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Darbar Mahal is a
palace A palace is a large residence, often serving as a royal residence or the home for a head of state or another high-ranking dignitary, such as a bishop or archbishop. The word is derived from the Latin name palātium, for Palatine Hill in Rome whi ...
in
Bahawalpur Bahawalpur (Urdu: ; ) is a city in Punjab, Pakistan. It is the 13th largest city of Pakistan and List of cities in Punjab, Pakistan by population, 8th most populous city of Punjab. Bahawalpur is the capital of Bahawalpur Division. Founded in ...
, Pakistan. The building was built to hold courtly events and government offices of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The palace sits in a garden. The entire palace complex was leased to the armed forces beginning in 1966. It currently serves as the Headquarters of 35 Infantry Division of
Pakistan Army The Pakistan Army (, ), commonly known as the Pak Army (), is the Land warfare, land service branch and the largest component of the Pakistan Armed Forces. The president of Pakistan is the Commander-in-chief, supreme commander of the army. The ...
and not open to the general public.


History

The palace was built by Bahawal Khan V. It was completed in 1905, and is near several other palaces within the Bahawalgarh Palace Complex, including the Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal and Gulzar Mahal. Initially christened Mubarak Mahal, it not only offered a royal dwelling but also facilitated courtly events and administrative activities for the princely state of Bahawalpur.


Architecture

It is built in Sikh-Arabic architecture style which combines local, Sikh, and Arabic influences. The exterior has intricate carvings, fretwork, and stucco work. Each side of the building features a large entranceway and ''jharoka'' balconies. Constructed primarily from red bricks, the palace features a distinctive blend of red and white hues, with the latter accentuating the roofline and windows, while the former defines the exterior walls. The edifice stands out with its four interconnected domes, spacious interiors adorned with over 80 windows reflecting ancient Islamic traditions of the 14th century. The building's third floor is a Mughal-style ''chattri'' roof with each of its corners having a highly-stylized octagonal turret with Sikh-style domes. The interior of the palace is decorated with priceless paintings of the 19th century, traditional jewelry, ornaments, swords of the Nawab family. Lavish furnishings, rich carpets, and velvet curtains enhance its regal ambiance, along with ceramic-tiled archways and large lamps that augment the palace's grandeur.


Gallery

File:Darbar Mahal by Moiz.jpg, The building illuminated at night File:Darbar Mahal Mosque by Moiz.jpg, The Darbar Mahal Mosque File:Darbar Mahal- the inside again.jpg, Interior ceiling


References

Pakistan Army Bahawalpur (princely state) 1905 establishments in British India Palaces in Pakistan Buildings and structures completed in 1905 Tourist attractions in Bahawalpur Buildings and structures in Bahawalpur {{Pakistan-struct-stub