“Palaces are waiting to say its history, but there is no one to hear its mystery”
Built-in the 18th century, Vinay Vilas Mahal, or City Place as it is known, resides in all its majesty and grandeur at the foot of the Aravallis, in the heart of the Alwar city of Rajasthan (India). The Mahal is an architectural marvel with a lovely mix of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. Embellished with fabulous murals and mirror work on the walls and ceiling, the palace has 15 imposing towers and 51 smaller towers overlooking the mountain slopes.
History:
Alwar is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan and has always been the favorite place for the archaeologists. The Alwar city settled in the year past 1500BC. It is also called Matsya Desh as Pandavas had spent thirteen years at this place. Alwar is the best place where one can take a relaxed walk through the many forts and tombs that depict the picture of olden times.
Built by Raja Bakhtayar Singh in the year 1793, Vinay Vilas Mahal depicts the architectural beauty of the bygone era.
Architecture:
A narrow, dark passage leads up to the gates of the place, which open out to a large courtyard, bright with marble cupolas and chhatris at different levels which commonly depict the elements of pride and honor in the Rajput architecture.
Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol, and Andheri Gate are some of the entry gates. Beyond the gate lies an open ground with Krishna temples on all four sides.
The City Place, Sagar, which is known as a tank, and Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri are located just behind these temples. The splendor palace is well known for its beautiful architecture and decoration of the late 18th century.
A part of the complex houses the museum where a rich part of its history has been preserved. The museum is the only place in Rajasthan wherein one can actually see the exquisite collection of the Rajput kings and feel the grandeur.
Established in 1940 by Maharaja Tej Singh Prabhakar Bahadur, the last ruling Maharaja of Alwar, he donated much of the royal family’s privately owned collection over the generations. In the Golden Durbar Hall at the City Palace, there is a raised platform upon which rests a gold and velvet throne.
There is a rare silver table that is used to interest the dignity of the Rajera and also the vast collection of the armory is an example of the Royals and the style.
The City Place of Alwar is now the house for government officials.
The palace is open from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (except Friday) and the entry is free. The museum entry fee is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners. In the duration of 2-3 hours, you can experience the grandeur of the whole Palace.
If you’re on a trip to Rajasthan, then definitely add Alwar to your itinerary and explore the city filled with mesmerizing and rich history, many temples, forts, tombs, gardens, and palaces filled with Indo-Islamic architecture.
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