Mubarak Mandi Complex

The Mubarak Mandi Complex in Jammu and Kashmir is steeped in a history of around 150 years. What began as the royal residence of the Dogra rulers of Kashmir, later became a complex of government houses, offices and courts counting to be 76 in number including the Royal Secretariat. The buildings have come up successively surrounding a central courtyard and ornamented garden. It also houses sprawling galleries and halls to hold public events and official ceremonies.

The Mubarak Mandi Palace Complex was built strategically to give an unobstructed view of the River Tawi on one side and the old city on the hillock on the other side for security reasons. The oldest building in the palace complex dates back to as long as 1824. The architecture is clearly a melting pot Mughal, Rajasthani and 17 th century European style. Elaborate and extensive symmetrical ornamentation of the Mubarak Mandi Complex is truly a delight to behold.

The Mubarak Mandi Complex includes the famous Dogra Art Gallery situated in the erstwhile Pink Hall. The museum is a treasure house of miniature paintings from the traditional Hill Schools of art especially the Jammu School of Art, Kangra School of Art and Basohli School of Art. The collection includes hundreds of rare pictures, a gold bow and Arrow of the Mughal king Shah Jehan and also hand written Persian manuscripts of Shahnama and Sikandernama. The Sheesh Mahal or the Mirror Palace inside the palace complex is a magnificent building in itself with its arresting decor of mirrors. The river Tawi also offers a panoramic view from the Mubarak Mandi Complex.

Last Updated on 8/29/2011