Aina Mahal Bhuj

Aina Mahal Bhuj

Gujarat India

The Aina Mahal palace, or “Hall of Mirrors” was built during the flamboyant rule of Lakhpatji in the middle of the 18th century. Master craftsman Ramsinh Malam, who trained as an artisan for 17 years in Europe, felt unappreciated by lesser rulers in the area, so he went to the royal court at Bhuj and appealed to the king for work, who commissioned this palace. Malam designed it in a mixed Indo-European style and set about creating the materials for the palace locally. He established a glass factory at Mandvi, forged cannons in an iron foundry and manufactured china tiles in a factory in Bhuj. It seems Gandhiji's ideal of swadeshi had an early proponent in Ramsinh Malam. He personally crafted the fountains, mirrors and glasswork, as well as many other wonders of artisanship—a pendulum clock in sync with the Hindu calendar, doors inlaid with gold and ivory... come visit to find out the rest.

The Aina Mahal is at the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, easily walkable from most of Bhuj. Anyone along the way will give you directions. Be sure to explore the rest of the compound outside the palace, with its beautiful carved doorways, elaborate window boxes and balconies. Most of the compound is in ruins, some brought down as recently as the 2001 earthquake. Poke around and explore unexpected places; don't settle for just walking into the palace museum with a ready-made experience.

Other Neearby Locations

Adalaj Step Well

Gujarat India

Adalaj Stepwell or Rudabai Stepwell is a stepwell located in the village of

Saurashtra

Gujarat India

Saurashtra peninsula is bound on the south and south-west by the Arabian sea, on the

Sardar Sarovar Dam Narmada River

Gujarat India

Near Rajpipla, 1163 km away up the river from the sea, is Sardar Sarovar dam. At the

Champaner Archaeological Park

Gujarat India

Many great cities of antiquity around the world were the center of their civilization

Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar

Gujarat India

Akshardham is majestic, intricately carved stone structure which stands amid sprawling

Kalo Dungar - Bhuj

Gujarat India

Kalo Dungar calling The Black Hills are 25 kms north of Khavda, the top of the

Laxmi Villas Palace

Gujarat India

Lukshmi Villas Palace, an extravagant building of the Indo-Saracenic school, was built

Pavagadh Hills

Gujarat India

This famous temple of Kali Mata is one of the Shaktipeeths of the mother. Shaktipeeth

Sidi Saiyad Mosque

Gujarat India

The mosque was built in the last year of the existence of Gujarat Sultanate. The

Vijay Vilas Palace Mandvi

Gujarat India

Vijaya Vilas Palace is the famous one time summer palace of Jadeja Maharao of Cutch

Rann Utsaav, bhuj

Gujarat India

Longitude : 69.8597 E

Latitude : 23.7337

Bhuj

Gujarat India

Bhuj was founded by Rao Hamir in 1510 and was made the capital of Kutch by Rao

Kankaria Lake

Gujarat India

Longitude : 23.0063 N

Latitude

Lothal

Gujarat India

Longitude : 22.5227 N

Latitude : 72.2488

Modhera Sun Temple

Gujarat India

Longitude : 72.1331 E

Latitude : 23.5830

Sabarmati Ashram

Gujarat India

Sabarmati Ashram (also known as Gandhi Ashram, Harijan Ashram, or Satyagraha Ashram) is

Dwarkadhish Temple

Gujarat India

Longitude : 28.5921 N

Latitude : 77.0460

Rani ki Vav Stepwell

Gujarat India

Vanraj Chavda had founded A?ahilpur Patan in 802 CE as capital of his state. Capital

Girnar

Gujarat India

Longitude : 21.5179 N

Latitude : 70.5503

Gir National Park and Wildlife

Gujarat India

Longitude : 21.1243 N

Latitude : 70.8242

Ambaji

Gujarat India

Longitude : 72.8517 E

Latitude : 24.3310

Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple

Gujarat India

Located on the route between Dwarka city and Beyt Dwarka Island on the coast of

Somnath Temple

Gujarat India

Longitude : 20.9060 N

Latitude : 70.3844