Amazing Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala - built in Neo-Classical- Renaissance style

The Ujjayanta Palace, constructed between 1899 and 1901 by the Tripura king, Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya, (Ujjoyonto Prashad),  was once the royal palace of Tripura (princely state).  Situated in Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura on the banks of a small lake surrounded by Mughal gardens,  it served as a residence of  the ruling Manikya dynasty until  Tripura became  part of the Indian Union  in October 1949. The state government paid the royal family  Rs. 2.5 million in early 1970s with  view  to converting  the palace into the state legislative assembly.  The Ujjayanta Palace compound  extends over an  area of approximately 1 km2 (250 acres) and includes public rooms such as the throne room, durbar hall, library and reception hall. 

Façade of Royal  Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala  upload.wikimedia.org/

The buildings and grounds cover a vast land  of 800 acres (3.2 km2) in the prime area  of Agartala.    A special feature about this unique palace is the Chinese Room where  ceiling was crafted by artisans specially brought from China. The two-story  structure has three large domes, the largest of which is 86 ft (26 m) high, and which rests atop a four-storied central tower. The architecture is a  blend of  Mughal, Roman and British design elements. The name 'Ujjayanta Palace' was given by Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.

Interior dome,  Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala.Tripura. d
reamstime.com

Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala.Tripura. upload.wikimedia.org

The Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala TripAdvisor

Above image:  Built in neo-classical and renaissance style, in the interior of the palace one can see a blend of European, Persian, Indian and oriental decorative features. This 2 story inspiring palace has 3 well designed domes surrounded by Mogul-style garden, water fountains, etc. 

The Ujjayanta Palace houses the largest museum in this region,  containing  22 galleries and showcasing  NE India’s art, sculptures, paintings, textiles, Bronze images, culture, history, tradition and ethnic diversity.

The Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala. Famous Places In India

Tripura is credited with one of the oldest princely states of ancient India and the history goes back to  the reign of Maharaja Maha Manikya, who was crowned in 1400 AD, and was the first ruler under the royal title of Manikya. The old palace built in 1862  by  King Ishan Chandra Manikya (1849-1862)  was damaged in the June 1867 earthquake.  Maharajah Radha Kishore Manikya in 1899–1901 rebuilt it  at a cost of 10 lakh (1 million) rupees and the  contractor Martin Burn Company of Calcutta completed it in 1901 (work began in 1898).

Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala. taleof2backpackers.com

Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala.taleof2backpackers.com

A unilateral move to change the name of the palace name by the local government was thwarted by the local community as the history and heritage of the region had to be safeguarded. Finally, the government gave up the proposal and retained the name  of Ujjayanta Palace.

The Ujjayanta Palace, Agartala. YouTube

The surrounding grounds are laid out like Mogul  gardens adorned with fountains. The  two large artificial ponds on either side of the garden which is decorated with pools and fountains make this place enchanting.

Lakshmi Narayan taleof2backpackers.com

Adjacent to the palace  are Hindu temples, dedicated to Lakshmi Narayan, Uma-Maheshwari, Kali and Jagannath. The rulers of this state, being pious, would resume their day's work upon paying visit to all these temples in the morning. A pride of Agartala city and the state, this palatial palace has many gates. A visit to this architecturally rich place will not disappoint you. 

https://www.taleof2backpackers.com/ujjayanta-palace-places-to-visit-in-agartala
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjayanta_Palace