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Mubarak Mandi Palace
A notable palace in the Indian state Jammu & Kashmir's Jammu area, Mubarak Mandi palace redefined history of this region. It remained an important location in the pre-independent India while local J&K Maharaja, representing Dogra Dynasty, rule the area from here. The palace was administrative headquarters cum residence of the Dogra Kingdom until 1925 by the time the then King, Maharaja Hari Singh shifted his kingdom in the northern Jammu upon the completion of another palace namely Hari Niwas. Location of this palace in the midst of Jammu walled city and close to the Tawi River offers enthralling outlook.
The Pink Hall of this palace has been converted into Dogra art museum nowadays. Beauty of this museum is huge collection of miniature paintings from the variety of art themes representing the entire region. Such miniatures explain cultural leanings from the famous art schools of Kangra, Jammu and Basohili. Some more collections are the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's gold painted bow and the unique items of that particular era. As the entire hall is plastered pink this section of the palace was named Pink Hall and remains popular as a museum as well.
History
Constructed nearby Tawi river on its banks, Mubarak Mandi palace is one of the oldest palaces in this region. It is a huge complex in which the oldest building had been constructed in 1824. It still exists there. The 150 years had witnessed many extensive developments and growths in this palace with all successive kings of this dynasty adding something or the other to make this palace bigger and splendid during that time period.
The palace have remained the center of Dogra power for several centuries. Several official functions and ceremonies had been organized inside the buildings of palace complex. The palace is still in use with several sections of it being converted into the government office houses, courts and last but not the least huge Dogra Art Museum which is visited by hundreds of thousands of art lovers every day.
Even though a big portion of this palace is brought in some use or the other its rest part has literally become ruin. Such situation arrived due to many fire cases and due to the cracking that occurred after the two major earthquakes in 1980 and 2005 causing too much damage to it.
Architecture
Uniqueness of Mubarak Mandi palace is its architecture and style which is definitely a rarity in this region. Mixture of Mughal, Rajasthani and European baroque style architecture make this palace extensive and highly appealing. The courtyards of this palace in huge complex are unique with array of royal buildings and palaces built to maintain thorough consistency. Some of the unique architectural beauties of this palace are the complex of Darbar Hall, Pink Palace, Nawa Mahal, Royal Courts, Gol Ghar Complex, Hawa Mahal and Rani Charak Palace amongst others.
Architectural innovations are also seen in Toshakhana palace and Sheesh Mahal inside Mubarak Mandi palace complex. They are worth seeing buildings which had been built during one and half centuries. Best of the architects of that era were involved to develop or design the halls and galleries of various buildings inside this palace. The Sheesh Mahal inside Mubarak Mandi palace is a replica of unique glass work architect. The palace has been made heritage site now to preserve its identity.
Best Time to Visit
As Jammu observes moderate temperature throughout the year, visitors flock any time. They should avoid the wintertime and monsoons when Jammu observes too much cold and rains respectively.
Visitor Information
How to Reach
Air
Jammu Airport connects the J&K state with rest destinations by air. Several flights operate for Jammu which is also known as Satwari Airport.
Rail
Jammu Tawi Railway station connects Jammu with the rest places in India through railways. This railway station is connected with most prominent metropolitan cities.
Road
Good chunk of interstate and state buses operate for Jammu from the roadways. As Jammu is linked through the national highways, buses are frequently seen on them. Several private vehicles also run on such roads.
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