City Palace, Udaipur

City Palace, Udaipur, is a palace complex situated in the city of Udaipur,

City Palace, Udaipur
Rajasthan. It was built over a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from
several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. It's construction began in 1553, started by
Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput family as he shifted his capital
from the erstwhile Chittor to the new found city of Udaipur.[1] The palace is
located on the east bank of Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its
complex.[2][3][4][5][6]

The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the
largest of its type in the state of Rajasthan. It was built atop a hill, in a fusion of
the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, providing a panoramic view of the
city and its surroundings. Overlooking Lake Pichola, several historic monuments
like the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, and
Neemach Mata temple, are all in the vicinity of the palace complex. Nestled
within the Aravali mountain range, these landmarks are associated in popular
culture with the filming of the 1983James Bond movie Octopussy.

Contents
1 History Location within Rajasthan
2 Architecture
General information
3 Structures within the complex
Architectural style Rajput
4 Visitor information
Architecture
5 In popular culture
Town or city Udaipur
6 Gallery
Country India
7 Notes
8 Further reading Coordinates 24.576°N
73.683°E
9 References
10 External links Construction started 1559
Completed 16th century
Owner Maharana
History Arvind Singh
Mewar
The City Palace was built concurrently with the establishment of the Udaipur city
by Maharana Udai Singh II and his successor Maharanas over a period of the next Technical details
400 years.The Maharanas lived and administered their kingdom from this palace, Structural system Marble and
thereby making the palace complex an important historic [7][8]
landmark. masonry

The Mewar kingdom had flourished initially in Nagda (30 kilometres (19 mi) to the north of Udaipur), established in 568 AD by
Guhil, the first Maharana of Mewar. In the 8th century, the capital was moved to Chittor, a hill top fort from where the Sisodias ruled
for 800 years. Maharana Uday Singh II inherited the Mewar kingdom at Chittor in 1537 but by that time there were signs of losing
control of the fort in wars with the Mughals. Udai Singh II, therefore, chose the site near Lake Pichola for his new kingdom as the
location was well protected on all sides by forests, lakes and the Aravalli hills. He had chosen this site for his new capital, much
before the sacking of Chittor byEmperor Akbar, on the advice of a hermit he
had met during one of his hunting expeditions.

The earliest royal structure he built here was the Royal courtyard or 'Rai
Angan',[9][10][11] which was the beginning of the building of the City Palace
complex. The court was built at the location where the hermit had advised
Maharana to build his new capital.[8][9][10][11][12]

After Udai Singh’s death in 1572, his son Maharana Pratap took the reins of
power at Udaipur. However, he was defeated by the Mughal emperor Akbar
at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576 and Udaipur fell under the Mughal
Full view of the City Palace complex
rule.[13] After the death of Akbar, Mewar was given back to Maharana
Pratap's son and successor Amar Singh I by Jahangir.[14][15] However, the
Mughal army sent many expeditions against the Mewar empire, culminating
in a peace treaty between both rulers.

But with the increasing Marathas attacks by 1761, Udaipur and the Mewar
state were in dire straits and in ruins. By 1818, Maharana Bhim Singh signed
a treaty with the British accepting their protection against the other
empires.After the Indian independence in 1947, the Mewar Kingdom, along
with other princely states of Rajasthan, merged with the democratic India, in
1949. The Mewar Kings subsequently also lost their special royal privileges
and titles. The successive Maharanas, however, retained their ownership of
Close-up of the Palace
the palaces in Udaipur and converted parts of the palace complex into
heritage hotels.

Architecture
The series of palaces in the city palace complex, behind an exquisite facade
of 244 metres (801 ft) length and 30.4 metres (100 ft) height, were built on a
ridge on the east of lake Pichola. The complex is located in Udaipur city at
24.576°N 73.68°E, which is set with an average elevation of 598 metres
(1,962 ft).[16] They were built over a long period, from 1559 onwards, by 76
generations of Sisodia Rajputs .Several Maharanas starting with Udai Singh
II, have contributed to this edifice, which comprises an agglomeration of Part of Badi Mahal in City Palace, Udaipur

structures, including 11 small separate palaces. The unique aspect of this

conglomeration is that the architectural design is distinctly
homogeneous . The palace complex has been built entirely in granite
and marble. The interiors of the palace complex with its balconies,
towers and cupolas exhibit delicate mirror-work, marble-work,
murals, wall paintings, silver-work, inlay-work and leftover of
colored glass. The complex provides a view of the lake and the
Udaipur city from its upper terraces.[2][3][5][6][9][10][11][17]

The palaces within the complex are interlinked through a number of

chowks or quadrangles with zigzag corridors, planned in this fashion
to avoid surprise attacks by enemies. Erected in the complex, after
entering through the main Tripolia (triple) gate, are the Suraj Gokhda
(public address facade), the Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), the Panoramic view the Udaipur City Palace Complex
at night
Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight), the Surya Chopar, the Sheesh
Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), the Moti Mahal (Palace of
Pearls), the Krishna Vilas (named after Lord Krishna), Shambu Niwas (royal residence now), the Bhim Vilas, the Amar Vilas (with a
raised garden) that faces the Badi Mahal (the big palace), the Fateprakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace; the last two have been
converted into heritage hotels. The complex is set with facilities of a post office, bank, travel agency, numerous craft shops and also
an Indian boutique belonging to theWorld Wildlife Fund (WWF) . The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family with
various trusts maintaining the structures.

Structures within the complex

Gateways

Gateways, colloquially called Pols, are set

to the east of Udaipur city .A number of
such gateways provide access to the palace
complex.

The main entry from the city is through the

'Bara Pol' (Great Gate), which leads to the
Entrance gateway Bari Pol (left) to City Palace, T
ripolia (Triple) Gate
first courtyard. Bara Pol (built in 1600)
(centre), Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) (right)
leads to the ‘Tripolia Pol', a triple arched
gate built in 1725, which provides the
northern entry. The road between this gate and the palace is lined with shops and kiosks owned by craftsmen, book-binders, miniature
painters and textile dealers. Between these two gates, eight marble arches or Toranas are erected. It is said that the Maharanas used to
be weighed here with gold and silver, which was then distributed among the local people. Following the Tripolia gate is an arena in
front of the Toran Pol and the facade palace, the Manak Chowk, where elephant fights were staged in the past to test their prowess
before starting on war campaigns.[6][7][10][18]

The main block of the city palace is approached through a modest door from the Ganesha Deodhi terrace. The door is flanked by
[3]
whitewashed walls vibrantly painted with martial animals in the traditional Rajput style.

Amar Vilas

Amar Vilas is the uppermost court inside the complex, which is an elevated garden. It provides entry to the Badi Mahal. It was built
in Mughal style as a pleasure pavilion . It has cussed arcades enclosing a square marble tub.[3]'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of the
[6]
City palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces.

Badi Mahal

Badi Mahal (Great Palace) also known as Garden Palace is the central palace situated on
a 27 metres (89 ft) high natural rock formation bis-a-bis the rest of the palace. The
rooms on the ground floor appear to be at the level of the fourth floor in view of the
height difference to its surrounding buildings. There is a swimming pool here, which
was then used for Holi festival (festival of colors) celebration. In an adjoining hall,
miniature paintings of 18th and 19th centuries are displayed. In addition, wall paintings
of Jag Mandir (as it appeared in the 18th century), Vishnu of Jagdish temple, the very
[6][19]
courtyard and an elephant fight scene are depicted.

Bhim Vilas Badi Mahal

Bhim Vilas has a gallery of a collection of miniature paintings that depict the real-life
stories of Radha-Krishna.[6]

Chini Chitrashala
Chini Chitrashala (Chinese art place) depicts Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles.[6]

Choti Chitrashali

Choti Chitrashali or 'Residence of Little Pictures', built in early 19th century, has
pictures of peacocks.[9]

Dilkhusha Mahal
[9]
Dilkhusha Mahal or ‘Palace of Joy’ was built in 1620. Elephants fights arranged in this
venue
Durbar hall

Durbar Hall was built in 1909 within the Fatehpraksh Palace as a venue for official functions such as State banquets and meetings
.The gallery of the hall was used by the Royal ladies to observe the Durbar proceedings. This hall has a luxuriant interior with large
chandeliers. Weapons of the maharanas and some of their portraits are depicted here. The foundation stone for this hall was laid by
Lord Minto, the Viceroy of India, in 1909, during the rule ofMaharana Fateh Singhand was then called Minto Hall.[10]

Fateprakash Palace

Fateprakash Palace, which is now a luxury hotel, has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables,
chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which were never used. There is also a jewel studded carpet here. Maharana Sajjan Singh
had ordered these rare items in 1877 from F& C Osler & Co of London but he died before they arrived here. It is said that the
1 years.[10]
packages containing these crystals remained unopened for 10

Krishna Vilas

Krishna Vilas is another chamber, which has a rich collection of miniature paintings that
[6]
portray royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.

Laxmi Vilas chowk

Laxmi Vilas Chowk is an art gallery with a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.[6]

Manak Mahal
Royal Angan the first structure
The Manak Mahal approached from the Manak Chowk is an enclosure for formal built by Maharana uday Singh
audience for the Mewar rulers. It has a raised alcove inlaid completely in mirror glass.
Sun-face emblems, in gleaming brass, religious insignia of the Sisodia dynasty are a
recurring display at several locations in the City Palace with one being depicted on the façade of the Manak Chowk. The largest of
such an emblem is also seen on the wall of the Surya Chopar, a reception centre at the lower level. Surya or Sun emblem of the
Mewar dynasty depicts a Bhil, the Sun, Chittor Fort and a Rajput with an inscription in Sanskrit of a quotation from the Bhagavad
Gita (Hindu holy scripture), which means "God Helps those who do their duty". It was customary for the Maharanas to offer
[3][6][11]
obeisance to the Sun facing east, every morning before taking breakfast.

Mor Chowk

Mor Chowk or Peacock square is integral to the inner courts of the palace. The elaborate design of this chamber consists of three
peacocks (representing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) modeled in high relief and faced with coloured glass
mosaic, built into successive niches in the wall area or jharoka, These were built during Maharana Sajjan Singh’s reign, 200 years
after the palace was established. The peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue
colours. The apartments in front of the Chowk are depicted with scenes of Hindu god Lord Krishna’s legends. At the upper level,
there is a projecting balcony, which is flanked by inserts of coloured glass. In an adjoining chamber, called the Kanch-ki-Burj,
mosaics of mirrors adorn the walls. The Badi Charur Chowk within this chowk is a smaller court for private use. Its screen wall has
painted and inlaid compositions depicting European men and Indian
women. Proceeding further from the Mor-Chowk, in the Zenana
Mahal or women’s quarters exquisitely designed alcoves, balconies,
colored windows, tiled walls and floors are seen.[3][6]

Rang Bhawan

Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to hold the royal treasure. There
are temples of Lord Krishna,Meera Bai and Shiva located here.[6] Left:Three peacocks in Mor Chowk wall. Right:
Pillared hall with glass and mirror mosaic
Sheesh Mahal decorations

Sheess Mahal or Palace of Mirrors and glasses was built in 1716[9] by

Maharana Pratap for his wife Maharani Ajabde.

Museum

In 1974, a part of the city palace and the 'Zenana Mahal' (Ladies Chamber) were converted into a museum. The museum is open for
public.

Visitor information

Front Side of the City Palace

The City Palace is accessible fromUdaipur, which is well connected by road, rail and air links with the rest of the country
.

The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral, midway between Delhi and Mumbai National Highway (NH) 8; it is about700 kilometres
(430 mi), from either metro. The East West Corridor, which starts from Porbandar and ends at Silchar, passes and intersects the
Golden Quadrilateral and shares the common space from Udaipur toChittor.

Train connectivity is established between Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad through trains run by Indian Railway. Udaipur is connected
with Delhi, Kota and Mathura with the "Mewar Express" on broad gauge tracks. Udaipur is connected with Kolkatta, by the "Ananya
Express". A train has also been introduced between Mumbai and Udaipur viaVadodara, Ratlam and Chittorgarh.

Maharana Pratap Airportis 24 kilometres (15 mi) from the city centre. Daily flights connect Udaipur with Jaipur
, Mumbai and Delhi.

[20]
The city palace can be reached from the city by unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas and city bus service.

In popular culture
The palace was picturised as a hotel in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, where Bond (played by Roger Moore) stayed as he
began his quest to apprehend the antagonistKamal Khan (Louis Jordan).[1]

A 1991 documentary film directed for television by Werner Herzog called Jag Mandir consists of footage of an elaborate theatrical
performance for the Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar at the City Palace staged byAndré Heller.

The palace was used for filming part of Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (English: A Play of Bullets: Ram-Leela) 2013 directed by
Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

The palace area of Manak Chowk serves as the venue of the annual Maharana Mewar Foundation Awards, honouring students,
national and international personalities.[21]

Gallery

City Palace Palace View of Exterior view of corner of Rear View of the Palace
courtyards towards Lake the palace
Pichola

Elephant carvings on Inside view of City Rajasthani painting of Royal Swing inside the
Jagdish Mandir Palace, Udaipur. Lord Ganesha, City Palace
Palace.
King's Lavatory Aerial Photography in Picture showing City
India Palace, Udaipur, wide
angle view from the
backside, also showing
Pichola Lake beneath it.

Notes
1. UDAIPUR: Since 1553 CE!-Its Founding & a Concise Photo Fact-File. Ranawat,. PS., 2014. ISBN 978-81-929881-0-
8. Kumbha Exclusives, India.
2. Brown, Lindsay; Amelia Thomas (2008).Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra(https://books.google.com/books?id=Zz0_zXPb6
8kC&pg=PA244). City Palace and Museums. Lonely Planet. p. 244.ISBN 1-74104-690-4. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
3. George, Michell; Antoni Martinelli (1994).The Royal Palaces of India. City Palace Udaipur. London: Thames and
Hudson Ltd. pp. 130–135.ISBN 0-500-34127-3.
4. Henderson, Carol E; Maxine K. Weisgrau (2007). Raj rhapsodies: tourism, heritage and the seduction of history(http
s://books.google.com/books?id=6ozNAdqKfHwC&pg=P A94). The City palace. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. pp. 93, 95–
96. ISBN 0-7546-7067-8. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
5. "History of Udaipur" (http://www.rajasthanholiday.com/india/udaipur/history-of-udaipur.html). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
6. "City Palace, Udaipur" (http://www.udaipur.org.uk/tourist-attractions/citypalace.html). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
7. Abram, David (2003). Rough guide to India (https://books.google.com/books?id=kAMik_6LbwUC&pg=P A229&dq=Cit
y+Palace,+Udaipur#v=onepage&q=City%20Palace%2C%20Udaipur&f=false) . Udaipur, History, City Palace. Rough
Guides. pp. 226–228, 233.ISBN 1-84353-089-9. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
8. Choy, Monique; Sarina Singh (2002).Rajasthan (https://books.google.com/books?id=-mgWtb27t3AC&pg=P A235&d
q=Udaipur+History&cd=15#v=onepage&q=Udaipur%20History&f=false) . Udaipur. Lonely Planet. p. 235.ISBN 1-
74059-363-4. Retrieved 2009-12-15.
9. Henderson p. 95
10. Singh, Sarina (2005). India (https://books.google.com/books?id=Fk8FQa2ZSFQC&pg=P A189&dq=City+Palace,+Ud
aipur#v=onepage&q=City%20Palace%2C%20Udaipur&f=false) . City Palace and Museum. Lonely Planet. pp. 191–
192. ISBN 1-74059-694-3. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
11. Ward p.195
12. Choy p.241
13. Abram p.228
14. A military history of medieval India, 2003, p. 530, "Prince Pravez and Asaf Khan led an army of 20,000 horse which
fought a battle against Rana Amar Singh at Dewar "
15. Srivastava 1969, p. 269.
16. "Udaipur Weather" (http://www.udaipur.org.uk/udaipur-climate.html). Retrieved 2009-12-15.
17. "City Palace, Udaipur" (http://www.udaipur.org.uk/tourist-attractions/citypalace.html). Retrieved 2009-12-14.
18. Henderson p. 95-96
19. Ward, Philip (1989). Northern India, Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi: a travel guidework= City Palace, Udaipur
(https://books.
google.com/books?id=KubCD2jHjEsC&pg=P A194&dq=City+Palace,+Udaipur#v=onepage&q=City%20Palace%2C%
20Udaipur&f=false). Pelican Publishing Company. pp. 193–195, 197–198. ISBN 0-88289-753-5. Retrieved
2009-12-13.
20. "Udaipur City Bus/City Bus View" (https://web.archive.org/web/20090409231339/http://udaipur .nic.in/bus.jpg).
National Informatics Centre. Archived fromthe original (http://udaipur.nic.in/bus.jpg) on 9 April 2009. Retrieved
14 December 2009.
21. "Maharana Mewar Foundation Awards" (http://udaipurinsights.com/mmcf-annual-awards/)
. Retrieved 2016-09-05.

Further reading
The City Palace Museum, Udaipur: paintings of Mewar court life
, by Andrew Topsfield, Pankaj Shah, Government
Museum, Udaipur. Mapin, 1990. ISBN
094414229X.

References
Abram, David (2003). Rough guide to India. Rough Guides. p. 1404.ISBN 1-84353-089-9.
Arnett, Robert (2006). India Unveiled. Atman Press. pp. 216Z.ISBN 0-9652900-4-2.
Brown, Lindsay; Amelia Thomas (2008).Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra. Lonely Planet. p. 420.ISBN 1-74104-690-4.
Choy, Monique; Sarina Singh (2002).Rajasthan. Lonely Planet. p. 400.ISBN 1-74059-363-4.
Henderson, Carol E; Maxine K. Weisgrau (2007). Raj rhapsodies: tourism, heritage and the seduction of history .
Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 236.ISBN 0-7546-7067-8.
Singh, Sarina (2005). India. Lonely Planet. p. 1140.ISBN 1-74059-694-3.
Ward, Philip (1989). Northern India, Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi: a travel guide
. Pelican Publishing Company. p. 240.
ISBN 0-88289-753-5.

External links
The City Palace Museum-Eternal Mewar

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