Naukhanda Palace

In the year 1616, Malik Ambar built the Naukhanda Palace. Situated in Aurangabad, India it was built on the top of a rising ground. As per one version, Alam Khan, a noble in Aurangzeb's court, made modifications to the Palace and subsequently further modifications were done by Asaf Jah I. Nasir Jang had an adjacent block of buildings cordoned off with the help of a partition wall. Nizam Ali Khan had also occupied the Naukhanda Palace when he was at Aurangabad.

The entirety of the feudal past appears to come alive, as you enter into the city of Aurangabad. Malik Amber had commissioned the construction of the Naukhanda palace in the year 1616. In addition, tourists can also see Dewan-i-am, Dewan-i-khas, a masjid and also a kacheri. Every section stated above is spruced up with a garden paired with a water tank.

History

The palace had been captured by Nizam Ali Khan. In recent periods, the total palace is in a withered condition. There are 5 sections within the palace that are reserved for women only.

Built by Malik Ambar, this monument is now in a much dilated condition except for the human and the central part of the diqan behana. The wood work and stucco plaster has all gone. There were evidently five zenanas in the interior with a Diwan-i-Aam, a Diwan-e-Khas, a mosque and a Kacheri, each provided with a garden and a cistern.

Architecture

This palace is extremely famous for its marvelous architecture. The palace which consisted of nine apartments had five zenanas in the interior buildings. Each of the five zenanas, a Divan-i-Aam, a Divan-i-Khas, a Masjid and a Kacheris had been attached with a garden and a cistern. Although the wood-work and stucco plaster of the structure are no longer there, the walls of the central part of the Devankhana, and a hot-bath or Hamam connected to the building, are still in pretty good condition. The original gear and equipment is located in the throne room, while the nearby Kacheri has a Gaddi belonging to the Nizam. The Divan-i-Aam, a huge quadrangular assembly has only ruins left. The Kacheri close by contains a Gaddi of the Nizam. In the throne room are placed the original paraphernalia.

When Nizam Ali Khan was at Aurangabad, he occupied the Naukhanda Palace. The whole building is in ruins now. The palace consists of 5 zenanas or chambers. It also consists of a Dewan-i-Am, a Dewan-i-Khas, a masjid and a Kacheri. Each section of the palace contains a lawn and a water tank.

The central part of the palace is in a good state although the wood work and the ornament plaster are missing.

Best time to Visit

Ideally the best time to visit this monument would be between the months of October and March. Winter temperature ranges from 9 to 31°C and summer temperature ranges from 21 to 42°C.

Visitor Information

The Diwan-e-Aam was fully wrecked to make way for construction of the present Medical college of Aurangabad. Currently the palace is used by the Aurangabad College for women. In days gone by, located between the Paithan and Jafar gates was Nawab Salar Jang's palace.

Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur is the present owner of the palace. The massive portal gateway leading to this, over which the Naubatkhana sounded, was called Barkal.

How to Reach

Located within the city, this palace can be reached by taxi or auto.

Air

Aurangabad airport is directly air-linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur. The airport is conveniently located at a distance of around 10 km east of the town.

Rail

Two trains leave daily from Mumbai for Aurangabad. Tapovan Express departs Mumbai early morning and arrives Aurangabad by late afternoon, while the Devagiri Express is an overnight train.

Road

Several luxury and state run buses too run between Mumbai and Aurangabad that extend up to Ajanta/Ellora Caves.

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