Situated directly across from the Record Tower Building, the Old Kothi (also known as Juni Kothi) stands as a testament to the administrative foresight of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Commissioned in 1876, this significant building was designed by Major Charles Mant and originally served as a comprehensive administrative center, housing the secretariat, record office, military and police offices, as well as a library.
Architectural Features:
The Old Kothi is a three-storey structure built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style, which blends elements from Indian and Saracenic (or Islamic) architecture. The lower two storeys of the building feature a row of semi-circular arches that add to its grandeur. The topmost storey was initially designed with an open veranda running along the front facade, supported by wooden posts arranged in pairs. Over time, this veranda was enclosed with rows of windows to enhance the functionality of the space.
The building adheres to a color scheme of brick red and ivory, complemented by white accents. Its sparse ornamentation is characteristic of the style, with the primary decorative elements being the wooden panels with cut-work mounted on the tympanums of the arched window openings. Additionally, the building is adorned with elaborate wooden eaves boards that define its double-pitched-hipped roofs.
Originally part of the old fort or Juni Kothi, the Old Kothi has been repurposed and is now known as the Jilla Seva Sadan. It continues to serve as a vital public facility, addressing the needs and queries of numerous visitors daily.
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