Malla Mahal
Malla Mahal is located in Almora district of Uttarakhand state. Almora, the stronghold of Kumaoni culture, is a major tourist attraction. Mainly tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of nature but Malla Mahal located in the heart of Almora makes one curious to know the history of Almora. Malla Mahal is also known as Ashta Mahal. This palace is located near the main market of Almora, Kachari Bazaar. This Malla Mahal, which was once the center of the Kumaon state, came under the authority of different rulers many times and today is a historical heritage of Uttarakhand. Built by King Rudra Chandra in 1588, the Malla Mahal — a stone and wood structure — was once the fort of the Chand dynasty rulers. Later in the colonial times, the British used the palace as a seat of administration.
The Chand kings established their capital in this city in the 16th century and then the Chand king Rudra Chand established a palace in the heart of Almora called Malla Mahal. Rudra Chand and Akbar were contemporaries. King Rudra Chand declared Almora as his capital and started governance from here.
In 1744, Ali Mohammad Rohilla took possession of it but he could not stay for long in the hilly place and he handed over this palace back to Chand Raja. In return, he had also demanded a heavy price.
In 1790, the Gorkha rulers defeated the Chand kings and captured Almora. For about 25 years, this palace remained under the rule of Gorkha rule. This fort was also known as Nanda Devi Fort during the Gorkha reign. Later in 1815, during the British rule, the British defeated the Gorkha rulers and took possession of it and then they continued their administrative work from here. Right now the renovation work is going on in Malla Mahal.
