Darbar Mahal
A Historical Wonder of the 20th Century – Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur
Pakistan's Darbar Mahal can be found in Bahawalpur. The building housed former princely state offices and court functions. Mubarak Mahal in Bahawalpur was initially known as Darbar Mahal.
This palace was completed in 1905 and is located near many other palaces in the Bahawalgarh palace complex, such as Nishat Mahal, Farrukh Mahal, and Gulzar Mahal. Bahawalpur's Dabar Mahal is set in 75 acres of gardens.
Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur Location
Darbar Mahal is a historic fort located in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur; this city is deeply rooted in Asian history and is considered one of the most important commercial and cultural centers in local history.
The Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur itself is not open to the public, but its grounds are extremely popular. They provide close proximity and a great view of architecture similar to the ancient Mughalai forts of the subcontinent and are typical of the East Indian and Arabic architectures that were commonly used in the subcontinent at the time.
Architecture & Design of Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur
The building combines Arabic, local, and European influences. Stucco and carvings cover the exterior. Several Jharokha balconies appear on each side of the building. Bahawalpur's Darbar Mahal
The building's third floor has a Mughal-style chatter roof with highly stylized octagonal turrets with Sikh-style domes at its corners.
Darbar Mahal History
Throughout the 1800s, the Abbasi family ruled Bahawalpur. The state was greatly developed during their reign. The palaces they constructed were state-of-the-art.
Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur was a unique fort built in 1904 by Nawab Bahal Khan (V). The fort was originally called Bhawal Gerh, and it was dedicated in 1905 to one of the Nawab's wives.
The Mahal also served as the regional court for Bahawalpur State.
Who Built Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur
The Darbar Mahal is one of the most imposing structures in Bahawalpur City. Nawab Bahawal Khan-V built it in 1904 and named it Bahawal Garh at first. Nawab's wife dedicated the palace in 1905.
Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur is constructed with red bricks and is designed like the Lahore Fort. There are four domes connected by short corridors. Red and white dominate the exterior walls while the roof and windows are white.
An old Muslim tradition of the 14th century was followed in the design of the building, which has more than 80 windows, displaying the architectural themes of ancient Arab and Indian traditions.
Darbar Mahal Interior
The interior of the Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur exudes elegance and class. The walls are painted a golden brown color, which is both eye-catching and gives the rooms a sense of robustness.
Besides valuable paintings dating back to the mid-19th century, traditional Indian ornaments and swords adorn the walls.
There are fabulous carpets in the interior as well as first-rate furniture and the finest local varieties of the day. The velvet curtains on the doors are painted a fresh maroon color, which adds to the romantic ambiance.
A chandelier and ceramic tiles decorated the vaults. The Bahwalpur Darbar Mahal
Darbar Mahal Bahawalpur was designed primarily by Delhi, Mughal, Sikh, and European architects with local and foreign influence. The Abbasi capital of Bahawalpur emerged as a powerful place in history. Darbar
It covers over 75 acres of lush greenery. Thus, it is one of the largest properties in the immediate area, and it is also an ideal place to grow many plants. The grounds are always kept in pristine order and contain fountains
The Darbar Mahal in Bahawalpur was handed over to the armed forces and has housed government offices since 1971.
The palace also served as the seat of the Regional Court of Bahawalpur State. Nawab Abbas Abbasi used it for a long time
Potential for Tourism
Considering its old design and historic significance, the Darbar Mahal can serve as a tourist attraction in the future.
It is unfortunate, however, that very little of the property is open to the public, with only the edges of the gardens being regularly open for galas and special events.