Manik Bagh, Indore - Eckart Muthesius' Art Deco Masterpiece for India

In 1928, HH Yashwant Rao Holkar II of Indore met German architect Eckert Muthesius while studying at Oxford. The two became friends over their shared interest in European avant-garde culture and Modernism. From 1929-1932, Muthesius was commissioned to construct and furnish the Maharaja's new palace, the Manik Bagh. The structure itself would be completed in 1931, a year after the Maharaja's coronation.
The Manik Bagh was a remarkable fusion of traditional and modernist design. Most notably, the structure was built around a central garden invoking the Mughal palaces of years past. In all other regards, the Manik Bagh was a Bauhaus and Art Deco masterpiece. Although having a deceivingly bare facade, the palace contained an extravagant interior. The Manik Bagh was furnished with some of the most lavish furnishings available. The Maharaja's collection boasted pieces by Eileen Gray, Louis Sognot, and Emil-Jacques Ruhlmann. The majority of the furniture, lighting, and other features were designed and created by Muthesius in his pursuit of making a Gesamtkunstwerk out of Manik Bagh.
No expense was spared either with Manik Bagh's amenities. The palace contained some of the most modern technology to be had at the time, including air-conditioning, hydraulic doors, and even machined marble.
This video is presented by Julian Seethal for Palace Day 2020. All photos are used courtesy of Vera Muthesius and the music is by Alex Mendham and his orchestra.
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[@goliath.8155]

अविश्वसनीय,तीस के दशक में पराम्परागत रुढ़िवादी किसी भारतीय राज्य का शासक इतनी आधुनिक सोच रखता हो।

[@peteraga1979]

Is this palace still a palace now?

[@Priyanaik1983]

The Holkar's no longer live at Manik Bagh Palace and the palace is today being used as the Office of the Commissioner, CGST, Customs & Central Excise, Indore