The Qila (fort) was also the residence of Patiala dynasty. The residential part was called Qila Androon or the Inner Fort. Its living apartments have names like Jail Walla Palace for royal prisoners, the Moti (pearl) Palace, the Sheesh (mirror work) Palace, the Rajmata (Queen Mother) Palace, the Palace of Colours, the Palace of the Moon. The recreational structures were called the Putli (Puppet) Ghar and Bagh Ghar or the Garden House. Its richly painted chambers are peerless.
Most astonishing of all, the Palace is fitted with underground sewerage system and has a cool room connected with a tunnel which brings cool air from the basement.
Lassi Khana-the royal kitchen used to feed 35,000 people of all ranks everyday.
The Sheesh Mahal, Patiala
It was built in the reign of
Maharaja Narinder Singh (1845-1862) in a forest with
terraces, gardens, fountains and an artificial lake.
With two watching towers in the north and the south
the lake is connected to Banasar Ghar, where all type
of stuffed animals are kept and Sheesh Mahal, the
residential palace with a suspension bridge which is
a copy of the Lakhsman Jhula at Rishikesh. Part of
the three storied building is inset with pieces of
reflecting mirrors and a large number of wall
paintings depicting scenes from Bhagwat Puran and
portraits of the Sikh Gurus. The palace has galleries
displaying antique paintings, bronzes, sculptures and
portraits of the Maharajas of Patiala. The highlight
is the gallery which displays the world's largest
collection of medals, decoration and orders of
various countries.
The best and most impressive Palace in the Punjab was that of the ex-Ruler of Kapurthala which has now been converted into a Sainik School.
The palaces of Nabha and Faridkot are not open to public.
