Customer Reviews

The Royal Palaces of India

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For the student of Indian architecture, history or royalty, "The Royal Palaces of India" will be a treasure. With more than 250 illustrations (206 are in color), this book brings one's imagination alive and lets your mind wander through the gates of these gorgeous palaces and forts.

Authors Michell and Martinelli explain in a somewhat academic way how kings, both Hindu and Muslim, held their courts.

The power, perks and privileges that accompanied the royalty are dimly reflected in the opulent architecture that shaped both the places and the royal life. It is hard to imagine, even with the excellent help this book provides, what the glory and splendor of these kingdoms must have been like.

The monarchs were "not merely enhanced by divinities, they were ritually empowered by gods and goddesses" and these palaces reflect, as do the cathedrals of Europe, a journey past the mundane existence of morality. Many who have visited India have seen the celebrated Taj Mahal, but it is a tomb to the wife of the great mongol ruler Shah Jahan. Now, if this is was his wife's tomb, what do you think his palace looked like? This is an engaging and enlightening book. Recommended.

Written by a recognized authority on Indian architecture and art, this book emphasizes architecture of Indian palaces and citadels. But what are palaces and its architecture without some interesting history. The description and historical background accompanying the fine-detail-high-gloss mostly-color pictures breathes life into the palaces and stokes the imagination of the reader. This book is an authoritative survey of surviving proofs of lavishness enjoyed by erstwhile Indian royalty. Highly recommended for tourists with enthusiasm for architecture as well as professional architects (This review has been taken from Recipedelights.com).

A gorgeous collection of pictures of castles, palaces and fortresses from all over India. What I liked best about this book is the vast range, geographically and also in period and religious styles. Most people who still have only the vision of Mother Theresa's India, will be amazed at the beautiful sights. For a country that is so full of historical splendor, much of which (beyond the Taj Mahal) is so rarely heard of, this is great tourism handbook. Even the written descriptions and historical backgrounds that accompany the chapters are interesting. Though, perhaps because of the humongous scope, there are some, in my opinion, over generalizations and clumping together of kings and what they did. However, I don't suppose anything else would be possible if the authors were to keep the book light enough to be picked up. All in all. A great book!

A very informative, thick and large book. Has TONS of info for anyone that is interested in architecture, history, or in India in particular. Also includes many of the floor plans and multiple photos of some of the same Palaces. If you are intersted in this subject, well worth your while.
Enjoy

A very well done book on a fascinating subject. The text is very interesting and the images are well conceived, the exterior and interior photographs are equally well done. India is blessed with amazing buildings and these palaces certainly reassert this fact. India is a land influenced by centuries of invasions by foreign forces and they all left their mark on her. These influences have made for stunning buildings and amazing architectural styles. I high recommend this book to anyone with any interest in India or just fascinating architecture.