Photos

This is the remains of castle of the local Zamindar ( feudal lord) of Gondhala area of Lahaul Spiti District in Himachal Prdesh in India.

This castle has just recently been acquired by the local government for preservation & renovation


Extracts from wsebsite: www.hindubooks.org

"The residence of the Thakur of Gondhla, probably the most frequently photo- graphed building in the whole of Lahul, is eight storeys high. This striking, feudal edifice is built of stone and timber and is topped by an overlapping structure, which protrudes several feet on all four sides. This unique building commands the passage of the valleys with a strong vantage point in the struggles that form part of the stormy history of this area while in the brief interludes of peace its loopholes must have been eyed with grave concern by all those who passed along the road, with the temptation of plundering this huge building.

The tradition relates that the architect of the aforesaid castle was put to death to prevent him from building a similar construction for a rival baron. Mention may here be made of the incised huge boulders, which are to be seen bearing human figures greater than life size. The painted crowns on the heads of some of these figures represent Buddhist deities. This Gondhla building has quaint pictures; old weapons, idols, and collection of curios from Lhasa, Ladak and other places. Gondhla is by the side of a jeep able road".