Situated right behind the Shaukat Mahal on the banks of the Upper Lake is the Gohar Mahal that was once an architectural gem. However, the palace has not been well maintained and is currently in a dilapidated state.
Nevertheless, the archways of the palace still retain a majestic air about them and are well worth a visit.

Built by Qudisiya Begum (who was also known as Gohar Begum) in 1820, the Mahal is a wonderful expression of the fusion of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Qudisiya Begum was the first woman ruler of Bhopal who ascended the throne of the erstwhile princely state in 1819, after her husband died in an accident (see History). From then on, political power rested with the Begums of Bhopal. The Begums were liberal and modern in their outlook, and Qudisiya Begum was the probably India’s first woman’s-libber.

The Shaukat Mahal and Sadar Manzil are two architectural curiosities of Bhopal.
Situated right at the entrance of the Chowk area, the Mahal is a blend of both oriental and occidental styles of architecture. The Mahal is supposed to have been designed by a decadent Frenchman who claimed to be a descendant of the Bourbon Dynasty of France.
The building is very different from the rest of the Islamic architecture in the vicinity.

In the Shaukat Mahal, Gothic and post-Renaissance styles have been freely combined to produce a quaint but charming effect. The Shaukat Mahal is a beautiful alabaster-white building that has a series of intricate triangular-shaped arches on its roof – the unique feature of the palace.
The exterior of the palace is also carved with exquisite floral patterns that give the Mahal a very eco-friendly appearance.

The Shaukat Mahal is flanked by the Sadar Manzil which served as a Hall of Public Audience during the princely period.
This brick-red building has an ostentatious appearance, and the gardens that surround the palace makes the Manzil look as pretty as a postcard.

Jai Vilas Palace, the current residence of the Scindia family is an Italianate structure combining the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. About 35 of the rooms have been converted into the Scindia Museum. The main durbar hall is impressive. The Jai Vilas Palace is an opulent Italianate structure, set in carefully laid lawns. Built in 1809, this palace was designed by Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose. A splendor of a different kind exists in the Jai Vilas Palace, current residence of the Scindia family. In these rooms, so evocative of a regal lifestyle, the past comes alive.

The imposing Durbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tonnes, and hung only after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are some of its features.

Eye catching treasures include: a silver train with cut glass wagons which served guests as it chugged around the table on miniature rails; a glass cradle from Italy used for the baby Krishna on each Janmashtami, silver dinner services and swords that were once worn by Emperors Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan. These are, besides, personal mementoes of past members of the Scindia family: the jeweled slippers that belonged to Chinkoo Rani, four-poster beds, gifts from practically every country in the world, hunting trophies and portraits. The Scindia Museum offers an unparalled glimpse into the rich culture and lifestyle of princely India.