Darbargadh Palace



Darbargadh Palace, Kutch, Gujarat

Information on Darbargadh Palace (Kutch, Gujarat) - History & Architecture


The state of Gujarat has always fascinated the travellers for there are some amazingly beautiful things to check out. It is a landmark over there since it is situated right in the heart of the city. For travellers they stay wherever they want to in Bhuj, Kutch District of Gujrat, Darbargadh Palace is easily accessible. This place has been mentioned more than once in history therefore bears a huge historical importance.

Darbargadh Palace Architecture

The place is an enclosed area that was fragmented further into many smaller apartments where royalties used to stay. Every smaller apartment cluster was built around courtyard and this kept the outside world hidden from inside. If one looks at the detailing of the structure it is not so much different than the houses of a common man for it was influenced by the European style and moreover the resources used were also local. The rooms of the Darbargadh Palace were designed very gracefully and beautifully as it were influenced also by the Kutchee culture and their arts and crafts. This tells us that the European architectural design that lay in the exterior of the structure is very different as compared to the interior which are Kutchee culture and local arts and craft influenced.

Right next to the Darbargadh Palace there is Pragmahal Palace that used to be the occupied by the Darbargadh Palace dwellers during the time of the vacation or if they received guests from far and wide. One has to visit this Mahal also for the interior and exterior designs are very beautiful.

Darbargadh Palace History

The monument goes back to 18th century when it was built by the Rao Lakhpatji. Rao was a very talented man and he made this monument with great interest. This is a perfect example of an enclosed area that belonged to a royal family which somehow went an acute change in the area of design and architecture and also the layout which had a great resemblance with the architectural style seen in European countries. So, from this we can conclude that the builder as in the Rao had been influenced by the western architectural designs and therefore he was not afraid to try something different and add newness to his possessions.

This was the also place where Maharaja of Nawanagar had left an eminent mark. He used to hold his court meetings over here and made some crucial decisions here which later on went on to become important events of history for Gujarat. From over here Maharaja had meetings with the masses too and often announced important messages for the public.

There was a massive earthquake in Bhuj in 2001 and that destroyed major portions of Darbargadh Palce and what remain now are the broken structure and other ruins.

Though Darbargadh Palace remains as ruins, its historical importance is least neglected even today. It importance is well known and is inscribed in the history and amid the masses of India even today, which gives an insight view of the royal family, unique architecture that exist in the era and carries the testimony of the era gone by.

Darbargadh Palace Tourism Importance

The place has been taken care by the Gujarat government and has been attracting visitors from around the world and therefore generating revenue for the state. So, if you ever visit to Gujarat then visit to Durbar Gadh must be in your go see list. Its unique architectural beauty and historical importance is sure to give you an insight view of the history that once lived with glory and magnificence.