Rajasthan's Invitation
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Palaces of Rajasthan
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
This grand palace is an architectural masterwork in red sandstone, and was
built by Maharaja Ganga Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal
Singh Ji in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed this oriental fantasy. This architecture
is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. The exterior contrasts
dramatically with the oriental interiors and amenities. The palace has beautiful
latticework and filigree work, which are hallmarks of a great craftsmanship.
The Palace has an amazing collection of well-maintained paintings and hunting
trophies. Sprawling lawns with blooming bougainvillea and dancing peacocks
make a visual extravagance.
Designed by a Britisher for Maharaja Ganga Singh, this palace displays a
magnificent blend of Oriental and European style. The terraced lawns and the
Bougainvillea bushes add beauty to the palace. Peacocks stroll around the
palace, which has been partly converted into a hotel.
The intricate filigree work and latticework exhibit the refinements and delicacy
of craftsmanship. The palace museum displays well preserved hunting trophies
and old photographs. The library of the Lalgarh palace is supposed to have
the largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments, copper
and gold or silver plaques.
Built in the memory of maharaja Lal Singh, Lalgarh Palace has a graceful facade
of red sandstone, and is one of Maharaja Ganga Singh’s great achievements.
The maharaja ruled for a period of 56 years. The state especially prospered
under his rule.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Maharaja Umaid Singhji who built this palace was fascinated with western
lifestyles so he marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian architect,
Henry Vaughan Lanchester, a creditable equal of Edward Lutyens (architect
of New Delhi) to construct a three hundred and forty seven roomed Umaid Palace.
This was to become India last of the great palaces and the biggest private
residence in the world. Spectacular Central Rotunda, the cupola rises to a
hundred and five feet high; the Throne Room with its exquisite Ramayana murals;
an elegant wood-panelled library, and even a private museum; an indoor swimming
pool, a Billiards Room, tennis courts and unique marble squash courts makes
Umaid Bhawan Palace is unabashedly the most magnificent.
The palace was also built with superficial intentions of providing employment
to famine stricken farmers. The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel.
The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons,
an array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and
an incredible collection of clocks.
This is known as Umaid Bhawan Palace because of the particular type of sandstone
used, to build it - which is not weathered. Portions of the Umaid palace have
been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Jag Niwas Palace, Udaipur
The first island palace of Lake Pichola, Jagmandir was constructed by Maharana
Karan Singhji in 1622 AD and was intended to be a pleasure palace for imperial
parties and functions.
It has served as a shelter for Moghul Emperor Shahjahan when he was a prince
against the wrath of his father in the seventeenth century.
The tale goes on to say that Jagmandir was the inspiration behind the world-renowned
Taj Mahal, which Shah Jahan built in the memory of his departed wife, Mumtaz.
The City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in
the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces
and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design.
The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari
Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate.
It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold
and silver, which was distributed to the populace. It is also now the main
ticket office. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace to give a
wonderful view of the lake.
Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is where the Maharana would grant
public audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult times.
The Mor Chawk is the peacock square and gains its name from the vivid blue
mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates its walls.
The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large
and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury
museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including
the lethal two-pronged sword.
Nathmal-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while
one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the
result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction.
Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty
tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.
Its like straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. The name Jaisalmer induces
a dramatic picture of utter magic and brilliance of the desert. The hostile
terrain not with standing the warmth and colour of people is simply over whelming.
One of the main draws is the daunting 12th century Jaisalmer Fort. The beautiful
havelis which were built by wealthy merchants of Jaisalmer are yet another
interesting aspect of the desert city.
And you can let your eyes caress the sloppy sand dunes while you ramble your
way in a camel safari. The desert citadel is truly a golden fantasy in Thar
Desert. Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, after whom the city finds its name,
founded Jaisalmer in 1156. On advice of a local hermit Eesaal he chose the
Tricut Hills as his new abode abandoning his vulnerable old fort at Luderwa
just 16 kilometres northwest.
Patwon-ki-Haveli, Jaisalmer
This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands
in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is
divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India,
two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants
of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.
The most elaborate and magnificient of all the Jaisalmer havelis. It has
exquisitely carved pillars and exquisitely carved pillars and extensive corridors
and chambers. One of the apartments of this five story high haveli is painted
with beautiful murals.
Patwon-Ki-Haveli is the largest and most elaborate haveli in Jaisalmer. This
five-storeyed building extensively carved and is notable for its jharokhas
(balconies).
In the early 19th century, the family of Ghuman Chand Patwa, an extremely
rich patwa (trader of brocades and expensive embroidery) began construction
of this mansion, an effort that took half a century.
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