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On the southern island of the picturesque Lake of Pichola stands the marvellous Jag Mandir Palace. This three-storyed palatial complex is constructed with yellow sandstone and marble, on an island in the lake. Maharana Karan Singh built this majestic palace in the second decade of the seventeenth century. Here he gave refuge to Prince Khurram (when he rebelled against his father, and was on the run) who went on to become Shah Jahan. The Gul Mahal in Jagmandir Palace attracts a lot of attention as it was the place where Shah Jahan, along with his family, took shelter. This structure was built in accordance with the Islamic style of architecture.
The courtyards are lined with huge columns, high pillared terraces, fountains, carved panels, beautifully adorned walls and terrific stained glass windows. Gardens add to the magnificence of the environment. The hall, with its richly decorated spectacular interiors containing delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work also has a Muslim crescent imposed on it.
A mosque was also built within the palace complex for the Muslim guests of the king to offer their prayers. A throne was specially built out of a single block of serpentine for Shah Jahan. However it is not located in the palace anymore.
Jagmandir Palace is one of those places which look like a virtual heaven on earth. It is said that Shah Jahan drew inspiration to build the Taj Mahal during his stay at the Jag Mandir Palace. The courtyard which is decorated with black and white tiles along with marble pavilions, beautiful shrines and other structures of architectural excellence is also a much talked about feature of this palace.
Some of the pavilions housed in the complex are Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal. Architectural intelligence is revealed in the construction of the Bara Patharon ka Mahal which was made out of just twelve solid marble slabs. Kunwar Pada ka Mahal was built specially for the prince Khurram.
The Zenana Mahal provided many a chamber for royal ladies, with rooms facing the beautiful view of the lake with its placid waters. The palace also has towers, majestic domes and arches, adding to its grandeur. Jag Mandir Palace has lovely gardens containing exotic varieties of flora, adorned with beautiful roses, jasmines and bougainvillea.
Close to the palace lies a museum where the history of the palace can be traced. Massive, realistic sculptures of eight elephants, artistically chiselled out of full marble stone, stands in front of the palace, as if protecting its boat ramp and the entrance. The best time to view the palace is during the sunrise and sunset when the yellow sandstone acquires a golden tinge and stands boldly against the backdrop of the Aravalli ranges. A visit to the Jag Mandir Palace gives us a taste of the royal splendour and magnificence of the long gone glories of the Mewar era.
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