Khetri Mahal

Khetri Mahal, often referred to as the Wind Palace, is a historic ruined palace located in Jhunjhunu within the Rajasthan state of India. Constructed around 1770 by Maharaja Bhopal Singh, the grandson of Sardul Singh, the structure stands as a prime example of Shekhawati architectural style. The building reaches a height of approximately 73 meters and was designed with unique features that prioritize ventilation. Unlike traditional structures with closed windows, this palace utilizes open portals and arched openings to allow wind to flow freely through its interiors, a design element so influential that it served as the direct model for the famous Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.

Historically, Khetri was regarded as the second wealthiest Thikana under the Jaipur kingdom, reflecting the region's prosperity during the reign of the Shekhawat dynasty. The palace is renowned for its artistic heritage, featuring fine paintings and murals executed in natural earth pigments that adorn the walls supporting the Raghunath temple and Bhopalgarh fort. The interior layout includes open, colonnaded rooms connected by arched portals rather than doors, with pinkish plaster covering much of the masonry. A distinctive architectural feature is the series of ramps connecting different levels, which were specifically installed to facilitate the movement of guests on horseback up to the terrace for commanding views of the surrounding area.

Today, Khetri Mahal exists in a ruined state but remains a significant landmark of Rajput architecture. Access to the palace is currently gained through a student hostel situated at the base of the structure. While the building has suffered the ravages of time, fragments of older paintings still survive in small alcoves within the private chambers of the Thakurs. The site continues to offer visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the Shekhawati region's past, showcasing intricate openwork arches and the innovative engineering that allowed for natural cooling long before modern air conditioning. Its legacy endures not only as a monument to Bhopal Singh but also as the inspirational precursor to one of India's most recognizable monuments.