Huzoor Palace, Porbandar

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 styleEuropean architecture with neo-classical colonnades
Town or cityPorbandar
CountryIndia
Coordinates21.628°N 69.613°E / 21.628; 69.613
Construction startedearly 20th century
ClientMaharaja 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

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.[4]

History

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

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
  1. "Porbandar". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 5 July 2015.
  2. Gandhi 2014, p. 146.
  3. "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.
  4. Rough 2013, p. 665.
  5. "Huzoor Palace". Collectorate- District Porbander, Government of Gujarat. Retrieved 5 June 2015.

Bibliography
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