In the town of Sihor in Gujarat stand the remains of Darbargadh, once the seat of power of the Gohil rulers before the capital shifted to Bhavnagar in the eighteenth century. Spread across a series of interconnected courtyards and residential structures, the complex reflects the administrative and domestic life of the former princely capital.

Over time, many parts of the palace have fallen into disuse, though fragments of carved timber balconies, gateways, and internal courts continue to reveal the architectural richness of the complex.

Our work focused on developing a conservation vision for Darbargadh that could reconnect the historic precinct with the life of the town. The process began with documentation of the existing structures and an understanding of how the palace once functioned within the larger urban fabric of Sihor.

Rather than attempting to recreate the palace as it once was, the proposal explores ways in which the surviving buildings could gradually be stabilised and adapted for cultural and public use. The intention is to allow Darbargadh to become an active place once again — where the history of the former capital remains visible while supporting new cultural and community activities for the town.