![]() The most magnificent monuments date from the time of Jagatjit Singh, who ascended the throne in the year 1890. He was an enthusiastic Francophile and on his accession turned the city into "a scrap of Paris laid at the foot of the Himalayas". The 'Sainik School' of Kapurthala is one of its most popular monuments and it was formerly known as Jagatjit Palace. The credit of designing the magnificent architecture of this palace goes to renowned French architect M. Marcel. Its construction started in the year 1900 and was completed in the year 1908. In the year 1862 Kanwar Bikrama Singh built the Elysee Palace or Jalaukhana. It has been changed into a boy's school now. This magnificent building with its imposing and elegant facade has now been converted into MGN School of Kapurthala. The palace comprises a central bay, cribbed from Fontainebleau, with a high pavilion roof and windows that are flanked by two symmetrical wings with blind arcades terminated by secondary pavilions. The interior is treated lavishly in the same opulent French manner, with Louis XIV furniture, enriched plasterwork, fine marble chimney pieces and Aubusson carpets specially woven for the rooms. The gardens are embellished with fountains and statuary in complete French manner and the entire area is designed is such a way that it resemble a French estate. The surrounding buildings are designed in other European styles. Moorish Mosque is another most spectacular monument of Kapurthala. It is popularly called as the replica of Morocco's Grand Mosque of Marakesh. It was also designed by a French architect Monsieur M. Manteaux. It took 13 long years for the completion of this lavish building. Maharajah Jagatjit Singh who was the last ruler of Kapurthala commissioned its foundation. It contains attractive decorations collected from the Mayo School of Art in Lahore. Archaeological Survey of India has given it the status of a National Monument of the country. Located in the heart of the city is Jagatjit Club, an elegant Greek revival style of building. Since its construction, it has been used for several purposes like as a church, cinema hall and presently it has become a local club. Some more popular heritages of this city include Shalimar Gardens, Panch Mandir (Five Temples), which is the place worship for people of all faiths and religions. This temple has five small spectacular temples. The State Gurudwara is another popular monument of this city and it was constructed in a proper Indo-Saracenic style. Kapurthala is popular for its several monuments and heritage sites that wonderfully express its rich history. (Last Updated on : 10-04-2013) |
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