Rana Udai Singh Struggle, Belief , A sense of timelessness. These were the factors that must have gone through the mind of Rana Udai Singh who founded udaipur in 1559 A.D.
Driven from his citadel , besieged by the armies of Emperor Akbar , Rana rose again. He chose the fertile vally between chittaurgarh and Kumbhalgarh to build a new city, Udaipur , the city of Lakes.
Today , udaipur nestles in a scenic valley , ringed by the Aravalis and is one where you can still see the glory of bygone era.
UDAIPUR :Chittaur falls , Udai Singh dies in 1572 A.D to be succeeded by the Pratap Singh I who later ascended the throne of Mewar at Gogunda.
The Mughal Emperor Akbar , ho had already extended sovereignty over the whole of Rajputana, demanded an acknowledgement from the newly crowned Pratap Singh I. The Mughal Emperor even sent three missions to Maharana Pratap's court to establish his position as the supreme. Maharana Pratap Spurned the offer only to face Akbar's wrath. Throughout his reign between 1572- 97 A.D. Maharana Pratap was up in arms with the full might of the Mughal force.
In 1615 A.D. peace prevailed at last. A treaty was finally drawn up between pratao's son and successor, Rana Amar Singh. Rana met prince Khurram.
Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar, though accepting British supremacy in 1818 A.D. In 1947, the state merged with the republic of India.
From another place , another time , udaipur is today acity of Tranquil lakes , beautiful palaces and of sprawling gardens , it's mewar school originated and nurtured some of the world's most remarkable miniature paintings.
Today , what is in crumbling ruins , is where stood , in the yesteryears , the ancient capital of the Sisodias who built the Kindom of Mewar. The Royal Centophs of the maharanas, built of white marble encircle the sacred tank of Gangobhar Kund. There is also an archaeological museum here containing the excavations from Ahar.
This fine lake, lying to the north of and connected by a small canal with Lake Pichhola , was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh , in 1678 AD. Because of excessive rains , the old dam was washed away and Maharana Fateh Singh built the present embankment.
Crystal gallery, vintage car collection and light and sound show at Manak Chowk City Palace are the added attractions.
This is the older water palace built by Rana Jagat Singh I in 1620 AD. It also served as asylum for the Mughal Prince Kurram, while in revolt against his father, Jehangir. The foundation stone of the big dome in this building was laid by Prince Khurram. It is also the place where European families were sheltered by Maharana Sarup Singh during the uprising of 1857AD. Of these two island palaces Fergusson wrote, " indeed, I know of nothing that will bear comparison with them anywhere.
Boat trips are available from Bansi ghat.
This 'Rose Garden' , laid out out by Maharana Sajjan Singh, is situated near the palaces. In the days of yore, courts were held here. A small zoo and toy train is added attraction for children.
Better known as the lake Palace , it is regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world , and the mere sight of this white wonder rising from the turquoise water of lake Pichhola is dream- like. It was the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II, built by him in 1746 AD. It has been called " one of the most romantic creations of Man." Today the lake Palace is a five-star heritage hotel.
' Sahelion ki Bari' was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the fateh sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the palace excursion. The key fauna of the sanctuary are - the panther , wild boar , deer , four-horned antelope , mongoose and various species of birds including earthen pots and iron objects which are of great archaeological and historical importance.
Situated on the bank of Lake Pichola and incorporating the majestic Gangaur Ghat , this Haveli was built in the second half of the 18th century by the then prime Minister of Mewar. Every evening at 7.00 p.m a cultural programme is organized especially for tourists , it is called ' DHAROHAR '. At present it is a cultural museum and is a part of the West Zone Cultural centre.
A Museum of folk arts , is displays a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments , puppets , masks , dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. It has a section devoted to tribal art. The world -renowned puppeteers of Udaipur- custodians of an ancient tradition-regularly put up splendid shows here. Daily at 6 p.m special folk cultural programme for tourist is worth visiting.
This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel, standing majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. This huge edifice 30.4 meters high and 244 meters long was added on to , by later rulers, but the additions are so well planned and integrated, it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a complete structure. The entrance to the palace is through ;Hathi Pol'( Elephant Gate )along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish temple. The 'Bara Pol' or Great Gate takes one into the first court leading to the tripolia Gate which has eight carved marbles 'Torans' or Archways.
One is now led to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilion terraces , corridors and hanging gardens. Here, the eye catches the Suraj Gokhada ( Balcony of the Sun) where the 'Suryavanshis'( descendants of the Sun God)-the Maharanas of Mewar appeared before their people to sort out their problems. The Mor Chowk takes its name from the fascinating coloured glass mosaics of peacocks which decorate the walls. The Chini Chitrashala is especially attractive with its blue and white ceramics while the wall paintings of Lord Krishna's life at Bhim Vilas Palace command attentions.
The other palaces are Dilkhush Mahal , Moti Mahal , Sheesh Mahal and Krishna Mahal. A Government Archaeological Museum in city palace in very rich in artifacts and worth visiting.
This is beautiful park located on the hill knows as " Machla Margo". The Palce is known for its sunset point and Musical foundation. A small pond known as Dudh Talai also situated down the hill . The Place abounds in scenic beauty.
Originally intended to be an astronomical centre, it later became a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. It affords a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside. This palace is also well known for sunset view and wildlife sanctuary.
An impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse, Chetak stands at the top of Moti Magri overlooking Fateh Sgar. Local People climb the hill to pay homage to Rana historical battle of Haldighati. Light & sound show is worth viewing.
Built in 734 AD, it is a complex of 108 temples with steps leading down to a a water tank( Kund). He temples are exquisitely carved out of sandstone and marble and are devoted to Lord Shiva, the family deity of the Mewar rulers. It has an ornate ' Mandap' or pillared hall. The Canopy of the huge pyramid cal roof is composed of hundreds of knots. The sanctum sanctorum has a four-faced image of Eklingji. Ouside the main sanctuary , beneath a vaulted roof, is a large statue of Bappa Rawal standing beside 'Nandi', Lord Shiva's bull.
This is the historic battlefield where Maharana Pratap Fought Akbar the Great in 1576 AD. Here stands a cenotaph with delicate white marble columns, which is dedicated to the indomitable Maharana Pratap's Loyal Horse, chetak. Haldighati Museum is worth visiting. The Museum entertains tourist with a light & sound show , depicting the life of Maharana Pratap and the battle of Halldighati.
It is the second largest artificial lake in Asia and was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh . Graceful marble Chhatris festoon the embankment. The Picturesque Hawa Mahal and Roothi Rani Ka Mahal both are located on the hilltops, used to be winter capital of Maharanas of Udaipur. On either side are summer palaces. Bhils, the local tribesmen, inhabit Sancturary makes an exciting .
