Khetri Mahal

Jhunjhunu, India

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Khetri Mahal, also known as the Wind Palace, is a historic palace built around 1770 by Bhopal Singh, the grandson of Sardul Singh, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. It is an exceptional example of Shekhawati architecture, distinguished by its open design that allows continuous airflow through arched openings and colonnaded rooms instead of traditional windows and doors.

The palace features broad ramps connecting various levels, enabling horseback guests easy access to the terrace, which offers panoramic views of the town. It is renowned for its intricate frescoes, murals, and natural earth pigment paintings, with some art pieces still visible in private chambers.

Despite being somewhat in ruins today, Khetri Mahal inspired the design of Jaipur’s famous Hawa Mahal and remains a significant cultural and architectural heritage site with a unique blend of beauty and functional design. The palace is linked historically to the Shekhawat dynasty and associated with cultural figures like Swami Vivekananda through his friendship with Raja Ajit Singh of Khetri.