The Moti Mahal; the Pearl Palace takes it’s name from the quality of the lime plaster used. Mixed with finely crushed shells, it gives the surfaces of the room a pearl-like luster. Oil lamps glowed from every alcove. Light bounced off the gold filigree ceiling and reflected the colors of the stained glass windows. This created a marble-like patina on the walls…

The Moti Mahal was where Mehrangarh’s most important Durbars were held. A Durbar is where the Maharaja met his family, nobles, ministers, officers and spiritual leaders formally…for matters of state.

The five deep alcoves running above the doors on the right look like a decorative architectural feature, but they’re actually secret balconies. And here the Maharaja’s queens would sometimes sit, silently listening in on court proceedings. This extension of the Maharaja’s ears was often invaluable...