Rajwada Palace

At the heart of Indore, the Rajwada is the former palace of the Holkars, a Marathi dynasty that ruled the region from the 18th to the 19th century. Its seven-storey façade blends Mughal, French and Marathi architecture in a rare ensemble. Built over two centuries ago, it remains the city's defining symbol, standing on the central square of the old bazaar.

Practical information at a glance

• Admission: Paid entry (modest fee, different rates for Indian nationals and foreign visitors)
• Recommended duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Closed days: Closed Mondays
• Access: Right in the city centre, accessible by rickshaw, taxi or on foot from Sarafa Bazaar
• Dress code: No particular dress restrictions

What to see

The main façade is the centrepiece: seven superimposed levels, the first three in stone and the upper four in carved wood. The overhanging balconies, Mughal arches and woodwork details testify to deliberate architectural syncretism. Inside, a small museum today houses exhibits on the history of the Holkars, featuring portraits, court objects and period documents.

History and context

The palace was erected in the early 18th century under the Holkars, one of the great Marathi houses descended from Shivaji's empire. Indore became their regional capital, and the Rajwada was its political and ceremonial centre. The building suffered several fires—the most devastating in 1984—which destroyed much of the wooden upper storeys. Successive reconstructions have attempted to restore its original appearance.

Highlights of the visit

The seven-storey façade

Observe the transition between the robust stone base and the finely carved wooden upper levels. Each tier carries a different decorative vocabulary: pointed arches, mashrabiyas, French-style cornices. The whole ensemble is most legible from the square opposite the palace.

The interior museum

The ground-floor rooms display portraits of Holkar sovereigns, weapons, court garments and historical documents. The collection is modest but well-contextualized to understand the dynasty's power.

Rajwada Square

The palace overlooks a large, animated esplanade surrounded by vintage shops. In the evening, the lighting enhances the façade and the square becomes a popular gathering point for Indore's residents.

Photography tips

Morning light (before 9 a.m.) is ideal: the east-facing façade receives direct illumination without backlighting. In late afternoon, the square fills up and urban life scenes become the real subject. At night, artificial lighting creates a dramatic ambiance but manual focus is necessary. No known photography restrictions outside; check the rules inside the museum.

Location and access

The Rajwada is in Indore's old centre, on the square of the same name, just a short walk from Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Bazaar. Indore Junction railway station is about 3 km away. Rickshaws and taxis are available around the clock on the square. Ground-floor access for people with reduced mobility is possible; upper floors remain difficult to access.

In the vicinity

• Sarafa Bazaar — night-time street food market just steps away, a must-visit after 9 p.m.
• Kanch Mandir — Jain temple entirely covered in glass mosaics, a few streets away.
• Central Museum of Indore — archaeological collections from the Malwa region, sculptures and ancient coins.
• Lal Bagh Palace — second palace of the Holkars, European in style, a few kilometres from the centre.