CITY PALACE AND MUSEUM RAO MADHO SINGH

The City Palace is one of the largest citadels in the region. The entrance is guarded by two elephants facing each other. It is surmounted by the Hawa Mahal, a building with openwork windows built at the beginning of the 20th century. This allowed the women to observe the street without being seen. The palace, whose construction began in 1625 and was enlarged over the centuries, forms a heterogeneous ensemble. Every rao has contributed to the building. The oldest part is the Sailar Ghazi Darwaza Gate, rebuilt in the second half of the 17th century. It is a perfect example of Islamic architecture. In the first courtyard stands Burj's tower. It was used as an observation and defence tower as well as a gnomon to calculate the exact time. On Hindu New Year's Day, the priests would climb to the top of the tower to observe the winds and make their predictions for the coming year. The most interesting rooms are on the floors. If they are locked, feel free to ask for them to be opened. The walls and ceilings are covered with beautiful wall designs and decorative elements.

The museum displays an important collection of weapons, Indian miniatures for which the Kota school is famous, the regalian attributes of the Kota rao as well as silver thrones, palanquins and howdah (elephant saddle). The collection of photos from the beginning of the 20th century evoking the life of the Maharaos is quite touching.