Juna Mahal

Juna Mahal is a seven-storeyed palace complex built in the late 13th century and expanded over centuries by successive rulers of Dungarpur. Located at the foothills of Dhanmata Hill, this heritage fort-palace features a rugged citadel-like exterior with fortified walls and watchtowers, contrasting with elaborately decorated interiors adorned with murals, frescoes, mirror work, and local green stone (pareva) inlays.

Visitors can explore a multi-layered seven-story palace complex with narrow corridors and doorways designed for defense. The interior features beautiful murals, miniature paintings, delicate glass and mirror work, and unique decorative elements including Staffordshire Blue Willow Pattern plates embedded in walls. A guide accompanies visitors through the structure which includes several steps up and down across multiple floors.

Built in the late 13th century and expanded through the 19th century by successive Maharawals of Dungarpur, Juna Mahal is one of the oldest continuously inhabited buildings in India. The seven-story complex represents the evolution of Rajput fort-palace architecture from the 13th to 19th centuries. It served as the royal residence until the mid-20th century and was included on the 2014 World Monuments Watch list.

The palace showcases unique Rajput construction techniques and artistic traditions including pareva stone work, mirror inlays, frescoes, and murals. The Chini Gokhada demonstrates cultural exchange through its collection of British Staffordshire porcelain plates. The structure represents early Rajput fort-palace architectural planning and design evolution.