Submission work for Architectural Journalism. Lal Baagh Palace is one of the most spectacular building in Indore. It is a three story building situated amidst dry and dusty garden at the outskirts of the city on the bank of the River Khan.

1. Lal Baagh Palace
A Critical Analysis
Onal Kothari - May 25, 2015
LAL BAAGH PALACE - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS 1

2. Lal Baagh Palace is one of the most spectacular building in Indore. It is a three story
building situated amidst dry and dusty garden at the outskirts of the city on the bank of the
River Khan. The construction of the palace began in 1886 under Tukoji Rao Jolkar II. It was
carried out in three phases and the final phase was completed in 1921 under Tukoki Rao
Holkar III. Owning to its unique style of construction, it was one of the most stylish residence
in India. The entrance hall on the ground floor is in marble and display prehistoric artifacts.
There is a coin collection on the first floor which dates back to the Muslim Period.
There are also exhibits like contemporary Indian and Italian paintings and sculptures.
The interiors of the Lal Baag Palace transport the visitors to the historic era. Lavish
decorations in the style of Versailles Palace, Italian marble columns, grand chandeliers, rich
Persian carpets, flying nymphs on the ceiling, Belgium stained glass windows, Greek
mythological reliefs, Italian style wall paintings, stuffed leopards and tigers gives the visitor
an out of the world experience.
The ballroom of the palace has wooden floor mounted on springs for extra bounce. The
kitchen was built on the opposite bank of the river. It was connected to the palace by a well
lighted underground tunnel. The gates of the Palace are a replica of the gates of Buckingham
palace (London). Only, they are about twice their size. The gates were molded in cast iron and
were shipped from England. They also carry the Holkar state emblem which states "He who
tries will succeed".
The daunting gates of the Lal Baagh Palace are unique in Asia. The rooms of the palace have
now been restored and furnished and it has been turned into a museum. Much of the
furniture and ornamentation seen there belongs to late Regency and early Georgian style. The
main attractions of the palace are the accurately proportioned and furnished rooms, with
beautiful carvings on the walls as well as the ceilings.
LAL BAAGH PALACE - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS 2

3. The architecture and decoration of this Lal Baagh Palace reflects the highly westernized
outlook and aesthetic sensibility of the later Holkars. The Palace was inhabited by the
Holkars till 1978. Tukojirao III was the last resident of this splendid palace. The Government
of Madhya Pradesh is developing it as a cultural centre. The whole complex has a total area
of 28 acres and boasts of one of the best rose gardens in the country.
LAL BAAGH PALACE - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS 3