Description:
The Aina Mahal or the Mirror Palace is the 18th century extravagant creation of Maharao Lakhpat. A master craftsmanship of Ram Singh Mallam, the Aina Mahal, is considered to be the best of palaces from the interiors in India. Built in typical European style, Dutch and Venetian tradition, it is said that the king specially sent Ram Singh to Holland for 17 years to learn the craft of mirrors and tiles. The hall of Mirror has white marble walls covered with mirrors and gilded ornaments and the floor is a pleasure pool lined with tiles, with a platform above it surrounded by a series of fountains operated by an elaborated system of pumps below a Venetian chandelier. Another remarkable feature is the pleasure pool, in the middle of which rises a square platform where the king himself composed poems and gave encouragement to the classical arts of dancing girls, bards and musicians.
Just across the Aina Mahal, a complete European, rather British structure is seen. That is the Pragmal Palace, built in 1797. Its tower and Corinthian pillars display strong British influence through its floral patterns. The magnificent Durbar Hall and the clock tower are worth a visit although most of the palace is used by the Government now.
