Himachal Pradesh has a royal past that lives on through its beautiful palaces, built by kings and rulers from earlier times. These palaces are a proud part of the state’s history, showing us how people lived, ruled, and designed their homes with elegance and care.
From the wooden beauty of Padam Palace in Rampur to the grand walls of Rang Mahal in Chamba, each palace has its own story to tell. Today, some have turned into heritage hotels, others serve as government offices, and many welcome visitors who want to explore their rich past.
These places are often featured in static GK questions — especially about where they are located, who built them, or how they’re used today.
Important Palaces in Himachal Pradesh:
Padam Palace (Rampur, Shimla): Built by the royal family of Bushahr in the early 20th century; known for wooden architecture
Rang Mahal (Chamba): One of the largest historic palaces; now houses government offices and a handicrafts center
Sujanpur Tira Palace (Hamirpur): Built by Raja Sansar Chand; known for Kangra paintings and court history
Jubbal Palace (Jubbal, Shimla): A blend of traditional Himachali and European architecture; now a heritage hotel
Nalagarh Fort Palace (Solan): A fort-turned-palace overlooking the Shivalik hills; now a luxury hotel
Kuthar Palace (Solan): Over 800 years old; known for its secret tunnels, carvings, and views
Raj Mahal (Mandi): Used by the former rulers of Mandi; reflects colonial and local architectural styles
Palace of Sultanpur (Kullu): Former seat of Kullu royalty, now part of the Himachal State Museum circuit
Scroll down to practice MCQs on Himachal’s famous palaces and test how much you remember!
Palaces Practice MCQ Question and Answer
1
Which material is NOT mentioned as used in the construction of Naggar Castle?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Naggar Castle is made using big logs, stones, and mud. Concrete is not mentioned as a building material.
2
Which architectural styles does Rang Mahal in Chamba combine?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Rang Mahal combines Mughal and British architectural styles.
3
Who constructed the Akhand Chandi Palace in Chamba?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
The foundation of Akhand Chandi Palace was laid by Raja Umed Singh (1748-64).
4
What unique design element is mentioned in Raj Mahal of Mandi?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Raj Mahal is described to have roofs with blue slate, concave like those of Chinese pagodas.
5
Chail Palace was originally founded as a summer residency by the Maharaja of which princely state?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Chail Palace was founded as a summer residency by the Maharaja of Patiala.
6
Which palace was built by the erstwhile ruler of Bushair state?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Padam Palace was built by Raja Padam Singh, the ruler of Bushair state.
7
Kotkhai Palace is located near which river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kotkhai Palace is located near the Giri Ganga River.
8
Jubbal Palace was designed by an architect of which nationality?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Jubbal Palace was designed by a French architect in 1930.
9
Which palace houses the Arki Kalam miniature paintings?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Arki Palace houses a good collection of Arki Kalam miniature paintings.
10
What is the architectural shape of Sunni Palace?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Sunni Palace is described as a pyramid-shaped palace with a wide base.
11
Nalagarh Palace was built by which ruler?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Nalagarh Palace was built in 1421 AD by Raja Bikram Chand.
12
Which palace in Himachal Pradesh was constructed by Raja Bikram Chand in 1421 AD?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Nalagarh Palace was built in 1421 AD by Raja Bikram Chand and is strategically located atop a hillock.
13
Which palace features a pyramid-shaped structure with a sprawling wide base near Tattapani?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Sunni Palace is pyramid-shaped and located near Tattapani, designed in colonial and Pahari architecture.
14
Which palace in Himachal Pradesh houses the Arki Kalam miniature paintings?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Arki Palace is home to a collection of Arki Kalam miniature paintings that have stood the test of time.
15
What is the architectural style of the Kotkhai Palace?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Kotkhai Palace features Tibetan style architecture and is built on a narrow cliff between two streams.
16
Which palace was designed by a French architect and is a mix of Chinese, Indian, and European styles?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Jubbal Palace was designed by a French architect and combines Chinese, Indian, and European architectural styles.
17
Who built the Rang Mahal in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Raja Umed Singh started the construction of Rang Mahal (1748–1764), though the brick superstructure was added later by Raja Sri Singh.
18
Which palace in Chamba is also known as the Chamba Palace?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
The Akhand Chandi Palace, overlooking Chaugan ground, is also known as the Chamba Palace.
19
Which Mandi palace was described by Moorscraft in the 19th century?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Raj Mahal in Mandi was described by Moorscraft, a British traveler, for its impressive location and architecture.
20
Which palace was founded as a summer residency by the Maharaja of Patiala?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Chail Palace was founded by the Maharaja of Patiala as a summer retreat with a regal and scenic setting.
21
Padam Palace was built by which ruler?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Padam Palace was built in 1917 by Raja Padam Singh, the ruler of Bushair state.
22
Which palace has Tibetan-style architecture and is located near the Giri Ganga river?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Kotkhai Palace, built by King Rana Saab, is known for its Tibetan-style architecture and its dramatic setting between two streams.
23
Which palace was designed by a French architect and is known for its mix of styles?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Jubbal Palace, designed by a French architect in 1930, incorporates Chinese, Indian, and European architectural styles.
24
Which palace contains the Arki Kalam miniature paintings and survived the Anglo-Gurkha wars?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option A
Arki Palace, built by Rana Prithvi Singh, houses Arki Kalam paintings and survived the Anglo-Gurkha wars without significant damage.
25
Which palace, belonging to the Bhajji princely state, is located near Tattapani?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option C
Sunni Palace, located near Tattapani on the bank of the Satluj river, was part of the Bhajji princely state.
26
Nalagarh Palace, now a heritage resort, was built by whom?
Answer & Solution
Answer: Option B
Nalagarh Palace was built in 1421 AD by Raja Bikram Chand and is now a heritage resort.