City Palace, Karauli — Attraction in karauli

Situated at a distance of about 160 km from the Jaipur Airport, inside the walled city of Karauli is situated the former residence of its Yaduvanshi rulers, referred to as the City Palace. Built by Arjun Pal, founder of Karauli in the 14th century, the city palace appears as a grand spectacle overlooking the equally colourful bazaars of Karauli.

Interestingly, the rulers of the region believed they were descended from the hallowed cowherd, Lord Krishna. A Yadav clan of mercurial Rajputs, they refused to use ‘Singh’ as a surname or title since they felt it was trifle insensitive to use the term that translated into a lion, for a bloodline that considered themselves the protectors of cows. Therefore, the surname that did seem appropriate was ‘Pal’, which implies protectors of cows, was adopted.

Sandstone, belonging to the Vindhyan supergroup from the Proterozoic age, a building material that adorns much of North-India’s heritage is mined close by, and therefore its extravagant use is seen here. This sandstone adorns the palace in its several hues of red, white and off-white.

Large chattris and jharokhas, with bangladhar roofs ending in tapering chajjas, a characteristic feature of the palaces of Rajasthan, adorn the palace. Intricate lattice work with sculpture, stucco work and wall paintings complete the picture in this impressive residence. Windows in painted glass add to the ambience of the interiors.

Weather control in the desert heat was given due importance in the palace architecture of Rajasthan. Techniques for cooling palaces and forts by cross ventilation as in jaalis, jharokhas, wind towers etc. were applied. Shading devices were also effectively employed. Jaalis or window lattices were fashioned out of the sandstone itself and worked like apertures in walls, providing appropriate amounts of sun, wind and light, facilitating both view and ventilation. Jaalis helped in lowering the temperature since they increased the velocity of the wind by compressing the air passing through the mesh. Jaalis were thus an important element in the 14th century City Palace of Karauli.

Inlet and outlet areas in the halls were located opposite each other for a cooling effect, while other rooms were cooled by the chimney effect. The latter is where cool air enters at lower levels and absorbs the heat of the room, becomes lighter, rises and exits through windows or ventilators in the upper portion. These elements are visible at the entrance gates as well as within the palace.

Within, the Diwan-i-Aam has attractive work on the walls with floral patterns in bright colours. This hall’s upper floor has marvellous jaali work on the walls from where Ranis could watch over the proceedings in the hall. The Rang Mahal is well-known for its magnificent coloured glass jharokhas and mirror work that spread ambient light into the living quarters. Barahdwari, a hall for entertainment, is lined with portraits...

To reach this place it will easily take about three hours from Jaipur. The place is surrounded by local markets. The famous item of this place is lak Bangles. You may also get customized Bangles. City Palace, Karauli has its own charm. The Palace is huge and you would see how once part of the place is different from the other - this shows how different generations impact on the architecture. It is a must visit. Stepping into the palace will take you years back in time.

Karauli, along with Alwar, was part of the Matsya kingdom, according to the legend of Mahabharata. The modern princely state Karauli was founded in about 995 by Raja Bijai Pal, who was a Jadon ruler, who is claimed to be 88th in descent from the Hindu god Krishna. His Highness the Maharaja maintains a military force of 281 cavalry, 1640 infantry, and 56 guns, and is entitled to a salute of 17 guns (as of 1892). The Britishers later occupied it, and they ruled up to 1947. The Maharaja's palace is a handsome block of buildings, some of them dating to the mid-18th century.Karauli State was founded by Maharaja Arjun Dev...

The place speaks of wonders of its time. The grandeur and extravagant character is evident from the very entrance of the Palace. As you cross the high arched door and enter the Palace gardens, you're suddenly surrounded by the feeling of something regal. The intricate stone and painting and glass work done on the inner walls of the Palace are enough to realise the artistic impact and artisinal perfection present in the era. The guide also told us about the legends, as to how the hunted lions and tigers were used to be put on public display, in order to display the valour of the King. The entry fees is nominal and is located in very vicinity of the famous Kaila...