Juna Mahal Dungarpur

Dominating the landscape of Dungarpur is the gigantic Juna Mahal that stands tall on a high platform constructed from dawra stone. The initial structure of this seven-storeyed edifice was built in the 13th century, while the additional rooms, wings, floors, courtyards, and fortifications were added through the years by the successive rulers. Current status of the Juna Mahal's architecture is completely in ruins due to lack of consistency maintenance. But unlike its exteriors, the interiors are well vandalized and glows with its exuberant ornamentation and mirror works. The palace is adorned with frescos, murals, local green stones and mirror inlays that proudly represent the uniqueness of Rajput construction techniques and how it has evolved over centuries. Decoration styles like color paintings and arrangement of glass work that can be seen in some rooms are hard to find in anyother Rajput heritages. Remarkably well preserved, these include a series of paintings from the Kama Sutra in erstwhile rulers bedroom on the top floor of the palace. The palace has always been the talk of the town not only because of its unique structure but also due its comprehensive conservation management plan.