Aina Mahal

[A][2][3] The chief architect and designer of the palace was Ram Singh Malam, who lived in Europe for 18 years and mastered several European craft and architecture skills.

She remarked on the "motley and incongruous mélange of ornament" in a room illuminated with large candles where she found six musical clocks playing at once among jelly glasses and old vases.

[8][5] The palace floors are laid with blue delftware tiles and the marble walls are decorated with mirrors that are separated by gilded frames.

[3] Near the entrance of the first gallery is a 15 m (49 ft) long and 22 cm (8.7 in) wide scroll painting depicting a royal procession of Maharao Pragmalji II.

[5][7] The collection includes English, French and Dutch chiming clocks, glassware, ceramics, chinaware, mechanical toys, celestial globes, arms, palanquin, costumes, furniture and items associated with court life.

Occasionally, real gems were incorporated on the surface of painting in areas depicting jewellery items such as ear-rings and necklaces.

His last bed has pure golden legs; this is kept along with his buckler and a diamond-studded sword that was presented by the Mughal Emperor Alamgir II in the 18th century.

In the ante-chamber, Mughal farmans (royal decrees) issued between 1617 and 1658 by Shah Jahan, Jahangir and Dara Shikoh that are mostly addressed to Rao Tamachi (r. 1655–1666) are displayed.

Another farman dated 6 March 1657 asks Rao to pay due respect to the governor of Surat, Ali Kunwar Beg.

In another farman dated 28 January 1658, Dara Shikoh asks Rao to capture a rebel named Qutubuddin who had attacked Kutch during his visit and offers his help.

[3] A door of the palace that is decorated with inlaid ivory and gold was made at the cost of 400 koris by a carpenter named Madho in 1708 during the reign of Pragmalji I.

[1][8] The collection also includes Mahi Maratib, a golden fish that was part of the coat of arms of Cutch State; it was gifted to Maharao Lakhpatji by the Mughal Emperor during his visit to Delhi.

Ruins of the Aina Mahal after 2001 Gujarat earthquake
Damaged exterior
Corridor showing floor with delft-style tiles, columns decorated with mirrors as well as guilt capitals and bases, dodo panels with aari embroidery, European paintings and mirrors on the walls, Venetian glass chandeliers
Corridor lined with China tiles and mirror works on the walls
Fuvara Mahal