Soneri Mahal

A historical palace turned into a museum, Soneri Mahal is named so because of the paintings that were once painted in Gold. Built in the 1960s, the palace was constructed during the reign of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb and now houses some ancient artifacts and beautiful sculptures.

About the Museum

At a distance of 6km from Aurangabad Railway Station, Soneri/Sunheri Mahala is a palace converted museum on the slopes of Aurangabad Caves in the Paharsingpura locality of Aurangabad. Soneri Mahal was built during the 1650s AD by Bandalkhand chief who accompanied the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb into the Dakhan. In 1934, the palace was sold to the Nizam of Hyderabad for Rs.26,400. The palace is named such because of the paintings that are housed here that were once painted in Gold. The Mahal is a grand two storied building made with lime and sandstone in the authentic Rajput style of architecture. The walls are intricately decorated and a lush green well-manicured garden enhances the beauty. The visitors are welcomed through an entrance decorated with beautiful arches. The historic architecture was converted into a museum in 1979 and displays the remains of other regional palaces, ancient items and coins, ancient Indian pottery, paintings, and much more appealing artifacts. The museum also houses some relics and sculptures found from local archaeological site.

The palace also acts as a setting for the Aurangabad Festival where you can see the skillful art of the musicians and dancers. Local artisans also set up stalls to sell their artifacts and the Aurangabad festivals gets clubbed with Elora festival and is celebrated joyfully in December. The palace is now on the campus of DR. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, at the foothill. One must visit this museum in Aurangabad to witness the beauty and grandeur of the palace and to see the ancient artifacts and sculptures.