Rajwada is a historical palace in the city of
Indore
Indore () is the largest and most populous Cities in India, city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It serves as the headquarters of both Indore District and Indore Division. It is also considered as an education hub of the state and is t ...
,
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh (, ; meaning 'central province') is a state in central India. Its capital is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore, with Jabalpur, Ujjain, Gwalior, Sagar, and Rewa being the other major cities. Madhya Pradesh is the seco ...
. It was built by the
Holkar
The Holkar (Pronunciation: o(ː)ɭkəɾ dynasty was a Maratha clan of Dhangar origin in India. The Holkars were generals under Peshwa Baji Rao I, and later became Maharajas of Indore in Central India as an independent member of the Marat ...
s of the
Maratha Empire
The Maratha Empire, also referred to as the Maratha Confederacy, was an early modern Indian confederation that came to dominate much of the Indian subcontinent in the 18th century. Maratha rule formally began in 1674 with the coronation of Shi ...
about two centuries ago. This seven storied structure is located near the Chhatris and serves today as a fine example of royal grandeur and architectural skills.
Structure
The structure comprises two parts, the first one located at the heart of the city and the second one standing in the old part of the town. Rajwada palace exhibits a blend of
Maratha
The Marathi people (Marathi: मराठी लोक) or Marathis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group who are indigenous to Maharashtra in western India. They natively speak Marathi, an Indo-Aryan language. Maharashtra was formed as a M ...
styles, the palatial structure is sure to leave you spellbound. The entrance itself is beautiful with lofty archway and a giant wooden door covered with iron studs. As one makes his way through the entrance, one is greeted with a courtyard comprising Maratha arched Ganesha hall, a number of balconies with Maratha ornamentation, windows, and corridors, surrounded by galleried rooms. The lower three floors are made of stone and the upper floors are made of wood.
The existing building is rectangular with cylindrical bastions at the four corners.
It was constructed in 1766 and later the southern part was rebuilt in the years 1811–1833 after being damaged by fire. The Palace was constructed by the Muslim artisans from Mandu who worked for the Marathas but sought refuge in Malwa with their families, These families lived in and around Indore and went on to work for several structures for the
Holkars
The Holkar (Pronunciation: o(ː)ɭkəɾ dynasty was a Maratha clan of Dhangar origin in India. The Holkars were generals under Peshwa Baji Rao I, and later became Maharajas of Indore in Central India as an independent member of the Marat ...
.Maratha Dynasty.
Today it stands proudly with its 7-story façade of carved stone and wood jails, jharokhas and chattries. The front bay has substantial forecourt assessed by a large fenestration in the front façade. All activity within this structure has been systematically removed and now boasts of a small office of the Joint Director, Archeology and Souvenir Shop run by the Archeology. The rest of the building is ground and two floors.
One side of the front bay has been destroyed as has the complete rear bay. The rear bay, before reconstruction was an empty shell with garden within, enveloped by the thick external wall with the bastions.
The architecture is of the
Maratha period & style. Planned with courtyards suited to tropical climes the
Maratha
The Marathi people (Marathi: मराठी लोक) or Marathis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group who are indigenous to Maharashtra in western India. They natively speak Marathi, an Indo-Aryan language. Maharashtra was formed as a M ...
architecture is known for its simplicity, visible visual logic & austere aesthetic, made rich by beautiful detailing, rhythm & repetition. The aisles & arcades, punctured by delicate niches, doors & windows create a space in which articulation of open, semi-open & covered areas is effortless and enchanting.
The Rajwada is now state property under the Archeology who granted special permission for rebuilding the old wada (residence) which was the main Rajwada which was completely burnt during the
1984 riots, namely the building around the Tulsi Kund along with the temple that previously existed there, between the two rear courtyards. This building was to be rebuilt by H.H Usha Raje Holkar and designed by architects Himanshu Dudwadkar and Shreya Bhargava on the 200-year-old blue print using the same material & finishes, while adhering to the seismic structural requirements, mandatory today.
The rebuilding was to be identical to what existed earlier – constructed with thin bricks in lime mortar with lime plaster, with wooden columns with stone bases, rough black basalt flooring & a brick paved courtyard in tandem with the age-old building techniques.
The only departure from the original building was a concealed ms pipe frame for structural stability in this earthquake prone zone – a necessity to obtain relevant building permissions.
Gallery
Rajwada Indore Diwali.jpg, Rajwada Palace as seen on Diwali 2014
Ahilya Status Rajwada Indore 2014.jpg, Ahilyabai Holkar statue in front
File:HolkarPalace, Indore.jpg, One of the main halls
See also
*
Lalbagh Palace
Lalbagh Palace is the former residence of the Holkar Maharaja of Indore State in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
History
Spread over 76 acres of property, the construction of the present 45-room palace happened in three phases. Starting with Tukojir ...
*
Manik Bagh
Manik Bagh, also spelled Manig Bagh, is a palace of the Holkar Maharaja of Indore State in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The name means "Ruby Garden" or "Gem Garden". It was designed and built by the German architect Eckart Muthesius on behalf of Mah ...
*
Yeshwant Club
''Yeshwant'' is a 1997 Indian action crime film directed by Anil Mattoo, produced by Vijay K. Ranglani. It stars Nana Patekar and Madhoo in pivotal roles. Also, it was the final film of Shafi Inamdar, who died a year before the release.
Synops ...
, Indore
*
New Palace, Kolhapur of the
Bhonsle
The Bhonsle (or Bhonsale, Bhosale, Bhosle) are a prominent group within the Maratha clan system of kunbi origin. They claimed descent from the Sisodia Rajputs but were likely Kunbi tiller-plainsmen.
History Earliest members
The earliest a ...
Chhatrapati
Chhatrapati is a royal title from Sanskrit language.The word ‘Chhatrapati’ is a Sanskrit language compound word (tatpurusha in Sanskrit) of ''Chatra (umbrella), chhatra'' (''parasol'' or ''umbrella'') and ''pati'' (''master/lord/ruler''). Th ...
s
*
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
The Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, was constructed by the Gaekwad family, a prominent Maratha family, who ruled the Baroda State. Major Charles Mant was credited to be the main architect of the palace.
Lakshmi Vilas Palace ...
of the
Gaekwad
Gaekwad (also spelt Gaikwar and Gaikwad; mr, Gāyǎkǎvāḍǎ) is a surname native to the Indian state of Maharashtra. The surname is found among the Marathas, Kolis and in Scheduled castes. It is also a common surname among Bharadis, Dhor, an ...
s
*
Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior of the
Scindias
The Scindia dynasty (anglicized from Shinde) is a Hindu Maratha dynasty of maratha origin that ruled the erstwhile State of Gwalior. It had the Patil-ship of Kumberkerrab in Wai. It was founded by Ranoji Scindia, who started as a personal servan ...
*
Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is a historical fortification in the city of Pune, India.
Built in 1732, it was the great seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818. Following the rise of the Maratha Empire, the palace became the center of Indian poli ...
, Pune of the
Peshwa
The Peshwa (Pronunciation: e(ː)ʃʋaː was the appointed (later becoming hereditary) prime minister of the Maratha Empire of the Indian subcontinent. Originally, the Peshwas served as subordinates to the Chhatrapati (the Maratha king); later, ...
s
*
Thanjavur Maratha palace of the
Bhonsle
The Bhonsle (or Bhonsale, Bhosale, Bhosle) are a prominent group within the Maratha clan system of kunbi origin. They claimed descent from the Sisodia Rajputs but were likely Kunbi tiller-plainsmen.
History Earliest members
The earliest a ...
s
*
Narmada Kothi (Maharajah of Indore Retreat Palace), Barwaha
The Narmada Kothi is a palace in the Indian municipality of Barwaha.
History
It was constructed by the Maharaja Holkar of Indore State (of the Marathas), as a retreat and used by him and his family to enjoy their holidays and picnics in pre-in ...
References
External links
{{coord, 22.7184, N, 75.8552, E, source:wikidata, display=title
Buildings and structures of the Maratha Empire
History of Malwa
Tourist attractions in Indore
Palaces in Madhya Pradesh
History of Indore
Buildings and structures in Indore
Monuments and memorials in Madhya Pradesh
1766 establishments in India
Royal residences in India