'Ranjit Vilas Palace (1880), Ratlam, India' - by K J S Chatrath

 Ranjit Vilas Palace was the residence of the royal family of Ratlam. Built in 1880, the palace is noted for its Italian architecture and décor and is one of the most impressive old buildings of the city.

The palace has been partially encroached upon and several proposals have been made to renovate and repurpose the building. It is owned by the Government of Madhya Pradesh since the death of the last ruler.

When I visited it recently I found a good deal of activity on the ground floor, near the entrance and around the building. A sign board explaned that it was the office of the Registrar of Govt of M.P.

The palace was the official residence of Lokendra Singh, the last ruler of Ratlam. Following his death in 1991 and his wife Prabharaje in 1993, the palace was taken over by the Government of Madhya Pradesh as the ruler had no lineal descendants.

The palace is noted for its Italian architecture and craftsmanship reflected in the carvings done on the palace floor. Wallpaper imported from Europe and Belgian glass figure in its décor. It also featured an elevator which the first such utility in Ratlam and a rarity in buildings of the time.

It is hoped that the palace would be declared as a protected monument and ultimately house a museum.

 

(Text based on personal  visit and information sourced from the internet)