The City Palace complex, an integral part of the Walled City, is a sprawling enclosure where time has
stopped with numerous courtyards, gateways, gardens and temples. You may find yourself anywhere
from 1 to 3 hours soaking in the aura of traditional Rajput architecture. One of the star features of the
Palace is Pritam Chowk. This "Court of Beloved" has four delicately painted doorways representing
the four seasons. Walking through Diwan-i-Khas and the Mubarak Mahal, you may lose yourself in
the flights of fancy.
The two giant silver urns in Diwan-i-khas, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's
largest silver objects, carried sacred Ganges water of Madho Singh II's visit to London in 1901. This
fist floor of this sandstone palace houses a dazzling collection of royal costumes and textiles. The most
delightful aspect of this monument is that the royal family continues to reside here.
The gigantic gateway Rajendra Pol of the City Palace is flanked by two large elephants , each carved
from single blocks of marble.
The splendid Chandra Mahal has seven extravagant floors, marvelously decorated, each with a
specific name according to its function. But sadly the beauty of this Mahal is closed to public.
If you are interested in seeing how life is for the royals, visit the Palace Museum and take a look at the
timeless photographs of royalty. Sileh Khana, the erstwhile armoury houses the museum's collection of
weapons, among the finest in India. Some pieces are lavishly decorated. There also is the Diwan-i-
Aam, which was the former ceremonial hall, and now displays rare Rajput and Mughal miniature
paintings, as well as carpets, manuscripts, a superbly crafted silver throne and an ivory elephant
howdah.
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