Kotah, an erstwhile princely estate, was located in the Eastern part of the province of Rajputana. In 1938, Maharao Umed Singh II (1889-1940) of Kotah constructed Kotah House in Delhi in the Art Deco style by commissioning the Bombay-based architects M/s Master, Sathe, Bhuta and Company. It currently serves as the Naval Officer’s Mess Annexe.

The building was designed to have an almost symmetrically balanced facade, mirrored along the central axis which has the main entrance exemplified through an extended porch. Above the entrance lay an extruded hall, profiled like a deck, and a liner tower on the terrace level, which was referred to as Rani Mahal. The tower itself had flutes, recesses and jaali work which further enhanced its verticality which are staple Art Deco features.

Speedlines and bandings run all along the building profile which curve towards each edge. The hall on the ground floor extends to the back lawns in a semi circular, ocean liners like projection. Additionally intricate jaali work is present in place of windows along the verandahs either side of the building. Most interiors are now renovated along the ages, however, the spiral staircase, accessed through one of the side entrances, is beautifully crafted in deco. Bandings, a constant wooden handrail, an inward curved bullnose step to mark the flight, windows at the landing and marble flooring, are appreciable details in the interiors of Kota House.

_

Image Copyrights : Rishi Kochhar x Deco In Delhi
Acknowledgements : NOMA, New Delhi, for photography permissions 
References : Sumanta Bhowmick, 'Princely Palaces in New Delhi'