City Palace,Udaipur - सिटी पैलेस उदयपुर
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City Palace of Udaipur,the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh,the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was not conceived as a whole. The palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola.
Approach to the palace is through the 'Hati Pol' or the 'Elephant Gate'. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'great gate' leads to the first court,which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates are eight carved 'toranas' or arches,which mark the spot where the rulers were weighed against gold or silver,the equivalent value of which was then distributed among the poor. Beyond the Tripolia is the arena where the elephant fights were staged.
The path then leads to a series of courtyards,overlapping pavilions,terraces,corridors and hanging gardens - a harmonious profusion hard to describe.The soft cream coloured central 'Chhatri' has facing of blue coloured tiles with massive octagonal towers crowned with cupolas. The Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirror work. The Krishna Vilas has a series of miniature paintings,which are witness to the royal processions,festivals and the game of 'Chogan'.
The Chini Chitrashala is famous for its Chinese and Dutch tiles,the latter of which has depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt. Radha-Krishna stories are painted on the walls of the Bhim Vilas. The glass mosaic gallery with its superb stained glasses and portraits afford a panoramic view of the city below. The Mor Chowk has a brilliant mosaic of peacocks set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer,winter and monsoon. There are exquisite terrace gardens with fountains in the Amar Vilas.
There is also a museum in the fort which houses the armour of the valiant Maharana Pratap and the drums & bugles of Rana Sanga,another Mewar ruler.
The construction of the City Palace, Udaipur was started by Maharana Uday Singh. However, later on several additions were made to this palace by the succeeding Maharanas. Irrespective of the number of builders, the palace retains uniformity in its design. The Udaipur City Palace has a number of gates. Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate, provides you entry into the palace. Then there is the Bari Pol, the Big Gate, leading you to another gate Tripolia, the Triple gate.
City Palace of Rajasthan towers over the Pichola Lake. There are a number of balconies, towers, etc in the palace providing with an amazing view of the lake. One of the balconies of the palace is the Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun. Here, the Maharana used to hold public audiences at the time of some crisis. A well-known attraction of the fort is the Mor Chowk, the peacock square, having blue mosaic of a peacock in glass. It adorns the wall of the square.
The palace also has a Surya Chopar, the sun square, which displays a huge ornamental sun. Udaipur City Palace also houses a museum displaying a rich collection of armory ranging from protective gear to a number of weapons, including the two-pronged sword. The entry to the museum is through Ganesh Deori, the door of Lord Ganesh. Further ahead is Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard.
Udaipur, the capital of pre-independence Mewar, was founded in 1559 by Udai Singh II. Mewar is notable as the only major Rajput state never to fall under Mughal domination; the present maharana is the 76th of his line, which makes the Mewar dynasty the oldest in Rajasthan, if not the world.
In general, the traditions, customs, and ties between Rajasthani people and their former rulers are stronger in Rajasthan than in other parts of India. Although the Maharana lacks formal power under India's constitution, he retains a notable if unofficial status among his people, bolstered by income from tourism and outlay on public works.
The City Palace overlooks the northeastern shore of Lake Pichola. The largest royal complex in Rajasthan, its buildings, apartments, and residences date from the 17th through the 19th century. It contains no fewer than eleven major palaces, including the residence of the present maharana and a luxury hotel conversion.
Manak Mahal, the Ruby Palace housing an amazing glass and mirror work collection.
Krishna Vilas, with some of the finest miniature paintings.
Moti Mahal, the pearl palace, with magnificent mirror work
Chini Mahal, adorned with ornamental tiles all.
Bari Mahal, having a central garden.
Zenana Mahal, the ladies chambers, comprising of some magnificent paintings of that era.
Apart from these, there is also the Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash Palace, which have been converted into hotels.
The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.
A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palace complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely executed over the years. The palace complex is approached through the 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur the Jagdish Temple (1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated here. The 'Bara Pol' the 'Great gate' (1600A.D) on the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'(1725 A.D). Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver, the value of which was then distributed to the poor. Beyond the Tripolia there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. The palace looks rugged from the exterior but inside, the path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard-1571) which Maharana Udai Singh built in the 16thPeacock mosaic at Mor Chowk century. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace have beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' ( Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain figures. 'Bhim Vilas' with Radha Krishna stories painted on the walls has a glass mosaic gallery the 'Suraj Gokhala', with beautiful stained glasses and a panoramic view of the city below. The 'Zenana Mahal', the queen's quarters to the south and the 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) has frescoes and wall paintings while the 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', an art gallery, houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.
The 'Chini Chitrashala' is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles, the latter of which hasDoor with painting & tile work depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt. The Moti Mahal( Palace of Pearls) has lavish decor and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) has inlaid mirror work. There is a Hawa Mahal and a Bari Mahal with a fine garden build on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Amar Vilas, the highest point has exquisite hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and a majestic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
Ranakpur, Rajasthan This 15th century Jain temple at Ranakpur, located about 50 miles north of Udaipur, represents a culmination of Jain temple building in western India. It is dedicated to Adinath and features a complex floor plan with multistoried porches and balconies. The temple has a strong directional orientation, with entrances at the four compass points and, in the central chamber, images of Adinath facing in each of the four directions.
The interior is elaborately carved and decorated throughout with Jain saviors, plant and floral motifs, and other figures
The museum has a few Hindu statues that predate the Rajput period. This surasundari (beautiful celestial maiden) is dated to the 11th century. Her tribhanga sway and cross-legged posture would not be out of place in a 15th century temple, but the naturalism (relatively speaking; few Indian sculptures are naturalistic in any absolute sense) of this figure is a clue to its earlier date.
Approach to the palace is through the 'Hati Pol' or the 'Elephant Gate'. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'great gate' leads to the first court,which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates are eight carved 'toranas' or arches,which mark the spot where the rulers were weighed against gold or silver,the equivalent value of which was then distributed among the poor. Beyond the Tripolia is the arena where the elephant fights were staged.
The path then leads to a series of courtyards,overlapping pavilions,terraces,corridors and hanging gardens - a harmonious profusion hard to describe.The soft cream coloured central 'Chhatri' has facing of blue coloured tiles with massive octagonal towers crowned with cupolas. The Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirror work. The Krishna Vilas has a series of miniature paintings,which are witness to the royal processions,festivals and the game of 'Chogan'.
The Chini Chitrashala is famous for its Chinese and Dutch tiles,the latter of which has depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt. Radha-Krishna stories are painted on the walls of the Bhim Vilas. The glass mosaic gallery with its superb stained glasses and portraits afford a panoramic view of the city below. The Mor Chowk has a brilliant mosaic of peacocks set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer,winter and monsoon. There are exquisite terrace gardens with fountains in the Amar Vilas.
There is also a museum in the fort which houses the armour of the valiant Maharana Pratap and the drums & bugles of Rana Sanga,another Mewar ruler.
The construction of the City Palace, Udaipur was started by Maharana Uday Singh. However, later on several additions were made to this palace by the succeeding Maharanas. Irrespective of the number of builders, the palace retains uniformity in its design. The Udaipur City Palace has a number of gates. Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate, provides you entry into the palace. Then there is the Bari Pol, the Big Gate, leading you to another gate Tripolia, the Triple gate.
City Palace of Rajasthan towers over the Pichola Lake. There are a number of balconies, towers, etc in the palace providing with an amazing view of the lake. One of the balconies of the palace is the Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun. Here, the Maharana used to hold public audiences at the time of some crisis. A well-known attraction of the fort is the Mor Chowk, the peacock square, having blue mosaic of a peacock in glass. It adorns the wall of the square.
The palace also has a Surya Chopar, the sun square, which displays a huge ornamental sun. Udaipur City Palace also houses a museum displaying a rich collection of armory ranging from protective gear to a number of weapons, including the two-pronged sword. The entry to the museum is through Ganesh Deori, the door of Lord Ganesh. Further ahead is Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard.
Udaipur, the capital of pre-independence Mewar, was founded in 1559 by Udai Singh II. Mewar is notable as the only major Rajput state never to fall under Mughal domination; the present maharana is the 76th of his line, which makes the Mewar dynasty the oldest in Rajasthan, if not the world.
In general, the traditions, customs, and ties between Rajasthani people and their former rulers are stronger in Rajasthan than in other parts of India. Although the Maharana lacks formal power under India's constitution, he retains a notable if unofficial status among his people, bolstered by income from tourism and outlay on public works.
The City Palace overlooks the northeastern shore of Lake Pichola. The largest royal complex in Rajasthan, its buildings, apartments, and residences date from the 17th through the 19th century. It contains no fewer than eleven major palaces, including the residence of the present maharana and a luxury hotel conversion.
There are a number of structures within the palace complex. Some of them are the following
Apart from these, there is also the Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash Palace, which have been converted into hotels.
The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.
A blend of Medieval European and Chinese architecture, the palace complex has a number of remarkable buildings of immense beauty, gardens and fountains, well planned and finely executed over the years. The palace complex is approached through the 'Hati Pol', or the 'Elephant Gate' from the main road. The biggest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur the Jagdish Temple (1651A.D), dedicated to Lord Vishnu is situated here. The 'Bara Pol' the 'Great gate' (1600A.D) on the northern end leads to the first court yard, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'(1725 A.D). Between the two gates there are eight carved marble arches or 'Toranas' under which the rulers in the past were weighed against gold and silver, the value of which was then distributed to the poor. Beyond the Tripolia there is an arena where elephant fights were staged. The palace looks rugged from the exterior but inside, the path leads to many enclosures with luxurious apartments surmounted by balconies, hanging gardens, massive octagonal towers and cupolas with breathtaking views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard-1571) which Maharana Udai Singh built in the 16thPeacock mosaic at Mor Chowk century. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace have beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' ( Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain figures. 'Bhim Vilas' with Radha Krishna stories painted on the walls has a glass mosaic gallery the 'Suraj Gokhala', with beautiful stained glasses and a panoramic view of the city below. The 'Zenana Mahal', the queen's quarters to the south and the 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) has frescoes and wall paintings while the 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', an art gallery, houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.
The 'Chini Chitrashala' is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles, the latter of which hasDoor with painting & tile work depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to Egypt. The Moti Mahal( Palace of Pearls) has lavish decor and the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) has inlaid mirror work. There is a Hawa Mahal and a Bari Mahal with a fine garden build on a 90 feet high natural rock formation. The Amar Vilas, the highest point has exquisite hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and a majestic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
Ranakpur, Rajasthan This 15th century Jain temple at Ranakpur, located about 50 miles north of Udaipur, represents a culmination of Jain temple building in western India. It is dedicated to Adinath and features a complex floor plan with multistoried porches and balconies. The temple has a strong directional orientation, with entrances at the four compass points and, in the central chamber, images of Adinath facing in each of the four directions.
The interior is elaborately carved and decorated throughout with Jain saviors, plant and floral motifs, and other figures
Surasundari City Palace Museum, Udaipur
The museum has a few Hindu statues that predate the Rajput period. This surasundari (beautiful celestial maiden) is dated to the 11th century. Her tribhanga sway and cross-legged posture would not be out of place in a 15th century temple, but the naturalism (relatively speaking; few Indian sculptures are naturalistic in any absolute sense) of this figure is a clue to its earlier date.
How to get there
Air : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok Airport is 21 Km. from the city centre and transportation by taxi takes 35-45 minutes. Indian airlines office, Delhi gate- Ph 410999 Rail : The Railway Station is about 4 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad. For Reservation and Enquiry at the Railway Station, Contact Tel.: 131, 527390, 483979 Road : Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8, the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station Road, NH 8, Udaipur, for reservation and enquiry contact Tel. 484191.
 Photo by : Dey in Flickr |
 Photo by : Dey in Flickr |
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 Photo by : Dewang Modi in Flickr |
 Photo by : doc18 in Flickr |
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 Photo by : pfjc in webshots |
 Photo by : pfjc in webshots |
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