In a landmark moment for heritage and cultural tourism in India, the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum has announced the reopening of the Sabha Niwas, the historic Hall of Public Audience at the City Palace, Jaipur. The unveiling, which coincided with International Museum Day, marked the completion of an extensive conservation project that began in July 2024.
Long closed to the public, the Sabha Niwas has now been reimagined as a permanent gallery space, offering visitors a richly immersive glimpse into the political and ceremonial life of the royal court of Jaipur.
Historically, Sabha Niwas served as the principal space for public audiences where the Kachhwaha rulers of Jaipur conducted affairs of state and received foreign dignitaries. With its reopening, the hall has been transformed into a curated gallery exhibition that explores the rituals, symbolism, and structure of royal court life. The exhibition is informed by "Pratap Prakasha," a rare historical document chronicling an idealised day in the life of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Through immersive storytelling and integrated technology, the space brings history to life for contemporary audiences.
Speaking on the significance of the restoration, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur shared in an issued statement, “The Sabha Niwas holds immense meaning for me—it’s where my Raj Tilak ceremony took place, followed by the durbar on my 18th birthday. During the conservation process, the goal was never to freeze it in time, but to restore it in a way that allows it to continue serving its role, as a place of assembly, ceremony, and conversation. Its restoration ensures it remains a living, evolving part of how we engage with our shared history.”
The newly installed exhibition presents a selection of extraordinary artefacts, many of which are being displayed for the first time in decades. These include 19th century howdahs used in public processions, one of which carried Queen Elizabeth II during her 1961 state visit to Jaipur. A restored royal canopy from the same period, a commanding symbol of kingship, is on display for the first time in 65 years. Two European-style throne chairs, reflecting the evolving aesthetic sensibilities of the late 19th century Kachhwaha rulers, have also been installed; one of these featured in the museum’s recent “We the People” exhibition at the India Art Fair 2025.
Particularly significant is a series of rare, life-size court portraits by the 18th century master painter Sahibram. Executed in gouache on cloth and mounted on wood panels, these six ft high works were originally created for the Sabha Niwas and have now been returned to their historic home.
To ensure long-term preservation and visitor comfort, climate control and lighting systems have been embedded within the architecture of the hall. This approach balances the need for modern conservation standards with a commitment to maintaining the historic fabric of the space.
The reopening of Sabha Niwas represents a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of the City Palace as a living institution—one that honours its royal past while remaining accessible and relevant to the public. As Jaipur prepares to celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2027, the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum continues its mission to make the city's cultural heritage a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors from around the world.
The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, established in 1959, is located within the City Palace complex. The museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Jaipur’s tangible and intangible heritage with future generations. Through exhibitions, academic research, and public programming, the museum contributes to vital conversations around history, identity, and the arts, receiving over 1.5 million visitors annually.
