The Naulakha Palace, the oldest extant palace in Gondal, India, dating back to the 18th century (1748) during the reign of Haloji Sagramji, with a "sculpted facade"[1] is a part of the Darbargardh fort complex. It is named "Navalakaha" meaning rupees "nine lakhs" (Rs 900,000) which was the cost of building it at that time.[2] It has stone carvings with "jharokhas" (balconies), a pillared courtyard, delicately carved arches, and a unique spiral staircase. The large chandelier-lit "durbar" hall (court house) witnesses stuffed panthers, gilt wooden furniture, and antique mirrors.[1][3][4][2] The "private palace museum" displays an array of silver caskets which were in the services of carrying messages and gifts for the Maharajah Bhagwat Sinhji on his silver jubilee as ruler of Gondal.[4] The palace is situated in Gondal city, which is well connected by road, rail and air services. It is located 38 kilometres (24 mi) away from Rajkot,[1] which is also the airport (40 kilometres (25 mi) away) and rail head.[4]
- ^ a b c Bradnock & Bradnock 2000, p. 1241.
- ^ a b Miller 2012, p. 77.
- ^ handbooks, Footprint (2000). India Handbook. Trade & Travel Publications. p. 1241. ISBN 9780844248417.
- ^ a b c Chakraborty, Subhasish (4 October 2014). "The Palaces of Gondal A Tryst With Royal Gujarat". Wall Street International. Retrieved 30 June 2015.