Soneri Mahal, Aurangabad | Sunheri Mahal Timings, History

Sunheri Mahal, Aurangabad Overview

Located 2 kilometres from the infamous Bibi Ka Maqbara and about 6 kilometres from the Aurangabad Railway Station, is the last remaining Palace in the city, Soneri Mahal. This historical Palace is said to have derived its name from the golden paintings that adorned it in the past. These paintings have now disappeared, leaving the two-storeyed spacious building, which has a Rajput style architecture.

The Palace has a museum within which exhibits ancient pottery, sculptures, household items, antiques and remains of local palaces. This museum is placed on the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University campus. Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad is the place where the Ajanta and Ellora cave festivals are now held. Famous artists, musicians and dancers are invited to the palace to grace the four-day festival. The grandeur of the palace increases manifolds with the shimmering lights and decorations. The Sunheri Mahal stands as an epitome of architectural splendour, with intricate details and a well-manicured garden.

Architecture of Soneri Mahal

The architectural style of the palace is a typical Rajput style. The Sunheri Mahal, which is constructed of lime and stone has a beautiful entrance, characterized by arches. The Palace is immured in a garden and has a big rectangular gate, which is called Hathikhana, meaning the place of elephants. The architectural style of the arches in the gate is Islamic. The palace had cut plaster and five lion decoration like shining mirrors, which however is long lost today. While the gateway still stands, the compound wall is reduced to ruins.

History of Sunheri Mahal

The Soneri Mahal was established between 1651 AD and 1653 AD by a Bundelkhand Chief who accompanied Aurangzeb in the Deccan. The build cost ₹50000. In 1934 AD, it was sold to the Nizam of Hyderabad for INR 26400. In the 1970s, the palace was converted to a regional museum, the arches closed with plaster and bricks. In 1979, the museum was finally set up and modifications were done in 2001 such as the creation of basin.