Soneri Mahal

Soneri Mahal is a two-storey palace in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, built between 1651 and 1653 by a Bundelkhand chief who had come to the Deccan with Aurangzeb. Its name means Golden Palace, after the paintings in real gold that once decorated it. It is described as the last palace left standing in the city and now lies within the grounds of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, where it serves as a museum.

The building mixes Rajput and Mughal features: an arched gateway, halls with pillars and arches, and balconies looking out over the hills and the campus. Inside, carved yellow sandstone surfaces carry paintings and frescoes with motifs in gold and silver. Its museum shows sculpture and old photographs. Gardens surround the palace, which has hosted the four-day Ajanta Ellora festival of music and dance. A local story claims a treasure lies hidden somewhere in its walls.