AlphonsoMarler5 at 05:08, 18 March 2026

2026-03-18T05:08:55Z

New page

{{more citations needed|date=April 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2015}}
{{Infobox building
| name = Chowmahalla Palace
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| logo =
| logo_size =
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| image = Chowmahalla Palace 01.jpg
| image_size = 300px
| image_alt = 
| image_caption = Afzal Mahal, Chowmahalla Palace
| pushpin_map = India Hyderabad
| pushpin_map_alt =
| map_caption = Location in Hyderabad, Telangana
| pushpin_mapsize = 300
| pushpin_label = Chowmahalla Palace
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_relief =
| former_names =
| alternate_names =
| etymology =
| status =
| cancelled =
| topped_out =
| building_type = Royal palace
| architectural_style =
| classification =
| location = [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]], [[India]]
| address =
| location_city = 
| location_country =
| coordinates = {{coord|17.358247|78.471701|display=title,inline}}
| altitude =
| current_tenants =
| namesake =
| groundbreaking_date =
| construction_start_date = 1750
| construction_stop_date =
| est_completion =
| topped_out_date =
| completion_date = 1880s
| opened_date =
| inauguration_date =
| relocated_date =
| renovation_date =
| closing_date =
| demolished_date =
| cost =
| ren_cost =
| client =
| owner =
| landlord =
| affiliation =
| height =
| architectural =
| tip =
| antenna_spire =
| roof =
| top_floor =
| observatory =
| diameter =
| circumference =
| weight =
| other_dimensions =
| structural_system =
| material =
| size =
| floor_count =
| floor_area =
| elevator_count =
| grounds_area =
| architect =
| architecture_firm =
| developer =
| engineer =
| structural_engineer =
| services_engineer =
| civil_engineer =
| other_designers =
| quantity_surveyor =
| main_contractor =
| awards = National Tourism Award (Best Maintained and Differently abled Friendly Monument), 2017
| designations =
| known_for =
| ren_architect =
| ren_firm =
| ren_engineer =
| ren_str_engineer =
| ren_serv_engineer =
| ren_civ_engineer =
| ren_oth_designers =
| ren_qty_surveyor =
| ren_contractor =
| ren_awards =
| number_of_rooms =
| parking =
| embed =
| references =
| footnotes =
| website =
| embedded = {{Infobox historic site
| embed = yes 
| name =
| other_name =
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| locmapin =
| map_relief =
| map_width =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_mark =
| coordinates = 
| gbgridref =
| type =
| etymology =
| location =
| nearest_city =
| area =
| elevation =
| height =
| beginning_label =
| beginning_date =
| formed =
| founded =
| founder =
| built =
| built_for =
| original_use = Seat of the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]]
| demolished =
| rebuilt =
| restored = 2005–2010
| restored_by = [[Princess Esra]]
| current_use =
| architect =
| sculptor =
| architecture =
| visitors_num =
| visitors_year =
| visitors_ref =
| governing_body =
| owner = [[Azmet Jah]]
}}
}}'''Chowmahalla Palace''' or '''Chowmahallat''' is the palace of the [[Nizam of Hyderabad|Nizam]]s of [[Hyderabad State]] located in [[Hyderabad]], [[Telangana]], [[India]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nY2DqJNPmioC|title=The City in the Islamic World, Volume 94/1 & 94/2|last1=Jayyusi|first1=Salma K.|last2=Holod|first2=Renata|last3=Petruccioli|first3=Attilio|last4=Raymond|first4=Andre|date=2008|publisher=BRILL|isbn=978-9004162402|pages=605–609|language=en}}</ref> It was the seat of power of the [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]] (1720-1948) and was the official residence of the Nizams during their reign. The palace has been converted into a museum and the ownership still lies with the family.<ref name="Rangan">{{cite news |last1=Datta |first1=Rangan |title=Chowmahalla Palace of the Nizams in Hyderabad, a picture of opulence and magnificence |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/chowmahalla-palace-of-the-nizams-in-hyderabad-a-picture-of-opulence-and-magnificence/cid/2067848 |access-date=16 December 2024 |agency=My Kolkata |publisher=The Telegraph |date=3 December 2024}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Nayeem |first=Dr. M.A. |title=The Royal Palaces of the Nizams |publisher=Hyderabad Publisher |year=2009 |isbn=9788185492261 |location=Hyderabad |pages=70–71 |language=English}}</ref>

The palace was constructed at the location of an earlier palace of the [[Qutb Shahi dynasty]] and Asaf Jahi dynasty<ref name=":0" /> close to the [[Charminar]]. Construction of the palace, as it stands today, was started by [[Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II|Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II]]<ref name="restoration">{{cite web|url=http://rmaarchitects.com/architecture/restoration-of-the-chowmahalla-palace-complex/|title=Restoration of the Chowmahallatuu Palace Complex|publisher=RMA Architects|date=2007|access-date=24 March 2018}}</ref> in 1769. He ordered the building of four palaces from which the nomenclature of Chau Mahalla is derived.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nayeem |first=Dr. M.A. |title=The Royal Palaces of the Nizam |publisher=Hyderabad Publisher |year=2009 |isbn=9788185492261 |location=Hyderabad |pages=74 |language=English}}</ref> The word ''chār'' or ''chahār'', and its variation ''chow'', means "four" and the word ''[[Mahal (palace)|mahal]]'' means "palace" in [[Urdu]], [[Hindi]] and [[Persian language|Persian]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last=1 Fatma 2 Srivastva |first=1 Tooba 2 Sangita |date=8 August 2020 |title=Grandeur of Nizam's Textiles and Clothing at Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad |url=https://www.tcrc.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Article_4_TF_SS.pdf |journal=Textiles and Clothing Research Centre e-Journal |volume=4 |issue=8 |pages=1 |via=Tcrc}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Nizam's Chowmahela Palace, Hyderabad, India.JPG|left|thumb|Panoramic view in two parts of the Chowmahalla Palace at Hyderabad, photographed by [[Lala Deen Dayal|Deen Dayal]] in the 1880s. The [[Charminar]] and [[Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad|Mecca Masjid]] are seen in the background (far right).]]
[[File:Drawing Room of Chowmahela Palace, Hyderabad, India.JPG|thumb|upright|Drawing room]]

While [[Asaf ad-Dawlah Mir Ali Salabat Jang|Salabat Jung]] initiated its construction in 1750, the palace was completed by the period of [[Afzal ad-Dawlah, Asaf Jah V]] between 1857 and 1869.<ref>{{cite book|title=forgeten|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3-SCyobP0koC&q=mahlaqa+bai&pg=PA111|access-date=4 April 2013|isbn = 9780143064541|last1 = Latif|first1 = Bilkees I.|year = 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/64365671.cms|access-date=29 May 2018|date=26 June 2020}}</ref>

The palace is unique for its style and elegance. Construction began in the late 18th century and over the decades a synthesis of many architectural styles and influences emerged. The palace consists of two [[courtyard]]s as well as the grand Khilwat (the Darbar Hall), [[fountain]]s and [[garden]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restoration Of The Chowmahalla Palace Complex |url=https://rmaarchitects.com/architecture/restoration-of-the-chowmahalla-palace-complex/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=RMA Architects |language=en}}</ref> The palace originally covered {{convert|45|acre|m2}}, but only {{convert|12|acre|m2}} remain today.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-05-29 |title=Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/chowmahalla-palace-grandeur-to-be-restored-before-monsoon/articleshow/64365671.cms |access-date=2023-04-19 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

==Southern courtyard==
{{multiple image
| perrow = 1/2
| image1 = View of Chowmallah Palace.jpg
| caption1 = Interior with chandeliers
| width1 = 260
| image2 = Chowmahalla Palace gate tower 01.jpg
| caption2 = Watch tower gate
| width2 = 130
| image3 = Window chowmahalla palace.jpg
| caption3 = Ornate with intricate stucco work, this is one of the two windows that flank the facade of the durbar hall.
| width3 = 130
}}

This is the oldest part of the palace, consisting of four palaces: Afzal Mahal, Mahtab Mahal, Tahniyat Mahal and Aftab Maha, built symmetrically opposite each other in [[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical]] style. The forecourt between the palaces is adorned with a pond and a garden.<ref name="Rangan"/><ref name=":0" />

The neoclassical palaces have double-height verandahs or façades lined with European style columns. The columns in the Aftab Mahal and Mehtab Mahal are of [[Ionic order]] whereas the Afzal Mahal and Tehniyat Mahal have [[Corinthian order|Corinthian]] columns.<ref name=":0" />

==Northern courtyard==
This part has ''Bara Imam'', a long corridor of rooms on the east side facing the central fountain and pool that once housed the administrative wing; and ''Shishe-Alat'', meaning mirror image.

It has [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] domes and arches and many [[Persian architecture|Persian]] elements such as the ornate [[stucco]] works that adorn the Khilwat Mubarak. These were characteristic of buildings built in Hyderabad at the time.

Opposite the Bara Imam is a building that is its shishe or mirror image. The rooms were once used as guest rooms for officials accompanying visiting dignitaries.

==Khilwat Mubarak==

This is the heart of Chowmahalla Palace. It is held in high esteem by the people of Hyderabad, as it was the seat of the [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]]. The grand pillared Durbar Hall has a pure marble platform on which the Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid. Here the Nizams held their durbar and other religious and symbolic ceremonies.<ref name="google.com">{{Cite web |title=The palaces of nizam MA nayeem - Google Search |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=The+palaces+of+nizam+MA+nayeem&tbm=bks |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=www.google.com}}</ref> The 19 spectacular [[Chandeliers]] of [[Belgium|Belgian]] crystal were recently reinstalled to recreate the lost splendour of this regal hall.<ref name="Rangan"/>

===Clock tower===
The main gateway to the Chowmahalla Palace on the western hand has a clock tower also known as a Khilafat clock. The tower is three storeys high and consists of balconies and jharokha of Mughal style same as the style of half domes.<ref name="google.com"/> It has been ticking since 1750. An expert family of [[Horology|horologists]] winds the mechanical clock every week.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Bhatnagar |first1=Dr Shikha |title=Legendary Narratives of Hyderabad |date=15 October 2018 |publisher=Notion Press |isbn=978-1-64429-473-4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Io5yDwAAQBAJ&dq=Khilwat+Mubarak&pg=PT72 |language=en}}</ref>

===Council hall===
This building housed a rare collection of manuscripts and priceless books. The Nizam often met important officials and dignitaries here. Today it is a venue for temporary exhibitions from the treasures of the Chowmahalla Palace Collection of the bygone era.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}

===Roshan Bangla===

The Sixth Nizam, [[Mir Mahbub Ali Khan]], is believed to have lived here and the building was named after his mother Roshan Begum.

The former Nizam ([[Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah]]) and his family decided to restore the Chowmahalla Palace and open it to the public in January 2005. It took over five years to document and restore the palaces of the first [[courtyard]] to its former glory. The palace also has a collection of vintage cars, including the [[Rolls-Royce]], which the Nizam kings used.<ref name="Rangan"/>

== Museum ==
The displays in the museum depict the origin and evolution of Hyderabad, achievements and valuable contribution of the Nizams towards the development of [[Hyderabad state|the state]], and the social lifestyle of the royal family.

The museum is divided into parts arranged around two quadrangle courtyards in North and South.{{citation needed|date=May 2023}}


== Conservation ==
[[File:Marble statue of wrestlers, Afzal Mahal, Chowmahalla Palace 24.jpg|thumb|Marble statue of wrestlers, Afzal Mahal]]
[[File:Vintage Cars at Chowmahalla Palace 1.jpg|thumb|Vintage cars at Chowmahalla Palace]]

Conservation works were initiated in Chowmahalla Palace from 2000, where several conservation architects and experts were involved in more than a decade long journey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Restoration Of The Chowmahalla Palace Complex |url=https://rmaarchitects.com/architecture/restoration-of-the-chowmahalla-palace-complex/ |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=RMA Architects |language=en}}</ref> The initiative was undertaken by [[Esra Birgen|Princess Esra Birgen]]. Before commencement of the works, the place had fallen into disuse for a prolonged period and had deteriorated over the time. The vision for the restoration project was to rescue the exemplary palatial complex and to establish a contemporary civic use as a museum showcasing the splendour and valour of the erstwhile Nizams.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Awarded Projects |url=https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/winning-projects |access-date=2023-03-15 |website=UNESCO Bangkok |language=en}}</ref>

The restoration process was divided into three stages, first stage involved thorough mapping, a fabric survey, and the development of conservation plans for the buildings' restoration as well as alternative re-use scenarios that might help assess the practicality of these historic buildings. In the second stage, structures that were in danger of collapsing had to be stabilised, and other urgent repairs like waterproofing and propping had to be made to prevent further damage. The complex's physical restoration as well as the addition of amenities to encourage the reuse of these structures were part of the final phase.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Mehrotra |first=Rahul |date=15 March 2023 |title=RESTORATION OF THE CHOWMAHALLA PALACE COMPLEX |url=https://rmaarchitects.com/architecture/restoration-of-the-chowmahalla-palace-complex/ |website=RMA Architects}}</ref>

In order to preserve the integrity of these ancient structures, their conservation was carried out using traditional craftsmen and techniques, and several building components were saved from demolition.  Many architectural features, including granite arches, elaborate lime plaster work, and terracotta balusters, were restored carefully in their original design in addition to structural repairs and stabilisation.<ref name=":2" /> Apart from bringing back the past glory of the palace complex and reviving traditional materials and craftsmanship, the project also created a cultural oasis in the heart of the city.<ref name=":1" />

The project was awarded the [[UNESCO]] Asia Pacific Merit award for cultural heritage conservation on 15 March 2010.<ref name="Rangan"/><ref name=":1" /> UNESCO representative Takahiko Makino formally handed over the plaque and certificate to Princess Esra, former wife and [[Power of attorney#Types|GPA]] holder of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-03-14 |title=UNESCO award for Chowmahalla Palace |url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/unesco-award-chowmahalla-palace}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chowmohalla Palace gets UNESCO award |url=http://thehyderabaddeccan.com/articleView.php?c%3D2%26i%3D5706 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110830215442/http://thehyderabaddeccan.com/articleView.php?c=2&i=5706 |archive-date=30 August 2011 |access-date=2011-06-06 |df=dmy}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Clock Tower At Chowmahalla Palace.jpg|Clock tower at Chowmahalla Palace
File:Vaddipar khilawat.jpg|Khilwat Mubarak
File:Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad Telangana.jpg
File:Chowmahalla Palace Architecture.jpg
File:Chowmahalla Palace Hyderabad India.jpg|Chowmahalla Palace Council Hall Interior

</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Hyderabad}}
* [[Nizam of Hyderabad]]
* [[Purani Haveli]]
* [[Falaknuma Palace]]
* [[King Kothi]]
* [[Chiran Palace]]
* [[Jewels of the Nizams]]
* [[Jacob Diamond]]
* [[Basheer Bagh Palace]]

==References==
<references />
[[File:Chowmahalla Palace Hydrabad India.jpg|thumb|Chowmahalla Palace, Hyderabad – an 18th-century masterpiece built by the Nizams, renowned for its stunning architecture, grand courtyards, and regal Durbar Hall that once hosted royal ceremonies and gatherings.]]

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* [https://www.chowmahalla.in/ Official website]
* [https://www.theguardian.com/weekend/story/0,,2222979,00.html ''The lost world'']: article by [[William Dalrymple (historian)|William Dalrymple]] about the last Nizam of Hyderabad and the restoration of Chowmahalla Palace
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=C6nDwxuBWag Tour of Chowmahalla (main courtyard and Khilwat Mahal)]
* [https://www.ragalahari.com/localevents/112647/sahebzadi-feroze-jahan-begum-syed-abbas-ali-wedding-photos.aspx A Royal Wedding - Chowmohalla palace]

{{Hyderabad topics}}

[[Category:Hyderabad State]]
[[Category:Heritage structures in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Royal residences in India]]
[[Category:Palaces in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Palaces of Nizams of Hyderabad]]

Chowmahalla Palace - Revision history

AlphonsoMarler5 at 05:08, 18 March 2026