The city of Bhuj, founded in 1510, served as the administrative and commercial centre of the princely state of Kutch until India’s independence. At its core is the Darbargadh palace complex, built in 1548 by Rao Shri Khengarji I. Over the next 300 years, this complex evolved into a royal estate.
A significant feature of Darbargadh is Prag Mahal, a palace constructed in 1865 by Maharao Shri Pragmalji II. Designed by the British architect Colonel Henry Saint Clair Wilkins (served the East India Company in India), this palace introduced neo-Gothic architecture to India, influencing later structures in Mumbai. Prag Mahal combines European and local elements, representing a fusion of colonial and traditional craftsmanship.
The edifice came at a cost of 3.1 million rupees, and many Italian artisans worked with Colonel Wilkins. The local Kutchi community called the Mistris of Kutch, master craftsmen known for their architecture and construction skills, worked with Colonel Wilkins in the last phase of construction.
Made of red sandstone and white marble, the structure features Italian-style stucco (a polished plaster that provides a metallic finish), Arish plastering (a traditional Indian polished lime and marble plaster from Rajasthan), and stone carvings. Among its elegant features is the Grand Darbar Hall, which boasts majestic arches, spacious rooms, and elegant verandas, reflecting the royal era.
Another notable aspect of Prag Mahal is the 150-foot clock tower, inspired by London’s Big Ben. It was completed in 1865, and the clock was installed in 1877. This clock tower is one of two such structures in India, the other being in Mumbai, and is an example of 19th-century colonial architecture. A winding staircase leads to the fifth floor, from where you can enjoy an exhilarating view of the city and explore the intricate clock mechanism.
You can also see from the top the Queen’s Residence (Rani ka Vas), built in traditional Indian style. Although a powerful earthquake in Gujarat in 2001 left it in disrepair, remnants of its former state, such as porticos and balcony windows, indicate its past significance.
The history of the palace has been marked by turmoil. The 2001 earthquake caused significant damage. Adding to its woes, in 2006, the palace was burgled—thieves stole antiques worth millions and damaged the interiors. However, the palace and its clock tower were later restored, reclaiming their place in the cultural landscape.
The architecture of Prag Mahal has served as a backdrop for the Bollywood blockbuster films Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Lagaan, and various Gujarati films. This connection to cinema enhances its appeal.
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The photographs are stunning, and your descriptions create a sense of wonder as if we have seen them in person. Thank you very much - SFX Parthi