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Juna Mahal, Dungarpur

Article by Ms. Neha Ajmera
Edited by Garima Tomar



The WPD survey teams have documented wall paintings in vast areas of Rajasthan and have come across many interesting sites in the state. One such site is Juna Mahal in the Dungarpur district.

Dungarpur with its mesmerizing desert landscape has many palaces, innumerable temples,  havelis are the reminders of its colorful past and instill the essence of Royal Rajasthan. Dungarpur's past echoes through the remnants of its marvelous heritage which includes the rule by Guhilot and Mewar dynasties followed by Mughals, Marathas and the British.

Nowadays, this lively and vibrant town is studded with strikingly distinct architecture that include architectural marvels such as Dev Somnath temple, Katkeshwar temple, Shrinath Ji temple, Shri Jetholeshwar Mahadev, Udai Bilas Palace and Juna Mahal. Among these timeless edifices in the area, Juna Mahal stands high and marvelous showcasing the grandeur of the bygone era. Juna Mahal is located amidst the Thar desert in Dungarpur district in southern Rajasthan. This palace, surrounded by the Aravalli Hills is probably the longest inhabited Rajput fortifications in India, from the 13th Century to the 20th century.

 The construction of the old palace was started by Dungar Singh in 1358 CE and completed by his son Karam Singh in the year 1384 CE. Later on, some additions were made by the coming seven generations of rulers. Maharawal Ram Singh, commenced the construction of the first two stories and further additions in the form of rooms, wings, floors, courtyards, fortifications were made by future kings. With time, the building has deteriorated and Juna Mahal was included on the 2014 World Monuments Watch to bring greater awareness of its historic and artistic significance to community leaders and the public.

This palace complex is clad with magnificent mural paintings with exquisite motifs, floral patterns, miniature paintings, glass, and mirror work. The various themes of paintings are put on display here such as Krishna Raslila in Nathdwara style, scenes from Mahabharata, scenes of Gangaur festival, war scenes between Bhils and Rajputs. Among these various themes and paintings, most eye-catching is the painting in Am- khas depicting Vishnu's cosmic form. Lord Vishnu is among the most important deities in Hinduism. Here, in Juna Mahal Lord Vishnu's Vishvarupam is portrayed on a panel on the wall in a room adjoining Am-khas by the artisans Ramlal and Premchand in Nathdwara style.


Vishnu’s cosmic form in Am-Khas, Juna Mahal, Dungarpur

Krishna Raslila painted in the one of the room in Juna Mahal


Painting of Sri Nath ji on the walls of Juna Mahal

Episodes from Lord Krishna’s life painted on the wall of Juna Mahal


Hunting scene painted in Juna Mahal

 

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