HOWDAH GALLERY

The howdah gallery exhibits howdahs, palanquin and chariot from different periods in Indian history. A gem in the collection is the palanquin gifted by Emperor Shah Alam II to Mahadji Scindia in late 1700 C.E. It is a handcrafted yellow palanquin with delicate pink flowers and green vines. Under the able leadership of Mahadji Scindia, Maratha Empire was resurrected in North India. He also accompanied Shah Alam II to Delhi and helped in reestablishing the Mughal Empire in 1771-72 C.E. The silver chariot in this gallery was commissioned during the reign of HH Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia I. Used during ritual processions it adorns the SS i.e Sakhya Scindia inscriptions. It is made of moulded silver on a wooden framework. Decorated with divine designs such as winged horses and makars.The collection also displays revolving hunting howdah of Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia 1 and palanquins used as conveyance by the royal entourage.