Hathi Fort (Naulakha Palace)

Hathi Fort, popularly known as the Nagar Fort or Naulakha Palace, located in Rajnagar, Madhubani, is a magnificent yet melancholic architectural ruin that narrates the final chapter of the Darbhanga Raj’s unprecedented grandeur. Commissioned by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this palatial complex was designed to be the administrative and cultural hub of a new royal capital. The name 'Hathi Fort' is derived from the imposing, life-sized stone elephant statues that stand as silent guardians at the entrance to the royal courts and temples, symbolizing the 'Gaja' (elephant) heritage and the formidable power of the Khandavala dynasty. The craftsmanship of the complex is a sophisticated fusion of Maithili, Mughal, and European architectural styles, featuring some of the finest marble carvings and stone-lattice work ever seen in the region. The interior once housed numerous temples dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva, reflecting the deep spiritual commitment of the royal family. The moniker 'Naulakha' stems from the legend that nine lakh silver coins were expended on its foundation alone, though some historians suggest it referred to the estimated cost of its intricate artistic decorations. However, this era of royal splendor was tragically interrupted in 1934 when a catastrophic earthquake reduced much of the palace to rubble, leaving behind the hauntingly beautiful skeletal arches, cracked domes, and broken pillars that today draw history enthusiasts and photographers. The ruins of Hathi Fort stand as a poignant testament to the patronage of art, education, and culture by the Darbhanga rulers, serving as a reminder of both human ambition and the relative fragility of worldly power against the forces of nature. Even in its dilapidated state, the fort remains a source of immense architectural and cultural pride for the people of Mithila.