Information on Jagatjit Palace (Kapurthala, Punjab) - History & Architecture

The Jagatjit Palace is one of the most significant and popular monument in the Indian state of Punjab. It is specifically located in the Kapurthala region. In the present day the monument is used as a school i.e. Sainik School. It is considered as the best designed structure of the region.

Jagatjit Palace Architecture

The building is registered in the history books as one of the most well designed monument in Punjab and all over India. The architectural style of the building has the fusion of Hindu and French architecture. During its construction, the maharaja of Sikh i.e. Raja Jagjit Singh has took the assistance of the French architect named M. Marcel along with the famous builder of that time Mr. Allah Ditta. This ensured a unique design and texture to the monument. After 80 years of its completion, the beauty of the structure has remained intact. There is a large durbar hall inside the monument which is named as Diwan e Khass was used by the raja during that time to meet with the important minister of the kingdom. The painting style used in the ceilings of the monument depicts a French style which is not often found in Indian monument. The windows of the palace have double slopes which was named oeil-de-boeuf in French. The marbles that were used in the floor and pillars were imported directly from Italy. The palace also has artefacts relevant to the 19thh century including the clock and portraits of the maharaja. The palace was made in such a manner where the environment of the interior becomes soothing and automated without getting effected from the external temperature. The art work which can be extensively seen inside the palace has been done by workers or artists from France, Italy and Holland. Some of the designs of the monument also have the input of the wife of raja Jagjit Singh i.e. Smt. Anita Delgado.

Jagatjit Palace History

Historical reports suggests that the monument was served as the residence of the maharaja of Kapurthala i.e. Jagatjit Singh. The man was one of the driving forces that established Kapurthala as what it is in the present day scenario. Located at a distance of 3 km from Kapurthala, the monument was primarily built during the year 1908. It depicts the royal lifestyle of the Sikh maharajas which can also be understood from the artefacts present. In the present day context, the building has been looking after by the defence ministry of the state. In the initial days of construction, the monument was built in the form a residential complex for the maharaja and his extensive family. The palace is established in an area of 200 acres. It was during the mid 19th century that the building possessed by the Sikh maharaja.

Jagatjit Palace Tourism Importance

The monument has been preserved quite well over the years by the concerned authorities and for which it becomes a place that is worth a visit. Though in the present day the monument serve as a school, it is still being extensively used to attract tourist from all over the country and the world. Again, since Kapurthala is located quite near to the city of Punjab, tourist can easily reach the place. Moreover, the building is also quite popular for its French architecture which is less prevalent in other monuments of India. This is also expected to attract tourists in large numbers. Again nearby attractions in Kapurthala such as the Elysee palace will also add to the experience of the visitors where they can witnesses both the structure at one single visit.