Raja Rani Mahal

About the Raja Rani Mahal

Chanderi was once renowned for its palaces and havelis, and is said to have had as many as 260 mahals. Only about 43 of them remain. In the Andar Shehar stands the Raja Rani Mahal, also called the Raj Mahal, which is actually two separate palaces: the imposing seven storied Raja Mahal, now attached to the smaller Rani Mahal. The two are built in completely different styles and clearly do not belong to the same period.

Two inscriptions found in a bawdi within the complex are illegible, but the style of their calligraphy points to the Khilji period, which implies that the Raja Mahal was originally built by the Khilji rulers in the 15th century. The Rani Mahal appears to be the earlier of the two. The upper portions of both are in the Bundela style, indicating that the structures were repaired and built upon in the 17th century when the Bundelas came to control the region. After a long period of disrepair, efforts are now under way to restore and preserve the palaces.

Two palaces, two styles

The Raja Mahal

Seven storeys tall and the dominant half of the pair, this is the part attributed to the Khilji rulers of the 15th century on the evidence of calligraphy in a bawdi within the complex. Its height is what makes the combined building imposing from the lanes of the Andar Shehar.

The Rani Mahal

Smaller than its neighbour and now attached to it, the Rani Mahal appears to be the earlier construction of the two. Comparing the two halves side by side is the clearest way to see that they were never designed as one building.

The Bundela upper storeys

The upper portions of both palaces are in the Bundela style, which dates them to the 17th century, when the Bundelas controlled the region and repaired and built upon what was already there. Looking up to where the styles change is the most useful thing you can do here.

Planning your visit

The palaces are in the Andar Shehar, so they sit within an inner city walking route. Restoration work is ongoing, which may affect access.

• Check locally whether the interiors are open.
• Compare the two halves from outside before going in.
• Look for the bawdi within the complex.
• Combine with the Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin tombs nearby.

Best time to visit

October to March is the comfortable season for walking the inner city lanes. Morning light reaches the upper storeys best, which matters here because the Bundela additions above are the easiest way to read the building's two phases.