Nargona Palace
Nargona Palace is the last palace built by the Raj Darbhanga royal family, constructed by Maharaja Kameshwar Singh after the devastating 1934 Nepal-Bihar Earthquake destroyed the previous royal residence, Chhatra Niwas Palace. It is historically significant as arguably the first earthquake-resistant building in India, built with a focus on stability and robust construction using concrete foundations to withstand seismic activity. Though architecturally simple and deliberately un-ornate compared to other palaces (to minimize damage risk), its technological foresight is its lasting legacy. The palace was later donated to the Government of Bihar and now serves as a major administrative block for Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU).
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 HourPlace Type:
Historical/ArchitecturalEntry Fees:
No General Fee: There is No Entry Fee to the surrounding campus grounds.
Restricted Entry: Entry inside the palace building is Highly Restricted as it houses administrative offices of LNMU. Permission is required. ...No General Fee: There is No Entry Fee to the surrounding campus grounds.
Restricted Entry: Entry inside the palace building is Highly Restricted as it houses administrative offices of LNMU. Permission is required.Timing:
Regular Timings: Campus is open during the day, generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Palace interior is restricted.
Ideal Visit Time: Weekdays (Monday-Friday) during university working hours to feel the life of the place. ...Regular Timings: Campus is open during the day, generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Palace interior is restricted.
Ideal Visit Time: Weekdays (Monday-Friday) during university working hours to feel the life of the place.Special Events:
University Functions: As the nerve center of LNMU, it hosts official university functions, academic conferences, and special convocation ceremonies.
Local Heritage Day: Occasionally opens its grounds for public display or events on days of l...University Functions: As the nerve center of LNMU, it hosts official university functions, academic conferences, and special convocation ceremonies.
Local Heritage Day: Occasionally opens its grounds for public display or events on days of local historical significance.Best Photo Spots:
The Grand Approach: A long-shot of the palace from the main university road to capture its size.
Close-up of the Wall: Capture the thick, unadorned walls that signify its earthquake-resistant structure.
The LNMU...The Grand Approach: A long-shot of the palace from the main university road to capture its size.
Close-up of the Wall: Capture the thick, unadorned walls that signify its earthquake-resistant structure.
The LNMU Gate: The palace is often framed by the modern university sign, showing the transition from royalty to education.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Observe the Exterior: Walk around the massive structure to appreciate its deliberate simplicity and robust construction.
Read the History: Learn about the 1934 earthquake and how it influenced the Maharaja's decision to build a seismically-sound structure.
Campus Exploration: Since it's on the LNMU campus, explore the surrounding academic buildings and green spaces.
Photography of the Facade: Capture the scale of the building, focusing on its imposing yet unadorned walls.
Imagine Royal Life: Stand on the grounds and imagine the life of the last Maharaja who commissioned this unique palace.
Candid University Life: Observe the modern university life happening against the backdrop of this historic p...
Information
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Why Famous:
Seismic Engineering Pioneer: Famous as India's supposed first earthquake-resistant building, a pioneering feat of engineering in the 1930s.
Symbol of Resilience: It represents the resilience and forward-thinking of the Raj Darbhanga in rebui...Seismic Engineering Pioneer: Famous as India's supposed first earthquake-resistant building, a pioneering feat of engineering in the 1930s.
Symbol of Resilience: It represents the resilience and forward-thinking of the Raj Darbhanga in rebuilding after the 1934 disaster.
LNMU's Centerpiece: It is the main administrative building of the large Lalit Narayan Mithila University. -
Architecture:
Earthquake-Resistant Utility Style:
The architecture is defined by its function: stability. It's a massive, multi-story structure of the Dutch architectural style but intentionally lacks the intricate carvings or elaborate features found in ...Earthquake-Resistant Utility Style:
The architecture is defined by its function: stability. It's a massive, multi-story structure of the Dutch architectural style but intentionally lacks the intricate carvings or elaborate features found in older royal palaces.
Construction: It utilizes robust concrete foundations and reinforced walls, a pioneering move in the region at the time.
Dimension & Simplicity: It is a large, imposing, yet plain building. Its simplicity is a core architectural feature, as the focus was on structural integrity. The use of natural ventilation made it a naturally air-conditioned building. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Darbhanga Airport (DBH). Take a taxi/auto-rickshaw (approx. 12 km).
By Train: Nearest station is Darbhanga Junction (DBG). Take an auto-rickshaw (approx. 4-5 km).
By Road: Loca... -
Near Tourist Places:
LNMU (within campus), Darbhanga Raj Palace (3 km), Maharaja Laxmiswar Singh Museum (4 km), Chandradhari Museum (4 km), Harahi Pond (5 km), Tower Chowk Market (4. 5 km), Mitthu Mandir Chowk (3 km), Shyama Mai Temple (4. 5 km), Pahee Market (5 km), Bela Garden (5 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & safety: Respect university security personnel; follow their instructions.
Packing: Carry a valid ID, as security may check visitors entering the main campus.
Accommodation: Stay near Darbhanga Junc...
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Information about New and Updated Locations(521+) of Bihar Has Been Added :-
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Kesariya StupaKumhrar ParkRohtasgarh FortRuins of VikramshilaValmiki Tiger ReserveBio-Diversity ParkFanishwar Nath Renu JungleForbesganj Mela GroundJogbaniJokihat MosqueMaata Aasawar MandirRampur Over BridgeRaniganj Vriksh VatikaShiva MandirSultan PhokherBaba Bateshwarnath TempleBaithakji Hajipur Baraila Lake More PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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