Khetri Mahal, Jhunjhunu (2024) - Images, Timings

Khetri Palace, Jhunjhunu Overview

Located at the western end of Nehru Bazaar, in the district of Jhunjhunu in the state of Rajasthan, Khetri Palace is an ancient old palace mainly known for its brilliant architecture and gorgeous frescoes. Although the monument is relatively small and is currently in ruins, however, it is still a major tourist attraction in town and does not fail to attract both tourists and locals alike. It is also known as Wind Palace which is strange as it is devoid of any real windows of doors.

Boasting of large halls and corridors, Khetri Palace has marble pillars instead of walls to ensure free flow of air and good ventilation. Consisting of various levels and storeys, the palace has connecting ramps so that horses and carts can also be accommodated inside. Besides, the palace offers beautiful views from the top of old Muslim quarter, Pirzada Mahalla and the rest of the city.

History of Khetri Palace

Khetri Palace was built in 1770 by the grandson of Sardul Singh named Bhopal Singh. Sardul Singh is known to have found Khetri. The palace became famous because of its gorgeous and sophisticated architecture although it was relatively a small fort. So much so, that Maharaja Sawai Singh of Jaipur modelled his Hawa Mahal on Khetri Palace. Hawa Mahal which is famous till date and is an important monument of the country is also known as Wind Palace just like Khetri Palace and was built in 1799 right after Khetri Palace.

Architecture of Khetri Palace

Khetri Palace is known to be the epitome of Shekhawati art and architecture. It boasts of elaborate frescoes and gorgeous arches wherever possible giving it an airy and an ‘open’ look. The palace is also known for its beautiful paintings and murals that support the Raghunath Temple and the Bhopalgarh Fort. The most unique thing about the palace is that it does not have stopped windows and doors like the rest of the monuments but only has open arches and openings in the wall.

The several levels of the palace are connected with ramps and slopes so that it can be easier for the horses and carts to move inside and out. These horses were used by noblemen to commute. In addition to that, the palace has private chambers of Thakurs which has two alcoves. Here in the alcoves you can find older paintings which are mostly in ruins and have been weathered and almost destroyed over time. There are also other rooms, most of which are interconnected with archways instead of regular doors. The ramps and the arches give a sophisticated proportionate look to the entire building. The entry to the palace is at the base of the monument through a student hostel.

Tips

It is advisable to not drive down at the spot in your car as the palace is located inside the labyrinths of several narrow lanes and there will be major difficulty in finding a perfect parking spot. You can reach here in public transport.