Darbar Mahal

Darbar Mahal is a palace in the city of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.[1] The building was built to hold courtly events and government offices of the former princely state of Bahawalpur.[2] The palace was built by Bahawal Khan V,[3] and initially named Mubarak Mahal.[2] It was completed in 1905,[3] and is near several other palaces within the Bahawalgarh Palace Complex, including the Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal and Gulzar Mahal.[2] The palace sits in a 75 acre garden.[4] The entire palace complex was leased to the armed forces beginning in 1966,[5] and houses government and military offices. It is not open to the general public.[3]

Darbar Mahal دربار محل
Darbar Mahal was built in 1905
Location within Punjab, Pakistan Darbar Mahal (Pakistan)
General information
Architectural style	Indo-Sarcenic
Town or city	Bahawalpur
Country	Pakistan
Coordinates	29.3972°N 71.6998°E
Completed	1905
Technical details
Size	44,600 square feet (4,140 m^2)

Architecture

It is built in a style which combines local, Arabic, and European influences.[4] The exterior has intricate carvings, fretwork, and stucco work. Each side of the building features a large entranceway and jharoka balconies.[2] 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.[2]

Gallery

• 
  The building illuminated at night
• 
  The Darbar Mahal Mosque
• 
  Interior ceiling

References

1. "Darbar Mahal keeps 'Princely State' alive".
2. Vandal, Sajida (2011). "Cultural Expressions of South Punjab" (PDF). UNESCO. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
3. "A century later, Bahawalpur's Darbar Mahal stands tall - The Express Tribune". 21 April 2017.
4. Tribune.com.pk (21 April 2017). "A century later, Bahawalpur's Darbar Mahal stands tall". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 21 April 2020.
5. The Herald. Pakistan Herald Publications. 2012.