Nabha House
Nabha House is a palatial heritage building constructed by the royal family of the Nabha princely state (one of the Phulkian states) in the 19th century. Its primary purpose was to serve as a royal residence for the Maharaja and his family during their visits to Kurukshetra to perform religious rite s, especially bathing in the nearby sacred Sannihit Sarovar during solar eclipses and other auspicious events. The building reflects the architectural fusion prevalent during the early British era. After India's independence, it served various purposes, including housing classrooms for Kurukshetra University temporarily, before being adopted and restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to preserve its historical value.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 hour (for exterior viewing and history).Place Type:
Heritage/Historical Building.Entry Fees:
No Entry Fee: Currently, Nabha House is generally open to the public as an ASI protected monument with no entry fee. Access may be limited to the exterior and courtyard for preservation purposes.
Photography Charges: Standard cameras are ty...No Entry Fee: Currently, Nabha House is generally open to the public as an ASI protected monument with no entry fee. Access may be limited to the exterior and courtyard for preservation purposes.
Photography Charges: Standard cameras are typically free. Commercial or professional photography might require official permission and payment of a fee to the ASI.
Donations: Not applicable, as it is a government-maintained archaeological site.Timing:
Regular Timings: As an ASI monument, it typically follows standard operating hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. It is often closed on Fridays.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) to get the best light for the eas...Regular Timings: As an ASI monument, it typically follows standard operating hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. It is often closed on Fridays.
Ideal Visit Time: Mid-morning (10:00 AM to 12:00 PM) to get the best light for the eastern facade and to comfortably explore the area. Avoid the intense midday sun.
Consultation: It is advisable to check the current opening status and hours, as accessibility can vary based on ongoing preservation work.Special Events:
Maharaja's Royal Visits (Historic) The most significant events were the regular, often grand, visits of the Maharaja of Nabha during solar eclipses or specific religious months, which would have involved royal processions and charity (Daana) rituals. Cultural Events (Post-Restoration) Occasionally,...Maharaja's Royal Visits (Historic) The most significant events were the regular, often grand, visits of the Maharaja of Nabha during solar eclipses or specific religious months, which would have involved royal processions and charity (Daana) rituals. Cultural Events (Post-Restoration) Occasionally, the ASI or local cultural bodies organize small events, seminars, or heritage walks focusing on the building's history, especially around major heritage days.Best Photo Spots:
The East-Facing Main Gate: The entrance, with its arched niches and studded wooden door, is the most architecturally rich spot.
Elevated View of Sannihit Sarovar: A photo from the raised platform or grounds of Nabha House offers a unique per...The East-Facing Main Gate: The entrance, with its arched niches and studded wooden door, is the most architecturally rich spot.
Elevated View of Sannihit Sarovar: A photo from the raised platform or grounds of Nabha House offers a unique perspective of the sacred Sannihit Sarovar across the road.
The Jharokha Windows: The beautifully carved, overhanging windows on the upper floor are perfect for framing a detailed shot of the craftsmanship.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Study the Architectural Details: Focus on the wooden entrance door, the Miharab niches, the lotus-decorated Jharokhas, and the Brahma Temple at the top.
Photography: The building's symmetry and the contrast of its red sandstone facade against the open sky are excellent photo subjects. Capture the view of Sannihit Sarovar from the surrounding grounds.
Historical Reflection: Imagine the life of the Maharaja and his entourage during their religious stays, reflecting on the building's role in the political and religious life of the era.
Visit the Courtyard: Walk around the rectangular inner courtyard, which was the central hub of the palace's activities.
Read the Information Boards: Look for the ASI information plaques to learn abou...
Information
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Why Famous:
Royal Patronage of Kurukshetra's Rites: It is famous as a testament to the patronage of the Nabha royal family towards the sacredness of Kurukshetra. Its existence highlights the importance of the Sannihit Sarovar as a pilgrimage site for Indian royalty, especially during e...Royal Patronage of Kurukshetra's Rites: It is famous as a testament to the patronage of the Nabha royal family towards the sacredness of Kurukshetra. Its existence highlights the importance of the Sannihit Sarovar as a pilgrimage site for Indian royalty, especially during events like a solar eclipse.
Architectural Uniqueness: It is one of the few surviving palatial structures in the area that clearly demonstrates the architectural and socio-political transition of the 19th century—a blend of native Hindu style and early colonial administrative structures. -
Architecture:
Indo-Colonial and Hindu Revival Style: The architecture blends the traditional Hindu style with the contemporary influences of the early British colonial period. The structure is built upon a raised platform. The eastern entrance gate is adorned with four arched niches (Mi...Indo-Colonial and Hindu Revival Style: The architecture blends the traditional Hindu style with the contemporary influences of the early British colonial period. The structure is built upon a raised platform. The eastern entrance gate is adorned with four arched niches (Miharab), and the wooden door is studded with decorative iron nails, a classic Hindu feature of the period.
Temple and Jharokhas: A distinctive feature is the 15-foot-tall temple dedicated to Lord Brahma built on the top of the monument, following a Navaratha (nine corners) plan. The second floor features two beautiful pillared windows (Jharokhas), decorated with a lotus design at the base and top, showcasing royal craftsmanship. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest major airport is Chandigarh Airport (IXC), approx. 100 KMs. Taxi or state bus from the airport to Kurukshetra.
By Train: Kurukshetra Junction (KKDE) is the closest major station. The site is about 4 KMs away. Take a short... -
Near Tourist Places:
Sannihit Sarovar (Opposite), Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple (1 KM), Sheikh Chilli's Tomb (2 KMs), Raja Harsha Ka Tila (2 KMs), Bhadrakali Temple (3 KMs), Brahma Sarovar (3 KMs), Shri Krishna Museum (4 KMs), Kurukshetra Panorama & Science Centre (5 KMs), Kunti Ghat (3 KMs), Dharohar Museum (4 KMs).
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Be careful on the raised platform and any old staircases. Look out for any restrictions posted by the ASI regarding access to certain parts of the structure.
Packing: Carry a hat and sunglasses, as the site is mostly open-a...
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