India 2014 - Udaipur

City Palace

Welcome committee near the City Palace
Welcome committee near the City Palace

The City Palace of Udaipur, picturesquely situated at the shores of Pichola Lake in the centre of Udaipur, is said to be Indias largest palace complex.

 

Udaipur was founded in 1533 by Maharana Udai Singh who also started construction of the palace. City and  palace were build at the same time as the Maharaja had decided to move his capital from Chittor to this place that was better suited to defend the invading armies of Mughal Emperor Akba.

Several generations of rulers added to the complex that today consists of 11 palaces, namely the most famous one Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), Manek Mahal (Ruby Palace), Badi Mahal and Zenana Mahal (ladies quarters).

  • Udaipur 18.11.2014: Construction of the City Palace was begun by the city founder Maharaja Udai Singh II in 1568.
  • Udaipur 18.11.2014: City Palace at night.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Tripolia Gate, built 1711, leading to Manek Chowk and the entrance to the city palace museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Original armour and weapon of Rana Pratap Singh (1540-1597). He was the ruler of Mewar and successfully fought the Mughals.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Acvcording to legend this is said to be the very spot where 1568 the founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh II, met a hermit who advised him to build a new city on at this place.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Baadi Mahal (1699) with a central courtyard inside the city palace museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Baadi Mahal (1699) with a central courtyard inside the city palace museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Baadi Mahal (1699) inside the city palace museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Baadi Mahal (1699) inside the city palace museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: City palace museum, private chamber of the Maharaja.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Moti Mahala (Pearl Palace).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Moti Mahala (Pearl Palace).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Inside the City Palace.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Manek Mahal (Ruby Palace).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: City Palace Museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Pritam Niwas, private apartment of Maharana Buphal Singh.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Maharana Buphal Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, joining Mewar to the Indian Junion 1948.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Surya Choupad, symbol of the Mewar dynasty, descendants from the sun.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Balance to balance out a Maharaja in gold.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Ruby Palace at one end of Mor Chowk.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Ruby Palace at one end of Mor Chowk.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard), famous for its detailed mosaics.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Upper galery of Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard).
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: City Palace Museum.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Laxmi Chowk, courtyard of the Zenana.
  • Udaipur 19.11.2014: Zenana Mahal, royal ladie's quarters 17th century.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: City Palace - corridor leading to the Durbar Hall.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: City Palace - Durbar Hall and the famous crystall gallery.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: City Palace - Durbar Hall, partait of the residing Maharaja and his wife.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Durbar Hall and Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel (right wing).

Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli is a townhouse (haveli is a term often encountered in northern india and means townhouse) next to Gangori Ghat at Lake Pichola in the old town of Udaipur. The palace (138 rooms) was built in 18th century by the Prime Minister of Mewar and today serves as a home to several museums: A museum about Mewar’s aristocratic culture, a museum of modern art, another museum concerned about turbans - the worlds biggest turban is on display here.

  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Entrance court of Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: The Haveli was built by the Prime Minister of Mewar in 18th century.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Later Bagore Ki Haveli was property of the royal family of Mewar.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum. A fine display of the culture and heritage of the royal family of Mewar.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: On display at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum are items of the royal household of past times.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli has more than 130 rooms and several courtyards.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Games for royal entertainment at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Cradle of a Maharaja at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, Chamber of the Maharani.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, private quarters of the royal family.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, private quarters of the royal family.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, private quarters of the royal family.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Glas window at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Bagore Ki Haveli Museum also has fine collection of typical Rajasthan instruments.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: According to Guinnes Book the worlds biggest turban at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.

Lake Pichola - Jagniwas Island and Jag Mandir

  • Udaipur 18.11.2014: Jagniwas Island, completely covered by the Taj Palace Hotel.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Keeping Lake Pichola clean.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: View of Lake Pichola and Jagniwas Island from the Durbar Hall.
  • Udaipur 18.11.2014: Jagniwas Island, covered by the Taj Palace Hotel.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Lake Pichola at night, Jagniwas Island (left) and Jag Mandir (right).
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Performance at a wedding, Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Performance at a wedding, Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel.
  • Udaipur 20.11.2014: Performance at a wedding, Oberoi Udaivilas Hotel.