt three times since its construction. The lower three floors of the palace are made up of stone, while the top levels are made of wood. This kind of material used for construction made the building very vulnerable to destruction by fire. It was set on fire for the first time in 1801 by the commander Sarjerao Ghadge of the Sindhiya Dynasty.

Reconstruction took place between 1818 and 1826, and five floors were reconstructed during this time. In 1834, a second fire took place, and the topmost floor was destroyed. The last fire, which broke out in 1984, had caused maximum destruction to the structure and the back side of the palace was destroyed entirely. The temple of Malhari Martand, which is located inside the palace, was also wholly ruined during the riots of 1984.

Now, only the front part of the original structure remains. The palace has recently been renovated, which has managed to bring back the old glory to some extent. In the rear part of the palace, a beautiful garden has been created. It contains fountains, an artificial waterfall, and some magnificent pieces of 11th-century sculpture. The palace hall is now used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts as well.

Architecture of Rajwada Palace

The style of construction of the Rajwada Palace is a blend of the Maratha, Mughal, and French styles of architecture. When viewed from the southern side, the structure looks Mughal; while from the eastern side, it looks European. The Rani Ahilya throne, Ganesha Hall and Darbar Hall have been constructed in a French fashion.

The entrance of the palace has a lofty archway with a giant wooden door that is covered with iron studs. The gopura-like monument is made up of wood and stone. While the lower three floors are made of stone and have been painted in dark brown color, the upper floors have been constructed using wood. The palace has many balconies, windows, and corridors. The entrance leads to a huge courtyard, which is surrounded by galleried rooms, and the arcaded Ganesha hall, which was once the venue of all state and religious functions.

H.H.Ushadevi Holkar, the present Maharani of Indore, decided to reconstruct the palace in the year 2006. This process of reconstruction and development took about a year, and the new structure appears equally stunning as the older, original one. The Rajwada Palace is the first structure in the country which has been constructed again in the same style, using the same method and material. The windows of the palace have been outlined and give an impression to the onlooker that several eyes are looking right back at the street.

The building, at present, is rectangular, with circular bastions on all four corners. The palace also houses the office of the Joint Director of Archaeology and a Souvenir Shop, which is managed by the Archaeology Department of the State.

Light and Sound Show at Rajwada Palace

A splendid sound and light show takes place at the Rajwada Palace from Tuesdays to Sundays, at 6:30 PM, and is a must-watch for history lovers to wish to know more about the palace and unravel its mysteries.