The Naulakha Palace was erected around 1748 AD in the
Darbargadh or walled palace complex of the rulers, and
since then has been extended by successive rulers. The
façade is a festival of stone carving with splendid
sculpture, relief, carved columns and ornate jarokha
balconies.
The former living
quarters of the palace have been converted into a private
museum exhibiting textiles, brassware, royal wardrobes,
library, silver caskets that carried gifts and messages
for Maharaja Bhagwat Sinhji on special occasions like
his golden jubilee as ruler of Gondal, the weighing
scales on which he was measured against gold on his
golden jubilee with proceeds going to charity, trophies
won by the Gondal princes at motorsports events, and
a collection of toys including 1800s wooden pieces hand-painted
with natural colours.
Guests staying at
the Riverside Palace or Orchard Palace are given a guided
tour of the Naulakha Palace. |