The City Palace Preface

Moti Chowk at a glance:

Moti Chowk, the vast space courtyard served as the arrival and departure point of the royal family. It was the area where the horses were prepared for royal visits and processions. This huge courtyard was built in the reign of Maharana Karan Singh ji (r. 1620-28 CE). The main entrance to The Zenana Mahal which is the exit for the tourists now opens into Moti Chowk. It has recently been renovated and benches have been added for the visitors. The Information Centre and the Audio Guide Office is at Moti Chowk. In the year of 2009-2010, both areas were renovated by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. The courtyard space is in between Mardana Mahal and The Zenana Mahal. This section is enclosed by the Satanavari Paiga and the Khasa Rasoda.


Moti Chowk

Khasa Rasoda:

The area of Khasa Rasoda originally had a structure known as the Kanwarpada ki Ori (living room for the Prince). It was converted into the Khasa Rasoda (special kitchen) in the 19th century by Maharana Fateh Singh, which is still evident from existing chimneys on the ceiling of the first floor. It is currently being used as an office space; the ground floor of the structure is proposed to house the Interpretation centre for the museum. Presently it has MMCF Offices and Conference Room which has been built in between 2000- 2009.

Sata Navari Paiga

The Sata Navari Paiga which literally means 'seven and nine bay horse stable' was built by Maharana Karan Singh in the 17th century. Here seven and nine are also called Dasa ra Paiga. Five of the seven bays of the North Block still function as horse stables, indicating a continuity of use from historic times. These five stables are for the royal horses of the Marwari breed. Earlier there were 16 stables, some of which have been converted into Administrative Offices of The Palace. The monolithic stone columns and brackets date back to the 17th century while cusped arched opening on the ground floor and parapets on first floor in the western block are the 20th century additions.


Sata Navari Paiga

Who made The Moti Chowk and when was it made?

It was built by Maharana Karan Singh(r. 1620-1628 CE) in the 17th Century.

What was the use of Kanwarpada ki ori?

It was living room of Prince.

Which Maharana converted Kanwarpada ki Ori into Khasa Rasoda?

In the 19th century, Maharana Fateh Singh converted Kanwarpada ki Ori into Khasa Rasoda. The word Khasa Rasoda means special kitchen.

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