Time travel thru Aina Mahal, Bhuj, Kutch, Gujarat

Aina Mahal, or the palace of mirrors was built in the 18th century. It's said that Master craftsman Ramsinh Malam, who trained had learnt his work in Europe for two decades felt that he was not getting work in Kutch according to his skill. So one day he went to the royal court of Rao Lakhpatji, of the jadeja rajput dynasty who commissioned the construction of this palace.

Located on the northeast corner of Hamirsar lake, the palace is centrally located in Bhuj. Malam designed it in a mixed Indo-European style even though it was constructed from all materials available locally. Malam is said to have personally crafted the fountains, mirrors and glasswork, as well as many other wonders of artisanship—a pendulum clock in sync with the Hindu calendar, doors inlaid with gold and ivory.

The king was also said to be a great connoisseur of art. The locals say that he had commissioned artists to paint the famous Mastani. Mastani was the daughter of Bundela Rajput leader Maharaja Chhatrasal (1649-1731) from Bundelkhand province who became the second wife of Peshwa Bajirao I of Pune.