City Palace Udaipur Rajasthan History and Interesting Facts

City Palace Quick Facts

City Palace Overview

Rajasthan's most royal and wonderful state of India is famous all over the world for its geographical diversity, cultural environment and historical places. There are two city palaces in Rajasthan, one is located in Jaipur and the other is located in Udaipur, the most royal city of Rajasthan. The City Palace of Udaipur is quite different from the City Palace in Jaipur, this palace was built much earlier than the palace in Jaipur.

City Palace History

This world famous marvelous palace was built about 400 years ago by Maharana Udai Singh II and his successor Maharana. In the year 1537 AD, Maharana Udai Singh II had established the Mewar kingdom in Chittodh, but at that time he had to watch his First fort going into the hands of the Mughals, so he later chose a place near Pichola Lake which was forested. , was well protected on all sides by lakes and Aravalli hills.

After the death of Udai Singh in the year 1572 AD, his son Maharana Pratap took over the power of Udaipur, although he was defeated by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the Haldighati battle in 1576 AD, after which the Mughal rule started running on Udaipur.

After the death of Akbar, Mewar was given back by Jahangir to Amar Singh I, the son of Maharana Pratap. Evidence of Maratha attacks in Udaipur after the year 1761 can still be seen in the ruins there. In the 18th century this fort and the area came under the British which was annexed to India after Independence.

City Palace Interesting Facts

1. The Construction work of this world famous palace was started in the 16th century by the famous ruler of Mewar Udai Singh II, which was later completed by the king's son Maharana Pratap.
2. This palace was attacked by the rulers of many empires, due to which in the year 1818 AD, seeing the increasing invasion of the Marathas, the fort and the area were handed over to them by a treaty with the British, which was handed over to them around 1948. was merged in India.
3. This palace is one of the Tallest and gigantic palaces in India, this palace was built on a 598 meters high plateau, this palace is about 244 meters long and 30.4 meters high.
4. This palace was built in the year 1559 AD by the famous Sisodia rulers of Mewar, this palace was built by more than 76 generations of Sisodiao.
5. The Major contribution in the construction of this palace was given by Udai Singh II who built 11 more small separate palaces inside it.
6. The Gates located in this palace were called "Pol", the most prominent gate of this palace is "Badi Pol" which leads to the huge courtyard of this palace.
7. Among the other main gates located in this palace is 'Tripolia Pol' which is a combination of 3 arched gates, it was constructed in the year 1725 AD.
8. The Highest courtyard inside this palace is its Amar Vilas Mahal which is actually an elevated garden. Which is built in a square, in which marble tubs have also been used. It was built in the Mughal style as an Anand Mandap.
9. The "Badi Mahal" (Great Palace) located within this palace, also known as the Garden Palace, is situated in the central palace of a 27 meters high natural rock. This palace is multi-floors or this palace includes things like Jagdish temple, swimming pool etc.
10. Located in this palace complex, Bhim Vilas is a gallery which houses a collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna.
11. The Chinese Chitrashala (Chinese Art) located in this palace is displayed here for the display of Chinese and Dutch decorative tiles.
12. Dilkhusha Mahal (Joy Mahal) situated in the premises of this palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in India which was constructed in the year 1620 AD.
13. The Durbar Hall was built within the Fatehprakash Palace in the year 1909 as a venue for official functions such as state banquets and meetings.
14. The Fateprakash Palace which is now a luxury hotel in the palace complex has a crystal gallery which includes crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which have never been used.
15. The items located in Fateprakash Palace were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh to F&C Osler & Company of London in the year 1877, after which he died soon after, after which these items were not put to use for about 110 kashas.
16. The most prominent structure in this palace is the Mor Chowk (Peacock Square Palace) as the Moro sculptures in it were crafted with more than 5000 pieces, which glow in shades of green, gold and blue.
17. The Sheesh Mahal located in this palace was built in the year 1716 AD by Maharana Pratap for his wife Maharani Ajabde.
18. In the year 1974 AD, one of the most beautiful palaces of this palace complex "Zanana Mahal" (Women's Chamber) was converted into a museum.
19. Many major palaces are located within this palace complex, out of which structures like Krishna Vilas, Rang Bhavan Mahal, Lakshmi Vilas and Manak Mahal are prominent.