Situated on the bank of River Tawi located adjoining the erstwhile residence of Maharaja Hari Singh. Built with red sandstone, the European styled castle Mubarak Mandi Palace Jammu offers a magnificent view of Shivalik ranges and Tawi River. This Palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Amar Singh of Dogra dynasty in 19th century. It was converted to museum in 1975 and exhibits Pahari miniature, Kangra Miniature paintings along with the main attraction of golden thorn weighting 120 kg. There is a library with 25000 books and many rare art collections.
Mubarak Mandi Palace – The Royal Castle Cum Museum in Jammu
Centre of Attractions in Mubarak Mandi Palace, jammu
The Pink hall
The Place is historical known as Gulabi Darbar Hall and is the main display gallery of this museum. Rulers of Dev Dynasty (1714 to 1812 AD) held their darbar in his hall. During Dogra ruler’s period this gallery was used for holding family functions for the ruling family. Ladies of the royal family used to sit in the balconies above to watch activities in the hall.
The Marble Hall
This hall was used by important ladies of the royal family including the Maharani to watch activities in Gulabi Darbar Hall (The Pink hall) below. For that reason this hall especially decorated with precious stone inlay work.
Dogra Art Museum in Mubarak Mandi Palace
This museum is housed in the Mubarak Mandi Palace, built in 1862 in a unique, French-chateau style of architecture. Museum has workmanship exhibitions showing Indian craftsmanship and work of Indian specialists in various fields. One of the most amazing attractions is Dogra Kings Gold Sofa measuring 120 kg.
Inside the Mubarak Mandi Palace Museum
- These exhibitions have works of art produced using eminent craftsmen and also staying novice specialists. The fascination in artistic creations incorporate interesting artworks made by M.F hussain, J. Swaminathan, G.R Santosh, Bikash Battacharyagee, Laxmi Pani and may more. Artworks here incorporate Dogra and Pahari, canvases from eighteenth century in Jammu and smaller than normal artistic creations of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. There are distinctive exhibitions named Nala Damayanti, Dasha Avatar Gallery and Contemporary Art Gallery.
- Nala Damyanti Gallery has a gathering of very nearly 47 works of art from eighteenth century made Kangra ki Kalam, which portrays the romantic tale of Nala and Damayanti and closures with their wedding Damayanti Swaymavar.
- Dashvatar Gallery has delineations made in oil artworks portraying stories of Lord Vishnu. A pictogram here is the resurrection of ruler Vishnu or Vishnu Puran.
- Contemporary Art Gallery has a cutting edge gathering of compositions made by noticeable contemporary Indian craftsmen.
- There is additionally a broad library at Mubarak Mandi Palace with books on subjects, for example, writing, science, governmental issues, rationality and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Another fascination is the suite of Maharani Tara Devi where her garments, quilts and Victorian style washroom can be seen.
- This gallery now satisfies its targets by masterminding visits, perusing sessions, addresses and distraction classes. There are understudy trade projects, workshops, and other diversion exercises in the exhibition hall display.
How to reach there or Location of Mubarak Mandi Palace
Map is given below:
Mubarak Mandi Palace is at Jammu and local autos can be taken to reach the Palace.
Jammu has a railhead which is connected to all major cities of the country and there are a number of fast and slow trains linked. NH1 connects Jammu by road to Delhi.
Best Time to Visit
Jammu has a wonderful climate all year round and is comfortable to visit from September to April. Summers at Jammu start from March and end till June. The temperatures go up to 45 degree C. This is a favourable time to go for sightseeing as well as to undertake treks.
Winters extend from November to February and are extremely cold. Temperature can drop to freezing point with light to heavy snowfall.
Monsoons are observed during June to August and receive good amount of rainfall through these months.
Flowering season lasts from September to November when flowers are at full bloom.
Timings
The museum is open from 10 am to 12 noon & 3 pm to 5 pm in winters and 5 pm to 7 pm in summers.
Sundays: 10 am to 12 noon
Closed on state holidays and Mondays
Entry Fee
Children: Rs.05/- each
Adults: Rs.10/- each
Foreigners: Rs.50/- each
Photography Charges
For non-professional astray photography without use of flash light and tripods
Camera fee for Indians: Rs.120/-
Camera fee for foreigners: Rs.240/-
Professional photography: Rs.2000/- per gallery
Professional Videography: Rs.3600/- per gallery
Gallery of Mubarak Mandi Palace – The Royal Castle Cum Museum in Jammu
Our Verdict
This 19th century French style Castle is not its original condition but it is renovating. As there are no canteens or restaurants there but you might get some food stall besides the main entrance of the Palace. There is a lovely park in the middle which is entirely covered with the Palace’s buildings. The park is managed and so were the lovers so you can spend a nice peaceful time there in the evening.
Visit this palace turned museum and experience travelling back in the time to the days of Maharajas. This is a highly recommended place to visit if in Jammu so visit there and have a date with the history.
And don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section below.
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