Lunawada Palace: Royal Architecture of Mahisagar

Lunawada town in Mahisagar district was the seat of a small princely state whose ruling family built an eclectic palace complex in the early 20th century. The Lunawada Palace blends Rajput, European, and Mughal architectural elements, reflecting the hybrid aesthetics of princely India at its colonial-era peak. The palace features arched European-style verandahs, Rajput-style chhajja (eave brackets), decorative tilework from Portuguese Goa, and plaster interiors with floral medallion patterns. The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel managed by the princely family's descendants. Mahisagar district itself, carved from Panchmahal and Vadodara in 2013, is one of Gujarat's newest districts, encompassing the Mahisagar river valley with its mix of Koli, Bhil, and Baniya communities.