Prag Mahal
The Prag Mahal is a 19th-century palace located next to the Aina Mahal in Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat, India.
History
Prag Mahal is named after Rao Pragmalji II, who commissioned it and construction began in 1865. It was designed by Colonel Henry St Clair Wilkins in what the local tourist office describes as the Italian Gothic style, 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. The palace artisans' wages were paid in gold coins. Construction of the palace, which ultimately cost 3.1 million rupees, was completed in 1879 during the regency of Khengarji III following Pragmalji II's death in 1875. The local Kutchi builder community were also involved in construction of Prag Mahal along with Colonel Wilkins.Notable features
- The palace is made of Italian marble and sandstone from Rajasthan.
- The main hall, filled with decaying taxidermy
- Durbar hall, with broken chandeliers and classical statues
- Corinthian pillars
- Jali work depicting European plants and animals
- It has 45 foot high tower with a clock, from where you can see the entire Bhuj city.
- There is also a small temple in the courtyard behind the palace with nicely carved stonework.