Chamba is a historic town in the state of Himachal Pradesh. This 1000-year-old town has history epitomized in each of its monument and Rang Mahal Chamba is one of these. In present times, the Rang Mahal is located in a Mohalla named Surara. Traditionally too, Rang Mahal had been surrounded by the common people in this area. The western side of Rang Mahal Chamba however is the residence of wazirs of this old Riyasat and currently this portion is home to the present royal family of Chamba.
Rang Mahal Chamba History
The history of Rang Mahal Chamba might not be as old as the town itself, but the Rang Mahal itself is of significance for the fact that it is the largest mahal or palace presently that Himachal Pradesh might have.
The foundation of Rang Mahal Chamba was laid by Raja Umed Singh in the period from 1748 to 1764. The present structure in its current shape was largely built by Raja Sri Singh and the same got completed by the year 1860.
This palace was built to be used for accommodation for the royal family. In addition, treasures and grains for the public of Chamba state were also stored here. Royal Darbar was also held by Raja Umed Singh in this palace and till the independence of India, Rang Mahal Chamba was the home ground of rulers of this region.
Post independence, the ownership of the palace was transferred to Government of India and only a portion of this palace remains with the royal family. Most of the artefacts of Rang Mahal Chamba were also transferred to other locations and today you can only be amazed on seeing the marvelous architecture of Rang Mahal Chamba which has an influence of Mughal style too.
Image courtesy: Photo by Julia Volk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/spruces-growing-on-mountain-slope-in-wild-valley-5205555/
Architecture of Rang Mahal
An influence of local designing style is also evident in Rang Mahal Chamba which also has Mughal design instincts. The inner sanctum of the rang mahal Chamba has some wall paintings which depict the rich cultural heritage and past of this region. In addition, it also showcases the royalty of rulers of Chamba who led a luxurious life which was not witnessed in any of the Riyasat in the neighboring region.
Paintings of Lord Krishna have also been showcased in Rang Mahal which itself point to the fact that religious ethos were deeply imbibed in people during the bygone era too. The doors itself are huge by their dimension and the first point that one witnesses here is that the doors have been carved out of teak which has made them endurant and last long too.
The puja rooms in the rang mahal Chamba too have been artistically designed signifying the earnest efforts that architects of that time put in to make this place look and feel special. Thick brick walls in red, slated roof and small bay windows too add to the exquisite beauty of rang mahal.
An interesting fusion of Mughal and Pahari architecture is evident in Rang Mahal and beautifully done carvings too add to the beauty of this monument. A courtyard with fountains too adds to the beauty of this place and is a testimony to the fact that Chamba had always been a rich cultural state by any account.
Rich depiction of Chamba Culture
Rang Mahal Chamba has a rich depiction of culture too. Presently, the palace has mostly been taken over by the government. Local ladies and self-help groups promote the culture and art of Chamba from this platform, and you can get a glimpse of Chamba art in form of Chamba Rumal and Chamba Chappal at this fort. In addition, it also serves as a small museum highlighting the rich cultural past of this hill state.
It was only due to efforts of NC Mehta, the first chief commissioner of Himachal Pradesh that the royal past of Rang Mahal was restored to the present level in 1948 as he was the one who ordered for its imminent renovation and upkeep. These efforts eventually led to rang mahal being restored its much-deserved glory and its present shape.
Rang Mahal Chamba Timings and Location
Rang Mahal is open to visitors on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on Sunday though. Rang Mahal is clearly visible from Chowgan of Chamba and the backdrop of Pir Panjal adds to the elegant beauty of the place. It is at a walking distance from the old bus stand of Chamba and a walk in the narrow by lanes leading to Rang Mahal will give you an idea of the rich cultural heritage of this place which was once home to Rajas of Chamba.
Chamba is a history in itself. Its monuments, culture, traditions all have a story to showcase and one of these is that of Rang Mahal. Plan a visit to this cultural land sometime and relish the elegance of this bygone era which is generally ignored in our quest for mountains and its eternal beauty. Himachal Pradesh is much beyond its peaks and lure for snowfall. Rang Mahal Chamba is a lively example of it and you must include it in your travel itinerary wherever you get that urge to explore Dalhousie and Khajjiar!
Featured image courtesy: Forts in Himachal Pradesh: The Ultimate Guide
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