About Sukhdham Kothi in Civil Lines, Kota

‘Sukhdham’ literally means the abode of bliss and this is what the visitor experiences. This stone facade building of the Victorian era is a subtle blend of Indo-British architecture. It has open terraces, cool arcades, foliated arches and intricately carved stone screens. Because it is located in an environment friendly area of the civil lines with large gardens and trees the air you breathe is fresh. Trees blossom in different seasons giving out a variety of fragrances and attracting a multitude of birds. The grand peacock can be seen everywhere and you can literally feed it with your hands.

The swimming pool, a recent addition is designed in the traditional ‘baori’ style . The intricate stone work makes it blend exceedingly well with the main building.

Sukhdham prides itself in providing a taste of legendary Rajput hospitality with all modern facilities. The fifteen well appointed rooms have been tastefully furnished to maintain the character of the heritage hotel. Its personalised service and high standards set it apart .

HISTORY

Sukhdham traces its history to the 19 th century. After what happened in the 1857 mutiny, Sukhdham was built as the residence of the British Agency Surgeon in c. 1870. It continued to house a series of doctors till 1922 when it was handed over to the Kotah State. It was then christened ‘Sukhdham’ by His Highness Umed Singhji, Maharao of Kotah.

In 1929 it became the residence of Col Th. Prithvi Singhji, MBE, GOC Kotah State forces.He was the second person from Rajasthan to get the Kings Commission and had a distinguished career in the Indian Army and saw action in the First World War. On retirement he joined Patiala forces before coming to Kotah to raise the Umed Infantry.

After his death in 1960, his only son, Th. Jaswant Singhji, who served in the Indian Railway Traffic Service( 1938-72) continued the tradition albeit in a different way. He took to music and history with passion. For posterity he bestowed his three volume collection of the songs and ballads of princely Rajasthan complete with musical notations .This unique treatise, for which he received the Dagar Gharana award, became instantly popular not only in Rajasthan but also with musicians of the Indian Classical Tradition throughout India.

His sons Jaiwardhan and Harshvardhan decided to convert the building into a Heritage Hotel which commenced operations in 1996.