AVMS

Overview

Mubarak Mandi, situated in Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir, India, served as the royal residence of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir from the Dogra dynasty. Until 1925, when Maharaja Hari Singh relocated to the Hari Niwas Palace in northern Jammu, it functioned as their primary seat. Located in the heart of Jammu’s old walled city, the palace overlooks the Tawi river and combines Rajasthani, European baroque, and Mughal architectural styles. Over a span of more than 150 years, successive maharajas expanded and enhanced the complex.

Raja Dhruv Dev laid the foundation of Mubarak Mandi palace in 1710 after consulting astrologers. During the years 1856 to 1885, Maharaja Ranbir Singh (1830-1885) added palaces for himself and his queen to the northeast side of the complex, featuring terrace gardens. Additionally, he constructed palaces for his three sons within the complex, including the Gole Ghar and the Sheesh Mahal. Despite Maharaja Hari Singh’s (1895-1961) move to the Hari Niwas Palace in 1925, located adjacent to the Amar Mahal palace in northern Jammu, the Mubarak Mandi complex remained the political hub of the Dogra princes.

Architecture

The complex is centered around several courtyards and comprises various buildings and palaces such as the Darbar Hall Complex, the Pink Palace, Royal Courts buildings, Gol Ghar Complex, Nawa Mahal, Rani Charak Palace, Hawa Mahal, the Toshakhana palace, and the Sheesh Mahal. The palace halls and galleries were utilized for official functions and ceremonies. The Dogra art museum is located within the ‘Pink Hall’, boasting a diverse collection of miniature paintings from the Kangra, Jammu, and Basholi art schools. Notably, it also houses a gold-painted bow and arrow of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The name ‘Pink Hall’ derives from the pink plastered walls of this palace section. Situated in the southern part of the complex, the Gol Ghar section overlooks the Tawi river and consists of four storeys. It was severely damaged in the mid-1980s due to an earthquake, resulting in collapsed roofs and floors, rendering the building a ruin.

How To Reach

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By Road

This palace is connected through NH44 from Srinagar and Delhi. Buses are available from both Srinagar, Delhi, and major cities of North India.

By Train

The nearest railway station is 'Jammu Railway Station' which is just 6.2 KM from Mandi House. Cabs and Buses are available from the railway station.

By Air

The nearest airport is 'Jammu Airport' which is approximately 9KM from the palace. Cabs and Buses are available from the Airport.