Qila Mubarak

Qila Mubarak in Patiala, Punjab, is a historic fortress and palace built initially as a mud fort by Baba Ala Singh in 1763, the founder of the Patiala dynasty. Later reconstructed with baked bricks, it stands on the site of an earlier Mughal fortress.

The complex covers 10 acres in the heart of Patiala and includes several significant structures such as the royal residence known as Qila Androon, which features 13 chambers adorned with paintings from Hindu mythology in the Patiala art style. It also houses the Darbar Hall with a museum displaying rare arms and armor, including weapons linked to Guru Gobind Singh and Nadir Shah.

The architecture represents a blend of Sikh, Rajput, and Mughal styles, marked by intricate stuccowork, carved balconies, and grand wooden doors. The Qila has an underground sewerage system and incorporates unique features like a cool air tunnel and a large kitchen historically able to feed thousands.

Despite suffering damage over the years, the fortress has undergone restoration efforts supported by various heritage organizations. Part of the complex has been converted into a luxury boutique hotel, preserving the site's rich heritage and cultural significance as a symbol of Patiala’s royal past.