The Famous Ayna Mahal and Madansinhaji Museum in the City of Bhuj in Gujarat State, India

The major cities of State of Gujarat were ruled upon by many rulers in the past before the independence of India. One such city is Bhuj, situated in Kutch province, in the Gujarat State. This city was ruled by the Maharaos of Bhuj for around 180 years. That is the reason why the city of Bhuj is full of historical palaces and the museums. As I belong to Bhuj, I have been able to visit these museums during my various stays in Bhuj. The Ayna Mahal (Mirror Palace) and the Madansinhaji museum are the main tourist's attractions in the city of Bhuj.

Bhuj is well connected by air, train, and the road from all the major cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. However, the best option is to travel by train, preferably in air conditioned class, from Mumbai or any other cities of Gujarat State. This Ayna Mahal was the official residential palace of the Kings of Bhuj. This palace was built during the rule of Maharao Lakhpatji in the year 1756. All the walls, roofs and the sides of this palace were decorated with the mirrors in such a way so as to give feeling of day during the night time and the night during the day time. The famous Indian architect of eighteenth century, Ramsinh Malam was the designer of this unique palace. The most artistic wooden engraving art work was done by the famous artist Gaither Devashi. The various sections like fountain palace, diamond palace, darbar hall, and the ambadi room are worth seeing places at this palace.

The last King of Bhuj, Maharao Shri Madansinhaji donated this palace to the people of Bhuj on 1^st January, 1977 and converted it in to the famous Madansinhaji museum. This museum has the personal belongings of all the eighteen kings of Bhuj stored for the public view. The items like paintings, rare glass pottery items, weapons actually used by the kings of Bhuj, their personal clothing items, and the furniture items used in the palace have been stored nicely here for the public view. The mirrors arrangement of the palace is maintained same as per original design, even today and hence, the tourists can still enjoy its unique beauty. The 250 years old artistic water fountains, the 200 year old entry gate made up of the elephant teeth, 250 years old wall clock in the shape of the city of Bhuj, 250 years old diamond studded sword/protective dhal, the real rare collection of the diamonds, the royal clothing items made from the threads of gold and silver, the silver and marble royal seats, the royal bed with solid gold legs, 127 feet long birth chart of the King of Bhuj, the original gold and silver coins of Kutch, and the trees made of silver are some of the worth seeing items at this museum.

The kings of Bhuj were very much fond of hunting. Hence, a very large collection of dead stuffed animals can be seen here at this museum. The tourists really are amazed to see this unique historical museum. This museum can easily be said as the best museum of the Gujarat State and one of the best in India. You need around 4 hours time to view this museum in details. The museum remains open every week day from 9 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 6 pm. It remains closed on Sundays. Around 500 visitors visit this museum every day from all over the country and even from abroad. The earthquake of the year 2001 did damage some of the items of this museum. However, the trust handling this museum has taken up the renovation work quiet efficiently and you will be able to enjoy it as good as original now. The museum is operated by the "Maharao of Kutch Ayna Mahal Trust" at present, which was established by the last King of Bhuj, Maharao Shri Madansinhaji.

I have seen many museums all over the world including those at the USA. But I have found this museum as one of the best in view of the unique specimens stored here. I would strongly suggest all my Indian and American friends and the AC readers to make sure to visit this museum during their next visit to India.