The India Zone

Palaces in Rajasthan
The forts and palaces in Rajasthan provide a colorful picture to the otherwise barren and dull skyline of Rajasthan. 'Land of Chivalry and Valiance', Rajasthan is endowed with several palaces that have stood the test of time. They have successfully defended their masters from the enemy attack, protected them from the tough weather and now attract a number of tourists every year. The palaces in Rajasthan have either been converted into heritage hotels or museums. Visit the palaces in Rajasthan to see the awe-inspiring architecture, lavish ornamentation and rich lifestyle of the nobility.

The major palaces in Rajasthan are:

City Palace, Alwar
Built according to styles of architecture of the Mughals and Rajputs, the City Palace was built in 1793 AD by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. Several gates, namely, Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate, surround the fort. There are ruins of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples. The palace where Jahangir had stayed during his exile is called the Salim Mahal. Mahraja Pratap Singh captured the palace in 1775 AD. Now palace houses many government offices including office of the Collectorate. The palace also has a museum with an personal collection of the Maharajas of Alwar; swords belonging to different kings like that of Sultan Muhammad Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb and Ragamala paintings and miniatures belonging to Alwar, Bundi and Mughal school of painting. Of the most interest are some of the rare manuscripts including an illustrated Mahabharata, Gulistan and Shah Nama.

City Palace, Jaipur
Reflecting the fusion of the Mughal and Rajasthani architectural influence, the City Palace is the erstwhile royal residence. The palace houses various buildings that include Mubarak Mahal, Palace of Reception; Maharani Palace, Queen's Palace; Diwan-I-Aam, Hall of Public Audience and Diwan-I-Khas, Hall of Private Audience. The City Palace has now been converted into a museum with some very interesting artifacts on display. Mubarak Mahal is called the Maharaja Sawai Singh II Museum with exhibition of the royal costumes like the Pashmina Shawls, Banarasi Silk Saris, Sanganeri Prints and Folk Embroidery. Rajput Weapons are showcased in the Maharani Palace. Diwan-I-Aam has been turned into the Art Gallery with exquisite collection of original handwritten manuscripts of Hindu scriptures, and miniature paintings of Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. The Chandra Mahal is still occupied by the present royal family.

Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
Ram Bagh was a simple building with a few pleasure pavilions outside the walled city of Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II converted it into a hunting lodge and named Ram Bagh or the Garden of Ram. Maharaja Madho Singh added more rooms in 1887 AD to accommodate his royal guests and transformed it into a luxurious 26 rooms mansion. In 1931, Maharaja Man Singh carried out renovation to extend and modernize the palace. He also refurbished the royal suites of the palace in 1940 when he married Princess Gayatri Devi. Later the Rambagh Palace was converted into a heritage hotel and was inaugurated on 8th December 1957. In 1968, the hotel was expanded from 26 rooms to 80 rooms. Taj Group of Hotels took over the management of the Rambagh Palace in the year 1972. Today Rambagh Palace has a total of 106 rooms including 4 special suites.

City Palace, Udaipur
Dominating over the Lake Pichola is the City Palace. Although the palace was started by Maharana Uday Singh and additions made by subsequent rulers yet it has managed to retained remarkable uniformity in plan and design. The palace has three main gates, namely, the Hathi Pol, Elephant Gate; Bari Pol, Big Gate and the Tripolia, Triple Gate. The entry is from the Hathi Pol. The palace houses a museum with a display of a vast and diverse array of artifacts. The museum is entered through the Ganesh Deori, Door of Lord Ganesh. The important buildings of the palace are the Suraj Gokhada or Balcony of the Sun; Mor Chowk or Peacock Square; Rajya Angan, Royal Courtyard; Manak Mahal, Ruby Palace; Moti Mahal, Pearl Palace; Chini Mahal, Palace with Ornamental Tiles; Surya Chopar, Sun Square; Bari Mahal, Central Garden; Zenana Mahal, Ladies Chamber and Lakshmi Chowk, White Pavilion.
Jag Mandir, Udaipur
Towards the south of the lake lies the summer palace, Jag Mandir, initiated by Rana Karan Singh but completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I. Jagat Singh extended the island palace, added a Zenana Mahal, Women's Quarter and named the palace Jag Mandir after himself. The elephant statues look as if they are guarding the palace. Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) was given shelter in a domed pavilion here when he had revolted his father, Emperor Jahangir. to make the stay of the prince comfortable, mosque and a throne were built for him. It is said that this palace was the inspiration behind the design of Taj Mahal. Now the palace has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel.

Lake Palace, Udaipur
Built in the 17th century AD, the Lake Palace stands in the middle of the Lake Pichola on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. Initially called Jag Niwas after its founder Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace was built as the summer resort. The buildings within the palace are the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. The palace has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel with 17 suites and 53 rooms. The hotel is managed by Taj Group of Hotels.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Built from 1929 to 1943 with 3000 artisans, the Umaid Bhawan Palace is the largest private residence in the world. Designed by Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, the palace was built as famine relief project by Maharaja Umaid Sigh. The palace is also known as the Chittar Palace because of the use of the locally available Chittar sandstone. The interesting structures within the palace are the Central Rotunda, Throne Room, wood-Paneled Library, Private Museum, Indoor Swimming Pool, Billiards Rooms, Tennis Court and Squash Court. The palace houses a museum with the splendid collection of weapons, stuffed elephants, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria. The palace has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel with 98 rooms including suites. A part of the palace is still retained by the present Maharaja Gaj Singh II as his residence quarters. The hotel is managed by Taj Group of Hotels.

Lal Garh Palace, Bikaner
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh, Lal Garh Palace was built in 1902. Sir Swinton Jacob designed the palace, which is a fusion of the Rajput and Colonial architectural features. The red sandstone palace houses a museum in the Ganga Niwas built during the reign of Maharaja Sir Ganga Singh. On display are the miniature paintings, hunting trophies, manuscripts, weapons, photographs and a World War I Bi-Plane. The library of the palace exhibits the largest collection of the original Sanskrit manuscripts on parchments and copper and gold and silver plaques. The Shri Sad-Ul Museum comprises a part of the palace with fine collections of books, photographs, manuscripts and albums. The palace has been converted into a luxury heritage hotel run by Welcomgroup of Hotels.