Neermahal, The water Palace of Tripura, India

 

Neermahal

Neermahal also known as Twijilikma Nuyung ( "Water Palace" ) is a former royal palace of Tripura Kingdom, built by Maharaja Neermahal is a popular tourist destination in Tripura, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad. The palace is open to the public, and tourists can explore its many rooms, halls, and courtyards. The palace also offers stunning views of Rudrasagar Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya 

His full name is "Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma Bahadur" GBE KCSI ( 19 August 1908 - 17 May 1947 ), who build the Neermaha in 1930, and it took nearly nine years to complete. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur was popularly known as the "Architect of Tripura" due to his contribution to educational institutions

Titles :

1. 1908–1909: Prince Kishore
2. 1909–1923: Srila-Srijukta Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Jubaraj Goswami Bahadur
3. 1923–1935: His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura
4. 1935–1937: His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sri Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
5. 1937–1942: Captain His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
6. 1942–1944: Major His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
7. 1944–1946: Lieutenant-Colonel His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, KCSI
8. 1946–1947: Colonel His Highness Bisam-Samar-Bijojee Mahamopadhyaya Radhakrishnapada Pancha-Srijukta Maharaja Sri Sri Sri Sir Bir Bikram Kishore Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, Maharaja of Tripura, GBE, KCSI
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History

The ‘lake palace’ of Tripura, Neer-Mahal was constructed as a summer residence of the royal family. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarma, of the ‘Manikya Dynasty’, which is supposed to be the second longest remaining dynasty in the world today, built this palace in 1921.
Old Image Of Neermahal before renovation
In 1921, the Maharaja commissioned the British company, Martin and Burns to build a unique water palace in the middle of Lake Rudrasagar. The lake palace was designed and built on detailed instructions from the Maharaja himself and blended Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. Marble and sandstone were used extensively and even today, the stand-out is the profusion of balconies, towers, pavilions and bridges. The dome- shaped minars that can be seen from far, also give the Neer Mahal a fort-like appearance. The palace is said to have taken nine years to build.

The palace is divided into two halves. The western flank of the palace is known as Andar Mahal. It was made especially for the royal family. On its eastern side, there is also an open-air theatre wherein the Maharaja and the royals of their family may enjoy dance, theatre, drama, and other cultural events. The palace has 24 rooms in total. There are two stairways inside that lead to a platform on the lake of Rudrasagar Lake. From ‘Rajghat’ to the palace, Maharajas used to use a palm boat.

Architecture

The architecture of Neermahal is a blend of Hindu and Islamic style, with influences from Mughal British architecture. The palace is built on a raised platform in the middle of Rudrasagar Lake, with a central dome and four smaller domes on each corner. The palace has several balconies, arches, and intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. The use of white marble and red sandstone adds to the grandeur of the palace. The palace also has a unique water supply system, with water being drawn from the lake and circulated through the palace to keep it cool during the hot summers. Overall, the architecture of Neermahal is a testament to the skill and creativity of the architects and craftsmen who built it.
 

Neermahal is a popular tourist destination in Tripura, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad. The palace is open to the public, and tourists can explore its many rooms, halls, and courtyards. The palace also offers stunning views of Rudrasagar Lake, which is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
In addition to its architectural beauty, Neermahal also has a rich history and cultural significance. It was built by the Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya in the early 20th century as a summer retreat for the royal family. The palace was also used for various cultural and religious events, including the famous boat race held during the annual Rash Mela festival.
Neermahal is a symbol of Tripura's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture. The palace is also a great place to relax and unwind, with its serene surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a unique travel experience, Neermahal is definitely worth a visit.