Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Monuments > Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace
Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace
Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace shows the medieval Islamic architecture and the science of Asian engineering.

Share this Article:

Architecture of Chowmahalla PalaceArchitecture of Chowmahalla Palace deals with the conglomeration of the four palaces like Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. It is now a private property of Nizams. One part of Chowmahalla Palace is now museum and library and another part now acts as an event hosting place for regal couples.

Chowmahalla Palace or Chowmahallat or the home of 4 Palaces, is a palace of the Nizams of Hyderabad. It was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and was the official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad while they ruled their state. The palace remains the property of Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, the successor of the Nizams of Hyderabad.

While Nizam Salabhat Jung is accredited with initiating the construction of the palace complex in the year 1750, Nizam Afzar-ud-Dawla Bahadur ensured that he would complete the construction of Chowmahalla Palace. It was completed in between 1857 and 1869.

Chowmahalla Palace was extended from the Laad Bazaar on the north to the Aspan Chowk Road on the south. Chowmahalla Palace originally covered 45 acres but regrettably only 12 acres remains for the tourists.

Southern courtyard of Chowmahalla Palace
Southern courtyard of Chowmahalla Palace is the oldest part of the palace and has four palaces Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Mahal. It was built in the neo-classical style of Islamic architecture.

Architecture of Chowmahalla Palace Northern courtyard of Chowmahalla Palace
Northern courtyard of Chowmahalla Palace part has Bara Imam, a long corridor of rooms on the east side facing the central fountain and pool that, once housed the administrative wing and Shishe-Alat meaning mirror image. It has Mughal domes and arches and many Persian elements like the ornate stucco work that adorn the Khilwat Mubarak. These were characteristic of buildings built in Hyderabad during the later phase of medieval rule. Opposite to the Bara Imam is a building that is its shishe or mirror image. The rooms were used as guest rooms for officials accompanying the visiting foreign and regal dignitaries.

Watch Tower Gate of Chowmahalla Palace
Watch Tower Gate is heart of Chowmahalla Palace. It is held in high admiration by the people of Hyderabad, as it was the seat of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The grand pillared Durbar Hall of Chowmahalla Palace has a pure marble platform on which the Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid. In this palace, the Nizams held their durbar and other religious and symbolic ceremonies. The 19 spectacular Chandeliers of Belgian crystal recently reinstalled to recreate the lost splendour of this majestic hall.

Clock Tower of Chowmahalla Palace
The clock of Chowmahalla Palace is placed above the main gate to Chowmahalla Palace. This is affectionately called as Khilwat Clock. It has been ticking away for around 250 years. An expert family of clock repairers winds the mechanical clock every week.

Council Hall of Chowmahalla Palace
The council hall of Chowmahalla Palace housed a rare collection of manuscripts and priceless books. The Nizams of Hyderabad often met important officials and dignitaries here. Today, it is the site for impermanent exhibitions from the treasures of the Chowmahalla Palace.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Monuments


Monuments of Punjab
Monuments of Punjab are the founding stones of the state. Punjab has numerous historical monuments and religious monuments scattered throughout its different cities.throughout its different cities.
Monuments of Lakshwadeep
Monuments of Lakshwadeep are famous for their ancient religious feel and historical value.
Monuments of Jharkhand
Monuments of Jharkhand are well maintained by the state government as these are popular tourist destinations. These monuments are remnants of the history of the region, narrating significant incidents from the past.
Monuments of Haryana
Monuments of Haryana represent the glorious culture and history dating back to thousands of years. These monuments are popular for their historical, religious, or political significance.
Monuments of West Bengal
Monuments of West Bengal, mainly from the British era, are considered as priceless heritage of the state and attracts many tourists to the state.
Monuments of Andaman And Nicobar Island
Monuments of Andaman and Nicobar Island loaded with their rich past unveils the history of India. Most of the monuments here are reminiscence of dark and brutal rule of the British Empire in India.
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh
Monuments of Andhra Pradesh represents several wonderful and glorious sagas of various ruling dynasties of the past. Most of these monuments are protected by the government for their architectural excellence and historical significance.
Monuments of Chhattisgarh
Monuments of Chhattisgarh have a significant role to play in the state`s tourism. The land has a rich cultural and political history that is reminiscent in the historical forts, palaces and temples of Chhattisgarh and are great tourist attractions.
Monuments of Telangana
Monuments of Telangana covers the ancient, medieval and modern historical structures illustrating the architectural grandeur and attracting thousands of tourists throughout the year.
Monuments of South India
Monuments of South India show strong Dravidian traditions and are located in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
Tombs in India
Tombs in India are famous all over the world for their architectural beauty and most of these tombs have been built in the medieval period. Travellers from all across the globe throng these historical sites.
Daulat Khana
Daulat Khana complex belongs to the early phase of Nawabi construction in Lucknow. It was commissioned to be built by Nawab Asaf ud Daulah. The Daulat Khana Complex consists of the Shish Mahal, the Shish Mahal Ka Talab and the Baradari Shish Mahal.
Mahesh Vilas Palace
Mahesh Vilas Palace is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh amidst 35 acres of Lush Green Lawns, Fountains and Orchards.
Architecture Of Andhra Pradesh
Architecture of Andhra Pradesh is an illustration of diverse types of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic architectural styles.
Architecture Of West Bengal
Architecture of West Bengal comprises Hindu temples, Muslim, Buddhist and Colonial monuments and the unique terracotta style.
Architecture of Lucknow
Architecture of Lucknow is mostly Islamic in nature. It is representative of 18th and 19th century Indian architecture. The architecture is broadly divided into religious architecture, such as that of Imambaras and secular architecture, such as that of Baradaris and Kothis.
Cheena Kottaram
Also known as the China Palace, the Cheena Kottaram used to be a rest house for the then King of Travancore.
History of British Architecture in India
History of British architecture in India had begun with a solemn promise, keeping no stones unturned. This line of architecture invaded in India from the early colonial times in the states like Delhi, Kolkata, Mushidabad and Pune.
Monuments of Assam
Monuments of Assam are timeless remnants of historical masterpieces which reflect the architecture of ancient Assam. these monuments are remnants of the glorious history of the region under different rulers.
Bharhut Stupa
Bharhut Stupa is situated between Jabalpur and Allahabad in the erstwhile Nagod state of Madhya Pradesh. In 1873, the place was discovered by Sir Alexander Cunningham.