Garh Palace Kota

The Garh Palace, situated in Kota, Rajasthan, comprises of a number of architectural structures in a single complex. It is also called the city palace and has a number of apartments, monuments etc, which were built at a different period of time by different, rules, and showcases Rajput heritage along with Mughal art.

The palace is adorned with imposing wall paintings, mirror walls, mirror ceilings, hanging illuminated lights and floral decorations. Breathtaking marble floorings and walls and stylish fashioned entrance, all these make City Palace a memorable location. There are beautiful gardens around the palace, which make it seem more beautiful.

City Palace encloses a grand museum enclosing huge collection of medieval weaponries, costumes and apparels of erstwhile kings and queens, artifacts and handicrafts showing the cultural heritage of the bygone splendid days. The Museum has been open to the public since 1970.

History
It is believed that the foundations of the Garh Palace were first laid in the year 1264 by Prince Jait Singh of Bundi on the spot where he sacrificed and buried the severed head of the defeated Bhil Chieftain Koteya who had previously ruled the region. The name ‘Kotah' is often said to memorialize the human sacrifice (nar bali) of Koteya, although it may equally reference the presence of a strong fort, or kot.

Architecture of Kota Fort and City Palace :
Its design is a fine blend of the Rajasthani and the Mughal style of architecture and art. It has huge rampart walls with massive bastions, 6 double gates and 25 towers. The main entry gate named Naya Darwaza is located towards South. It encloses numerous palaces named Madho Singh Mahal, Raj Mahal which is intricately painted and is adorned with excellent mirror work, Bada Mahal, Chhatra Mahal and the ruined Jhala Haveli. It is famous for its Durbar Hall which is ornamented with beautiful wall paintings, mirror work, hanging illuminated lights and floral decorations and has doors of ebony and ivory. The exquisite miniature paintings of the Kota school are also housed within the Durbar Hall. It also houses a grand Museum on the right side of its central courtyard, displaying a huge collection of medieval weapons, costumes and apparels of the erstwhile rulers, artifacts and handicrafts.