A showcase of history
The museum houses a remarkable collection of rare artworks, including pieces by renowned painters such as M.F. Hussain, J. Swaminathan, G. R. Santosh, Bikash Battacharjee, Ram Kumar, and Laxman Pai. The entrance gallery features the Durbar Hall, adorned with family portraits of the Dogra rulers and paintings depicting Hindu epic scenes from the Mahabharata and stories like Nala Damayanti.
Of particular note is the golden throne of the Dogra rulers, weighing 120 kg in pure gold and embellished with golden lions at the corners. It is housed in a hexagonal room, viewable through glass-covered window panes for security reasons. Additionally, the museum boasts a library on the first and second floors, housing a unique collection of antique books on political science, fiction, religion, and philosophy.
An architectural marvel
The architecture of Amar Mahal Palace is as distinct as its history. Built with red bricks and red sandstone, the palace is perched atop a hillock overlooking the Tawi River. Its striking design features long channels on three sides, covered by sloping ridged tin roofs, and passages sustained on columns with wooden framework. The first and top floors exhibit French windows with connected balconies and bay windows, respectively, reflecting a blend of classical Greek architectural style and regional influences.
