Darbar Mahal is a

palace A palace is a grand residence, especially a royal residence, or the home of a head of state or some other high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word is derived from the Latin name palātium, for Palatine Hill in Rome which ...

in the city of

Bahawalpur Bahawalpur () is a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. With inhabitants as of 2017, it is Pakistan's 11th most populous city. Founded in 1748, Bahawalpur was the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur, ruled by the Abbasi fa ...

Pakistan Pakistan ( ur, ), officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ( ur, , label=none), is a country in South Asia. It is the world's List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of almost 24 ...

. The building was built to hold courtly events and government offices of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The palace was built by

Bahawal Khan V Mohammad Bahawal Khan V (1883–1907), full title H.H. Rukn ud-Daula, Mukhlis ud-Daula, Hafiz ul-Mulk, Al-Haj Nawab Mohammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi V Bahadur, was the Nawab of the Kingdom of Bahawalpur, a former princely state of the British R ...

, and initially named Mubarak Mahal. It was completed in 1905, and is near several other palaces within the Bahawalgarh Palace Complex, including the Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal and

Gulzar Mahal Gulzar Mahal is a palace in the city of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, that was built between 1906 and 1909. It was commissioned during the reign of Sadeq Mohammad Khan V, and was built to be the residence for women members of the royal household of the for ...

. The palace sits in a 75 acre garden. The entire palace complex was leased to the armed forces beginning in 1966, and houses government and military offices. It is not open to the general public. The Nawabs of Bahawalpur were also particularly interested in the arts. That is why they built their palaces in this context, considered among the most beautiful and modern palaces of their time in the entire subcontinent. And it is also true that even today, their glory is exactly the same as it was on the first day. Due to the attention of the Pakistan Army and the Department of Archeology, these palaces are still an example of awe, grandeur and artistic masterpiece. The Pakistan Army took care of it and invested time and money to enhance its beauty. I wish that these palaces like Noor Mahal should also be opened for the common person and tourists so that the world can see this beautiful hidden treasure. The most beautiful pictures below are the illumination of Darbar Mahal and Bara Dari. The sight of which makes a person lost in the world of thoughts. At night in the modern lights, this “Darbar Mahal & Bara Dari” looks like a bride and groom, whose groom always loves her
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Architecture

It is built in a style which combines local, Arabic, and European influences. The exterior has intricate carvings,

fretwork Fretwork is an interlaced decorative design that is either carved in low relief on a solid background, or cut out with a fretsaw, coping saw, jigsaw or scroll saw. Most fretwork patterns are geometric in design. The materials most commonly used ...

, and stucco work. Each side of the building features a large entranceway and ''jharoka'' balconies. The building's third floor is a Mughal-style ''chattri'' roof with each of its corners having a highly-stylized octagonal turret with Sikh-style domes.

Gallery

File:Darbar Mahal by Moiz.jpg, The building illuminated at night File:Darbar Mahal Mosque by Moiz.jpg, The Darbar Mahal Mosque File:Darbar Mahal- the inside again.jpg, Interior ceiling

References

Bahawalpur (princely state) 1905 establishments in India Palaces in Pakistan Buildings and structures completed in 1905 Tourist attractions in Bahawalpur Buildings and structures in Bahawalpur {{Pakistan-stub