Qila Mubarak (Punjabi: ਕ਼ਿਲਾ ਮੁਬਾਰਕ) (Qila means fort) located at Patiala is a rare and outstanding example of Sikh Palace architecture in India.

There is a great collection of different type and sizes of mirrors in Darbaar hall. The great and beautiful paintings of Sikh rulers is also an attractive part of Darbaar hall. No one can neglect the beauty of the imposing art work, done with glass by giving different colours, of Androon hall.

History

Quila Mubarak was first built as a kachigarhi (mud fortress) by Baba Ala Singh  in 1763, who was the founder of the Patiala dynasty. Later, it was reconstructed in baked bricks. The interior portion of Quila, which is known as Quila Androon is built by Maharaja Amar Singh.

Quila Mubarak complex

The residential palace of Royal family of Patiala, Qila Mubarak complex is built in 10-acre (40,000 m²) ground in the heart of the city. The whole complex contains Ran Baas (Guest house) and the Darbar Hall (Divan Khana)  besides Quila Androon. There is also underground sewerage system in the Quila.

Quila Androon

Quila Androon has 13 royal chambers with scenes from Hindu mythology painted in the Patiala art style.

Museum of Armoury & Chaneliers

The Darbar Hall contains rare cannons, swords, shields and maces, daggers of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, sword of Nadir Shah.

Restoration work

Being 300-year-old building, the Quila is in a bad shape and has been damaged a lot. World Monuments Fund had listed Quila Mubarak in list of world’s 100 “most endangered monuments” in year 2004.

Restoration work of Quila has been undertaken by Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage, Archaeological Survey of India with the help of Punjab state and central govt. World Monuments Watch has also funded preservation of this monument.