Prag Mahal

The Prag Mahal is an ancient Palace of 19th century at Bhuj, in the Kutch part of Gujarat located just next to another famous Palace Aina Mahal.

Prag Mahal is in the same walled compound of Aina Mahal giving an appearance as if it is in a place like France. This Palace constructed by King Pragmalji was actually designed by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins and was formed in Italian Gothic Style of construction. However there are quite a number of Indian features figuring in this Palace, such as a small Hindu temple installed in the courtyard made with very nicely carved stonework.

History

Rao Pragmalji II commissioned Prag Mahal in the year 1865. Designing of this wonderful structure was done by Colonel Henry Saint Wilkins and its entire construction was done in the Italian Gothic style. Large number of Italian artisans was engaged for its construction and the palace artisan’s wages were all paid in gold coins those days, ultimately construction the cost went up to 3.1 million rupees. Pragmalji II died in 1875 and the construction of Prag Mahal was completed in 1879 during the period of Khengarji III, the son and successor of Pragmalji II. Mistries, the local Kutchhi builder community, were also involved in this Palace construction along with Colon Wilinks.

There was a heavy damage to Prag Mahal during 2001 Gujarat earthquake and again in 2006, the palace was burgled, unruly elements stealing antiques worth millions of rupees, besides damaging other valuable items in the palace. Today, the palace gives a barren look, however, the palace and the tower having been repaired, after prominent people like Amitabh Bachchan took personal interest in restoration of this edifice. The palace and the tower are now open for public viewing. Although in a damaged condition, Prag Mahal retains its flavor of antique value.

Architecture

While the palace has been fabricated with Italian marble and Rajasthan sandstone, its main hall is filled with decaying taxidermy. The Palace still stands in pride with its Durbar hall, broken chandeliers and statues of classical nature, Corinthian pillars, Jali work with images of European plants and animals.

There is a small Hindu temple made out of carved stone is seen in a courtyard behind the palace. The palace also has a 45 foot high tower accomplished with a clock from where the visitor can see the entire city of Bhuj.

Within the palace, there are main palace halls as well as stairs leading to a 45m bell tower from where one can have an exhilarating view of the city. As one comes down, one can watch various cracks in the building caused by Earthquakes occurred in this region over the period of time.

Visitor Information

Prag Mahal Palace is open for public viewing round the year except on Saturdays. The visiting hours are restricted to 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

There is an entrance fee of Rs 10 per person charged for the visit. Photography is permitted on a payment of a fee of Rs 30. Likewise, to shoot videos one has to pay Rs 100.

How to Reach

Bhuj is reachable by road, rail and air. It will be easier and convenient to take road transport for those commuting from Ahmedabad. Large number of buses ply in this section and the roads are well maintained for comfortable journey.

Railway transport to Bhuj is also good with its two daily express trains that are the Bhuj Express and the Kutch Express linking Bhuj with Ahmadabad and Mumbai respectively.

Bhuj airport has daily flight schedules connecting Bhuj with Mumbai and other domestic airports.

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