The antahpura (
Sanskrit: अन्तःपुर,
romanized: Antaḥpura), also rendered anthapura, was the women's quarters or the royal
harem of an Indian palace.[1] It was the suite of apartments that were generally situated in a secluded portion of the palace, reserved for the women of the royal household.[2][3] It consisted of the king's queens and concubines and was headed by his first queen, who was accorded the highest status.[4]
Several palaces in India contain the antahpura, such as the ones of
Hampi and
Mysore.[5]
Literature
Arthashastra
The Arthashastra describes the antahpura to be guarded by eunuchs and include a number of apartments, one within the other. It is stated to comprise a parapet, a ditch, and a main door. The passage of commodities from and to these apartments are stated to be restricted, only allowed within after careful examination.[6]
The Ramayana describes the antahpura of the
rakshasa king
Ravana in
Lanka, where he has
Sita housed and guarded.[7] The consorts of Dasharatha each had their own apartment in his antahpura in
Ayodhya.[8]
The goddess
Mahakali is described to reside in the antahpura of her palace in
Manidvipa, where she is described to sleep with her consort,
Mahashiva.[9]