Palaces in Punjab

The beauty and the aesthetic appeal of the picturesque state of Punjab, with its lush and sprawling terrains, is accentuated by the majestic and ornate palaces that dot the city. The palaces of Punjab are resplendent in their imperial grandeur and speak of the state's glorious past.

Among the palaces of Punjab, the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh sited in Amritsar deserves special mention. The palace was built under the patronage of the late Maharaja Ranjit Singh and under the supervision of the dexterous Fakir Azeez-ud-din and Sardars Lehna Singh and Desa Singh Majithia, who happened to be former nobles of the Lahore Darbar. The total expenditure incurred to build the magnificent mansion with its sprawling estates was approximately Rs.1, 25,000 Nanak Shai.

Aficionados of Punjab's architecture cannot help raving about the regal splendor of the imposing Qila Mubarak Patiala, the erstwhile residence of the Patiala dynasty. The fort cum palace boasts of unrivalled interiors lavishly decorated and painted in vibrant hues; it was the first of its kind with an underground sewage system and a cool room that blew whiffs of refreshing cool breeze from the basement.

The Sheesh Mahal, Patiala is another grand estate built during Maharaja Narinder Singh's tenure, amidst a rambling green forest. The palace is replete with terraces, gardens, fountains and a sparkling artificial lake. The interiors of the palace are also exquisite with intricate mirror work and flaunt some artistic masterpieces as well as an enormous collection of medals, decorations and orders from several countries.

The Maharaja of Kapurthala's impressive palace has now been converted into a Sainik school.

Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh

The charm of Punjab, a land of unparalleled natural beauty is further enhanced by the regal splendor of the myriad palaces that dot the state. One of the most impressive palaces of Punjab is the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh was a brave monarch whose claim to fame lay in the active role he had played during India's tumultuous struggle for independence.

The majestic palace built under the patronage of the late rajah was constructed under the deft supervision of Fakir Azeez-ud-din and Sardars Lehna Singh and Desa Singh Majithia, two former nobles of the Lahore Darbar.

The expenditure incurred in building the magnificent palace with its elegant interiors and sprawling estates came to approximately Rs. 1, 25,000 Nanak Shahis.

Qila Mubarak

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 crenellated 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, Qila Mubark 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.

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