Chowmahalla Palace Part-II, Hyderabad, India

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“The future is the most expensive luxury in the world.”
Thornton Wilder

Chowmahalla Palace Part-II, Hyderabad, India

The entrance to the Durbar Hall in the northern courtyard of the Chowmahalla Palace complex is up a short flight of steps. The gap between the pillars on the platform is covered with a straw curtain to protect the hall from the elements. My first step into the inner verandah bedazzled me. Never-seen-before artistry on the walls, ceiling and the splendour of the Belgian crystal chandeliers took my breath away.

**The seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty**

The centre of attraction in this large hall is the Takht-e- Nishan, a marble platform on which the royal seat was laid out. This is where the ceremonial Gaddi Nasheen (Ascension and crowning) of the Nizam and subsequently, his durbars were conducted. On specific days of the year such as the Nizam’s birthday, Muharram and Eid, the British resident and dominion heads would present the nazr (an offering, usually of gold coins) as a mark of respect. Private celebrations and other public ceremonies such as Investiture were also done by the Nizam at this venue.

Durbar Hall Picture Gallery

The first view of the inner verandah with its ornate pillars. The long corridor has rooms at each end. - ImageWrighter — The first view of the inner verandah with its ornate pillars. The long corridor has rooms at each end.

The Durbar Hall with the ceremonial marble platform. Nineteen Belgian crystal chandeliers sparkle throughout. - ImageWrighter — The Durbar Hall with the ceremonial marble platform. Nineteen Belgian crystal chandeliers sparkle throughout.

Stucco-work ceilings of the ground floor ante-rooms - ImageWrighter — Stucco-work ceilings of the ground floor ante-rooms

Staircase leading to the first-floor galleries - ImageWrighter — Staircase leading to the first-floor galleries

Ornate ceiling and the shimmering chandelier of the picture gallery - ImageWrighter — Ornate ceiling and the shimmering chandelier of the picture gallery

Carved woodwork on the windows of the picture gallery on the first floor - ImageWrighter — Carved woodwork on the windows of the picture gallery on the first floor

Two of the many colorful chandeliers within Khilwat Mubarak - ImageWrighter — Two of the many colourful chandeliers within *Khilwat Mubarak*

Decorative arches on windows overlooking the Durbar Hall - ImageWrighter — Decorative arches on windows overlooking the Durbar Hall

Nizam era furniture on display - ImageWrighter — Nizam era furniture on display

The Takht-e- Nishan as seen from the first floor - ImageWrighter — The Takht-e- Nishan as seen from the first floor

The stunning opulence of the Khilwat Mubarak is a treat. The next time you are in Hyderabad, do not miss it for the world. The palace is open every day (except Fridays) from 10 am to 5 pm. Three to four hours of leisure and a nominal charge of Rs. 60/- is what it takes to soak in the royal residence.