Ujjayanta Palace ( ) is a former royal palace situated in Agartala, the capital of the Indian state of Tripura, and currently serves as the meeting place of the Tripura Legislative Assembly. Ujjayanta Palace is a tourist attraction of Agartala, and tours are conducted by the Tripura Tourism Department.

History

Ujjayanta Palace was built by Maharaja Radhakishore Manikya during 1899–1901 at a cost of 10 lakh (1 million) rupees despite financial constraints. The earlier royal palace of the Kingdom of Tripura was located away from Agartala. However, as a result of a devastating earthquake in 1897, the palace was destroyed and later rebuilt as Ujjayanta Palace in the heart of Agartala city.

Upon the merger of the Kingdom of Tripura with India in 1949, royal properties were nationalised. Ujjayanta Palace remained unoccupied for some time before beginning its current role as the State Legislative Building.

Design

Ujjayanta Palace compound covers an area of approximately one km². The main block covers , comprising public halls such as the Throne room, the Durbar hall, Library and the Reception hall. The Neoclassical palace was designed by Sir Alexander Martin of Messrs Martin & Co. The Chinese Room is particularly notable, the ceiling of which was crafted by artisans brought from China. The two-storied palace has three large domes, the largest of which is high from the ground, and which rests atop a four-storied central tower. The palace has tiled floors and carved front doors. Newer attractions are the musical fountain installed in front of the main entrance, and the night-time floodlights. The grounds are laid out as formal Mughal gardens adorned with fountains. There are two large artificial ponds on either side of the garden.

Several Hindu temples occupy plots adjacent to Ujjayanta Palace, dedicated to Lakshmi-Narayan, Uma-Maheshwari, Kali and Jagannath.

See also

• Neermahal
• Raj Bhavan
• Kunjaban Palace

References

1. Indnav.com, retrieved on 31 May 2007.
2. North-east-india.com, retrieved on 31 May 2007.
3. Westtripura.gov.in, retrieved on 3.6.2007
4. Twipra.com, retrieved on 3.6.2007
5. tourtravelworld.com, retrieved on 31 May 2007.
6. Tripura.nic.in, retrieved 3.6.2007
7. Indiatravelogue.com, retrieved on 31 May 2007.