Rajwada, the immense pride of Indore, is situated at Old Indore, nestled in the midst of the streets of Khajuri Bajar. Rajwada is an architectural marvel and a living example of the grandeur of Holkars. It always fascinates the travelers, as well as locals of Indore and you will often find them flocking in and around the palace to take a look at it. To give the inquisitive minds a path, today we are going to take you on a trip of Rajwada.
If you are an outsider, it is very easy to reach here. All you have to do is to just hire a cab from any part of the city and the driver will take you here. The first thing you will see is the huge garden and the beautifully crafted palace, looking at its glorious best. Today the 7 story facade of carved stones and wood is making Indore proud.
Beautiful Garden of Rajwada Fort, Indore
A beautiful garden in the front of the palace,w here there is a Statue of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar is placed. The lines written on the stone beneath the statue reads:
“ईश्वर ने मुझ पर जो उत्तरदायित्व रखा है, मुझे उसे निभाना है। मेरा काम प्रजा को सुखी रखना है। मैं अपने प्रत्येक काम के लिये स्वयं जिम्मेदार हूं। सामर्थ्य और सत्ता के बल पर मैं जो कुछ भी यहां कर रही हूं उसका ईश्वर के यहां मुझे जवाब देना पड़ेगा। मेरा यहां कुछ नहीं है, जिसका है, उसी के पास भेजती हूं। जो कुछ लेती हूं, वह मेरे ऊपर ऋण है। न जाने उसे कैसे चुका पाऊंगी।“
“God has entrusted me with responsibility, I have to fulfill them. My work is to make the citizens happy. I am responsible for all my works. With the help of Support and power, whatever I am doing here, I’am answerable to the God for this. There is nothing that belongs to me. I send all to whom everything belong. Whatever I took is a debt to me, I don’t know how I am able to refund that.”
The Main Entrance of Rajwada Fort, Indore
The main entrance is a beautiful lofty archway and a giant wooden door, covered with iron studs. As you make your way inside, there is a large fenestration in the front facade, which has a front bay and is crafted beautifully for perfect ventilation.
The Courtyard – Rajwada Palace, Indore
The entrance is connected with huge courtyard surrounded by rooms with gallerias and arcades. Ganesha hall was the venue of all states and religious functions at its time and now it is used for art exhibitions and classical music concerts.
A small office of the joint director and a shop of Archaeology souvenir in the front bay.
Museum
There is a small museum on the upper floor, which is less of a museum and more like a showcase of the Holkar Dynasty.
The aisles and arcades have a small, delicate opening; the doors and windows are very well created for the ventilation and it takes you with a surprise just to think about the engineering of that time. The palace is built around the Tulsi Kund and temple which existed earlier.
The complete palace is built of stones and wood. The big windows, balconies and aisles are the proof of Holkar Dynesty’s Royalty.
History of Rajwada
Around 1747 Malhar Rao Holkar had started the construction of the palace for residential purpose. The Rajwada was built in three phases and exhibits styles of different dynasties.
The three phases of construction of Rajwada
- The first 3 floors of the palace are built of stone and painted brown, which was crafted in Rajput style.
- The other 4 floors of the palace are made up of wood and painted a lighter shade with traces of white, have an impression of Maratha style.
- The front door is crafted in the style of Hindu kings.
It is easy to find the proofs of renovation and reconstruction in the south part of the palace. Beautiful embroideries are crafted on the pillars of the palace.
14 kings rule over Indore in the period of 1728 until 1948. They all have an influence on Indore’s culture and architecture.
The Rajwada was completed in 1766; it is a rectangular building with cylindrical bastions at the four corners. It was constructed by Muslim artisans belongs to Mandu.
Broken by Fire
The major part of the palace is made up of wood, which make it more vulnerable to destruction by fire. In 1811-1833 the southern part of the palace was rebuilt, as it was damaged by fire.
The palace has broken by fire thrice in history.
- First time it was set on fire in 1801, by the commander Sarjerao Ghadge of Sindhiya Dynasty.
- In between 1818 and 1826, the reconstruction was done in that the five floors are reconstructed.
- Second time it was set on fire in 1834, at that time the topmost floor was completely destroyed.
- The last fire broke out in 1984 during the riots, in that the back side of the palace was destroyed.
Malhari Martand Temple inside Rajwada
The temple of malhari martand inside the palace was completely destroyed in the riots of 1984. In 2007 the reconstructed temple inaugurated.
Face-lift of Palace
In rebuilding, the palace was built identical as it was earlier, now the construction was done with thin bricks in lime mortar with lime plaster, with wooden columns with stone bases, rough black basalt flooring & a brick paved courtyard. The MS pipe frame of the original building is used for construction, for making the structure stability.
The Garden in front of the palace was created at the time of renovation, it contains fountains, sculptures and artificial waterfall.
Present Scenario Rajwada
The Rajwada is now state property under the Archaeology who granted special permission for rebuilding the old wada (residence) which was completely burnt during the 1984 riots.
If you have anything interesting to share about this great architectural masterpiece by holkars, please feel free to write in our comment section as we will be glad to share it with our readers.