The Huzoor Palace, also spelled Huzar Palace,[1] is a palace in Porbandar, in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was built by Rana Natwarsinhji, who was the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Porbandar, in the early years of the 20th century, with clear European influences. The palace is now used by the successors of the Maharaja's family who reside in London.
| Huzoor Palace, Porbandar | |
|---|---|
 Huzoor Palace at Porbandar | |
  Location within India | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | European architecture with neo-classical colonnades |
| Town or city | Porbandar |
| Country | India |
| Coordinates | 21°37′41″N 69°36′47″E / 21.628°N 69.613°E |
| Construction started | early 20th century |
| Client | Maharaja Rana Natwarsinhji |
During the Navratri festival people of the town queue up at the palace grounds to pay a nazar or pay respect to the former Maharaja and Maharani of Porbandar.[2]
Location edit
The palace is situated in the city of Porbandar of the Kathiawar Peninsula in western Gujarat on the Arabian Sea coast at the terminal part of the Marine Drive, facing the sea, spread over a sprawling ground.[1][3] It is served by air, rail and road services. The railway station is one kilometre (0.62 mi) to the east of the town and trains run to Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The town's airport is seven kilometres (4.3 mi) away and daily flights operate to Mumbai & Ahmedabad[4]
History edit
Huzoor Palace was constructed in early part of the 20th century by Rana Natwarsinhji, who was the last Maharaja of the Princely State of Porbandar. Tourists are prohibited from visiting the palace,[5] as it is now used by the successors of the Maharaja's family who reside in London.[4]
Presently, the palace seems to be in desolate condition with door taken out and brick walls put in place. It is not open to visitors.
Architecture edit
The palace was built with a clear European influence, with many wings and a slanting roof. The windows are very large with views of the sea. The various wings of the palace have front and backyards, and arranged so that they present a natural scenic ambiance surrounded by gardens and fountains. The ornamental porticos in the facade are semi-circular in shape, built with neoclassical columns.[3]
References edit
- ^ a b "Porbandar". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
- ^ Gandhi 2014, p. 146.
- ^ a b "Welcome to The Porbandar District Chamber of Commerce and Industries". The Porbandar District Chamber of Commerce & Industries. Archived from the original on 28 January 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
- ^ a b Rough 2013, p. 665.
- ^ "Huzoor Palace". Collectorate- District Porbander, Government of Gujarat. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
Bibliography edit
- Gandhi, Amrita (15 February 2014). Live Like a Maharaja: How to Turn Your Home into a Palace. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 978-93-5118-627-4.
- Rough, Guide (1 October 2013). The Rough Guide to India. Rough Guides. ISBN 978-1-4093-4267-0.