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Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil
Shaukat Mahal is situated at the entrance to the Chowk area in the heart of the city. Its mixture of architectural styles in Occidental idioms sets it apart from the predominantly Islamic architecture of the area. It was designed by a Frenchman, said to be a descendant of a subsidiary of the Bourbon kings of France. Post-Renaissance and Gothic styles are combined to a charming effect here. Nearby is the elegant Sadar Manzil, Hall of Public Audience of the former rulers of Bhopal.
In the Shaukat Mahal, Gothic and post-Renaissance styles have been freely combined to produce a quaint but charming effect. The Shaukat Mahal is a beautiful alabaster-white building that has a series of intricate triangular-shaped arches on its roof - the unique feature of the palace.
The exterior of the palace is also carved with exquisite floral patterns that give the Mahal a very eco-friendly appearance.
The Shaukat Mahal is flanked by the Sadar Manzil which served as a Hall
of Public Audience during the princely period. This brick-red building has an ostentatious appearance, and the gardens that surround the palace makes the Manzil look as pretty as a postcard.
Sardar Manzil close by was once the hall of public audience of former nawabs. Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil are situated at the entrance of Chowk area, the traditional business district housing jewelers, cloth and grocery merchants in the heart of the walled city.
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