Reposing A Regal Past: Inside The Royal Homes Of Gujarat

A smooth, green, two-and-a-half-hour drive from Ahmedabad (but of course, this is prime ministerial country) and we are standing in front of the huge iron gates leading to the rajmahal, or palace, in Devgadh Baria. Google had already told me that this little hamlet is known as the Paris of Panchmahal but that naturally begged more questions than it offered answers. But I receive a part-answer as we pull up in front of a century-old structure, after driving past manicured lawns, water fountains and statues. In front of us is a dazzling white, sweetly proportioned yet imposing building, its faade embellished with baroque stucco.