|
Indian City Travel Guide >>Indore >>Rajwada |
|
|
About Rajwada |
|
|
The Holkar Palace (Rajwada) is close to the Chhatris, in the main square.
It is a seven |
|
| The structure | |
|
The gopura-like monumental stone and wood structure, flanked by bastions,
studded with balconies and windows, is a testimony of the past Holkar
grandeur. Its lofty entrance archway above a huge wooden door encrusted
with iron studs, leads into a vast courtyard enclosed by galleried rooms,
and the arcaded Ganesh Hall where state and religious functions were once
held. It is now used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts. The
lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of
wood, which made it very vulnerable to destruction by fire. Rajwada was
burnt three times in its history; the last fire in 1984 took the greatest
toll. Today only the front facade remains. Recent renovations have
recreated some of the old glory of this beautiful palace. The charred
rubble of the rear portion has now given way to a symmetrically laid out
garden featuring fountains, an artificial waterfall and some superb pieces
of 11th century sculpture. Synonymous with the heart of Indore city, it
stands today as a mute witness to the bygone splendour of the Holkar
rulers. The New Palace still remains on the north side.In the old part of
town, the multi-storey gateway of the Rajwada or Old Palace looks out onto
the palm-lined main square in the crowded streets of the Kajuri Bazaar.
About 200 years ago, this seven-storied historical building formed the
nerve centre of all trading activities. Even today it stands proud in the
market place, a silent tribute to the craftsmanship of unknown artisans of
centuries ago.
|
|
-storied
building (only facade remains) built over two centuries and is built in a
mixture of Maratha, Mughal and French style. 
Water