Gohar Mahal, Bhopal

Gohar Mahal is a historic palace overlooking the Upper Lake in Bhopal. Built in 1820 by Qudsia Begum, the first female ruler of the Bhopal State. This three-storey monument displays a similar blend of Mughal and Hindu architectural traditions, reflecting the cultural fusion of early 19th-century Central India. Spanning a total built-up area of ​​approximately 650 square meters, the palace's design emphasizes central courtyards and a distinctive climatic setting. Today, Gohar Mahal holds immense tourist value as a heritage site, attracting tourists for its beautiful lakeside location and architectural uniqueness.

Gohar Mahal represents an elegant Indo‑Islamic architectural style with distinct Mughal and Hindu influences. Commissioned by Nawab Qudsia Begum in 1820 during her reign (1819–1837), the palace uses traditional construction materials and techniques suited to the local climate. Built primarily with massive load‑bearing walls of sun‑dried adobe bricks, stone, timber, lime and surkhi, the structure showcases indigenous building methods that provide thermal comfort without modern mechanical systems. The design incorporates passive solar features, including central courtyards for ventilation, verandas for shading, and double roofs near the lakeside to mitigate heat gain.

The three‑storey palace is oriented east‑west with a southeast main entrance and overlooks the Upper Lake. Its blend of carved balconies (jharokhas), arched openings and verandahs reflects the syncretic palace style of early 19th‑century Bhopal.

• Main palace structure (three storeys)
• Two central courtyards
• Verandas surrounding courtyards
• Arched entrances and balconies

• Gohar Mahal’s thick adobe walls act as thermal mass, keeping interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.
• The palace uses passive solar design principles long before modern sustainability concepts.
• Double roof construction near the lakeside reduces heat transfer into living spaces.
• The central courtyards provide natural ventilation and daylighting.
• Load‑bearing walls rely on traditional materials without steel reinforcement.
• The Mahal’s lakeside orientation reflects strategic planning for views and climate adaptation.

📅 Last update: 2026-01-26 || ✍ Author: Sandhya Chauhan

Meet Sandhya, exploring India with curiosity and wonder. She shares info and tips in simple language, inviting you to join the journey. She is graduated in tourism and writes about the places of India.