STATE PROTECTED MONUMENTS MOTIMAHAL , GWALIOR

Moti Mahal is housed in a massive building which is located in front of Rani Laxmibai's cenotaph. At present this houses the office of the Commissioner. Moti Mahal was built by Srimant Maharaja Jiwaji Rao Scindia in 1827 A.D. The auditorium that was the assembly hall of Madhya Bharat during the regime of Scindia state and the meeting hall are under the care of the Directorate of Archaeology. The wall paintings (including the ragmala paintings) are fascinating. The depiction of dussehra festival celebrated by the Scindia royal family is the most beautiful painting in this hall. The wall paintings depicting Radha-Krishna are vivid examples of the richness and idioms of art prevalent during the period. Jaivilas despite its opulence did not become the Maharaja’s favorite. It was more suited for a European prince than an oriental potentate. Another Palace was commissioned. Thus was Moti Mahal born, a modest mansion with nine hundred rooms. It draws inspiration from the medieval buildings in Gwalior and has an unmistakable oriental ambience with curving colonnaded terraces flanked by square towers. In the rear is the grand fort and in front an artificial lake sets it off as a showpiece. Built by Raja Sur Singh (1595-1619) the Moti Mahal is the largest of the Mehrangarh Museum's period rooms. Sur Singh's Moti Mahal has five alcoves leading onto hidden balconies; it is believed they were built for his five queens to listen in on court proceeding       Top of the page