NAVLAKHA PALACE MADHUBANI

The Navlakha Palace, also known as Rajnagar Palace, is an architectural marvel that can be found on the eastern banks of the Kamla River, in Rajnagar in Bihar. The 260-year-old palace was constructed by the Maharaja Rameshwar Singh and is an example of ancient architecture and engineering.

What makes this a remarkable historical site is a beautiful structure, the well-maintained rooms, the intricate carving work and the fact that it is home to the oldest Mithila painting. The portico of the palace surrounds a courtyard. There are 4 arches that are perched on hand-carved stone elephants. There are also several museums on the property, including a tea museum, a toy museum, a museum dedicated to horse carriages and a doll museum.

Location: Navlakha Palace Campus, Rajnagar, Bihar 847236

Timings: Monday to Sunday (9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

Historical Facts:
- This 19th-century palace was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh
- It was a seat of luxury, with fountains, gardens, ponds and intricate temples
- The palace was almost destroyed in 1934 as a result of an earthquake in the region
- Despite no further renovations, the palace is an example of ancient Indian architecture
- The palace complex covers an area of over 1,500 acres
- It consists of 11 temples dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses worshipped by Maharajas
- One of the most distinctive features of the temple are the hand-carved elephants which support 4 magnificent arches
- The palace also houses the oldest Mithila painting ever made, which was commissioned in 1919 on the occasion of the marriage ceremony of the Maharaja’s daughter