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Amar Mahal Palace
Erstwhile palace in India's Jammu & Kashmir state, Amar Mahal Palace was converted into museum with crucial artifacts. Soon after it was converted into a museum, its popularity increased in the state with tourists and historians flocking alike. As the leaflets of history explain, Amar Mahal Palace was built by Dogra King, Raja Amar Singh in 19th century. The then king involved French architects to ensure the palace could have the resemblance of French Chateau upon getting developed.
Former Indian prime minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi inaugurated the palace turned museum on April 13, 1975. It has developed a lot ever since many attempts were made under the guidance of a Trust to popularize this museum. Visitors find guided tours, book readings and lecture sessions and film shows to promote palace cum museum. One witness's variety of scholarly exchanges, exhibitions and workshops held on regular intervals.
History
It was during 19th century that local Dogra king, Raja Amar Singh ordered the building of historic Amar Mahal Palace. As he had certain plans for this palace he involved the French architects to ensure it would have the look of French Chateau identity. The palace has been seeking attention of millions of visitors since establishment. This palace has served as official residences of local Dogra kings Suryavanshi Rajputs. Having been turned into a museum, the palace still has wide range of collections from the royal family portraits of kingdoms and their family order.
It was supposed to be built in 1862 but got delayed and finally became ready in 1890 with support of eminent French architects. King Hari Singh’s wife, Maharani Tara Devi stayed in the palace till 1967. It was finally converted into museum once their son Dr. Karan Singh took hold of it. He donated it to the Hari-Tara Charitable Trust so that it could be converted into state museum. Present day Amar Mahal Palace cum museum has large collection of artifacts representing that era.
Some important exhibits which this palace cum museum houses are 120 kilogram golden throne and notable Pahari miniatures besides large number of typical Kangra miniature paintings which seek attention of hundreds of thousands of visitors. Of equal importance is a library housed inside Amar Mahal Palace cum museum whose large collection of 25,000 antique books and rare art collections scintillate visitors. Out of the many interesting things kept in this palace cum museum the prominent paintings from Dogra-Pahari are those having been created in 18th century.
Architecture
Use of red sandstone and bricks to build this palace provided typical outlook under mature architectural trend. It literally provided picturesque environment while the palace was built. It actually maintained outlook of a European castle style in the Indian subcontinent. It remained one of the tallest buildings in Jammu until rest buildings were developed in nearby areas recently. Sloping corrugated tin roofs of this palace still mesmerize visitors.
Architectural plan of Amar Mahal Palace was noticeable with the involvement of French architects to give it unique outlook for distinguished appearance. Although the palace has been given new identity with it being converted into one of the state museums today its uniqueness is well observed through the appealing architecture. As it is located at the right side of Tawi River on its banks, it offers extensive look in the entire Jammu city. It appeals much due to location in close proximity to Shivalik Hills where this palace provides grand view. Beautiful architecture of this palace appeals hundreds of thousands of visitors. They observe the heritage of this palace upon visiting this location.
Best Time to Visit
Amar Mahal Palace visitors can go there anytime during the year except during the chilling winters and monsoon seasons while it isn't easy to step out easily. Even though large chunk of visitors keep thronging to Jammu almost every day.
How to Reach
Air
Jammu Airport, also known as Satwari Airport is the airport in this region which connects the region with rest parts of the country through airways.
Rail
Jammu Tawi railway station is an important railhead to connect the whole of India with this state through railways.
Road
Large chunk of interstate buses operate in and around Jammu from the nearby regions as well as states.
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