Situated at a distance of approximately 125 km from
Shimla is Padam Palace, one of the major attractions of Rampur. It once
served as the Winter Capital of the former princely state of Bushair.
Raja Padam Singh laid the foundation the palace on the left bank of
River Satluj in the year 1919. The construction of Padam Palace took six
years and it was completed in 1925. Chief engineer who supervised its
construction was known as Bir Chand Shukla. Near the palace one can see
a nunnery; a temple and a museum situated nearby.
Padam palace of Himachal Pradesh is exemplary in its own right due to
its architectural style and craftsmanship. The double-storied building
is made up of wood that came from the forests of Munish and Dhamreda and
stone that was quarried at Khaneri. Black gram was used as the cement
between the stone blocks. The tin roof has beautiful spiral projections.
The contrast of stone arches on the lower floor, exquisitely carved
woodwork on the upper floor and the wooden screen with intricate floral
designs and figurines is quite interesting.
Padam palace has a sprawling lawn that serves as the venue for all the
festivities and public functions held in the royal palace. Macchkandi,
the seating area for the royalty during celebrations, is situated at one
end of the lawn and is definitely a masterpiece in woodwork. Woodwork
has been done so cleverly that sunlight is let in, but people inside are
not visible to the outsiders. Gurjit Singh Fishta was the designer of
the Macchkandi.
The father-son duo that transformed his designs into reality is that of
Gurmail Singh and Gurdev Singh. Even the halls of the Padam Palace are
used to host royal functions. The walls of the palace are adorned with
portraits of the royalty and its ceilings display some of the most
stunning wooden work of art. Apartments and residences of the royal
family members are located inside as well as outside this building.
