Aina Mahal, Bhuj

The Aina Mahal in Bhuj, India is an old Palace that was built in the 18th century. The erstwhile palace which belonged to Maharao Lakhpatji has now been transformed into a Museum that is one of the chief Tourist Attractions in Bhuj. The Aina Mahal is famous for a housing an awesome Hall of Mirrors from which the palace get its name (Aina in Hindi means mirror).

History of Aina Mahal, Bhuj The Aina Mahal was constructed by Rao Lakhpatji in the year 1750. Its creator had a passion for music, art, architecture, and literature. The layout, design and decorations of Bhuj Aina Mahal were highly influenced by a royal dream that had eventually been converted into reality by an extremely deft craftsman whose name was Ramsinh Malam. Ramsinh had learnt to master the art in Holland for 17 years. There he received training in the techniques of making clocks and tiles, canon fabrication, enameling, and architecture. When he returned to India and then went to Kutch, Rao Lakhpatji did not take time to recognize his genius and skill over the work. Thus finding Ramsinh capable of materializing his plans and ideas, Rao Lakhpatji appointed the former to take on the mirror work, tile work and fountains at Aina Mahal.

Description of Aina Mahal, Bhuj Though large in itself, the Aina Mahal is a part of an even larger palace complex. The building is two storied consisting of a Darbar Hall, a hall of mirrors, and suites belonging to the various members of the royal family. The most distinctive feature of Aina Mahal, Bhuj that sets it apart from all other Forts and Monuments in Bhuj is the fact that it reveals a strong influence of European. Much of this owes to the fact that it was built by Ramsinh who had imbibed the European styles of art and architecture from his stay in Europe for 17 long years. The Hall of Mirrors which is supposedly the prime attraction of Aina Mahal has white marble walls that are covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments. The floor of the Mirror Hall is laid with tiles with a podium above it that is surrounded by a chain of fountains. Aina Mahal large chandelier made of Venetian glass adds grandeur to the Hall.

The Aina Mahal lies in the old part of the city of Bhuj. The palace is built in a, fortified courtyard and also houses a few of the rare idols. The city of Bhuj can be easily reached by all the common modes of transport. Flights can be availed from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Direct trains run from Ahmedabad on meter gauge tracks and from Mumbai on broad gauge tracks. Bhuj is also accessible by road from all the major towns and cities in Gujarat by luxury coaches, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. All in all, the transport facilities provided by the State are highly praiseworthy.