Sawantwadi Palace.
People who have seen royal palaces of Mysore, Baroda, Jaipur, Jodhpur and other royal palaces of even smaller Principalities of Rajasthan, the Sawantwadi Palace may come as a disappointment.
However, for the people of Kokan and southern Maharashtra, especially of the previous generation, it is the Palace of their erstwhile Maharaja and looked upon with pride.
Located near scenic Moti Talav, the entry to the palace is through an impressive-looking arched gate. From an engraved bronze plaque on the left support of the gate, it is clear that this gate was named ‘Lester Gate’ and opened for carriages and the general public on 10th October 1895. At that time, Raje Bahadur Raghunath Sayant Bhosale was the Sir Dasai of Savant Vadi. Also, Colonel H L Nutt was the political Superintendent, and Rao Saheb B N Kumethekar was the state engineer, respectively.
After entry through the Lester gate, a short walk takes you to the palace, which is a two storied ractangular bulding with a large courtyard in the centre. This entry gate is also huge, permitting even the entry of elephants. On the left are three rooms which have been utilised as a sort of museum to display the Royal Family Photo Gallery and the Royal Family Artworks. In the third room, Royal Ganjiga and Lacquerware.
Royal Family Photo Gallery: Photographs of Royal family members over the years are on display.
Royal Family Artworks: Various artworks, including idols engraved in stone, are on display. There is a wooden “Dev-Ghar” on display which is very beautiful and a fine example of exquisite engraved woodwork.
Royal Ganjiga and Lacquerware Gallery: A large number and variety of Ganjifas and lacquerware are on display.
The adjoining building houses the Darbar Hall. This is the most interesting place in Sawantwadi Palace.
The roof is lined with beautiful, bright dark blue tiles. Three huge crystal chandeliers were installed in the. On display in the hall is a throne made of solid sterling silver. It is embellished with very nice and intricate engravings. Another attraction on display in the Darbar Hall is a Royal Shalu. A Shalu is a regional variant of the sari from Banaras (Varanasi), India. It is one of many types of saris and differs in the fact that it is the end result of combining Paithani fabric and Banarasi fabric. Paithani, named after the Paithan town in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, is made from very fine silk and is characterised by borders of an oblique square design and a pallu with a Peacock design. Banarasi, also known as Banarasi Silk, is a fine variant of Silk that originates from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India.
One of the biggest differences with the Shalu Sari, in comparison to others, is that it is completely embellished at the base with what is called "jari" motifs.
The Royal Shaju, with 24-carat gold and sterling silver threads used to create designs. The family portrait, the scene of Ganagwataran, A maharani portrait, and other designs indicate the mastery of the indian handloom weavers when it was at its zenith.
Duarbar Hall made the visit to Sawantwadi worthwhile.
Sawantwadi Palace.
Sawantwadi Palace.
Decorative cotton jhoomers hanging from the roof of the Palace gate.
Royal Family Photo Gallery. Sawantwadi Palace.
Royal Family artworks. Sawantwadi Palace.
Beautifully carved wooden "Dev-Ghar" on display in Sawantwadi Palace.
Family photographs on display in the Royal Family Photo Gallery. Sawantwadi Palace.
Ganjifa and Lacquerware Gallery. Sawantwadi Palace.
Various Ganjifas on display at Sawantwadi Palace.
Ganjifa art is a traditional form of miniature painting originating from Persia and popularised in India during the Mughal era. Famous for its intricate details, the art is traditionally applied to circular, hand-painted cards and other items like coasters and jewellery boxes.
Various Ganjifas on display at Sawantwadi Palace.
Ganjifa art is a traditional form of miniature painting originating from Persia and popularised in India during the Mughal era. Famous for its intricate details, the art is traditionally applied to circular, hand-painted cards and other items like coasters and jewellery boxes.
Darbar Hall, Sawantwadi Palace.
Starling Silver Throne, Darbar Hall, Sawantwadi Palace.
Darbar Hall, Sawantwadi Palace. One of the beautiful crystal chandeliers.
Central Crystal chandelier and beautifully tiled roof of the Darbar Hall, Sawantwadi Palace.
The third crystal Chandelier and the silver throne.
Darbar Hall, Sawantwadi Palace.
Pure gold and silver thread "Shalu"
Could not avoid the reflection. The next photo is a reflection removed by the AI editor; the result was not as expected. Everything became out of focus and totally blurred.
Pure gold and silver thread "Shalu"
Could not avoid the reflection. The reflection in the earlier photo was removed by the AI editor; this is the result. Everything became out of focus and totally blurred.
Portrait of a Maharani.
Unbelievable and amazing example of the Indian weaving craft at its zenith.
Almost like a real photo/painting, like woven figures on the pallu of The Royal Shalu kept on display in Durbar Hall of Sawantwadi Palace.
Gangawtaran, The descent of the Ganges.
Unbelievable and amazing example of the Indian weaving craft at its zenith.
Almost like a real photo/painting, like woven figures on the pallu of The Royal Shalu kept on display in Durbar Hall of Sawantwadi Palace.
Royal family figures woven in the pallu of Royal Shalu.
Unbelievable and amazing example of the Indian weaving craft at its zenith.
Almost like a real photo/painting, like woven figures on the pallu of The Royal Shalu kept on display in Durbar Hall of Sawantwadi Palace.
Private Royal Residence. Sawantwadi Palace
Impressive gate of Sawantwadi Palace.
From an engraved bronze plaque on the left support of the gate, it is clear that this gate was named ‘Lester Gate’ and opened for carriages and the general public on 10th October 1895. At that time, Raje Bahadur Raghunath Sayant Bhosale was the Sir Dasai of Savant Vadi. Also, Colonel H L Nutt was the political Superintendent, and Rao Saheb B N Kumethekar was the state engineer, respectively.
Moti Talao Sawant wadi.
A man-made lake is right in front of the Sawantwadi Palace.
Panoramic view of Moti Talao, Sawantwadi.
