Darbar Mahal


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

Architecture

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

Gallery