Built
in the 20th century the palace took 16 long years to be completed and is
the last great palaces to be built in India. The palace derives its name
from Maharaja Umaid Singh who was deeply fascinated by western lifestyle
and hence appointed the Edwardian Architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester to
build the palace on the Chittar hills of Jodhpur. For being built on the
Chittar hills the fort was initially called the Chittar Palace. The
three hundred and forty seven roomed palace is the first biggest private
residence in the world. The building's central dome is about 105 ft high
and the Throne room is exquisitely done with murals from the great epic
Ramayana. The Construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace was undertaken by the Maharaja to also provide relief to the drought affected farmers. The Palace houses a magnificent wood paneled library. The present owner of the Palace Maharaja Gaj Singh has divided the palace into three sections; a private residence, a luxury hotel, and a museum displaying an array of stuffed leopards, pictures, arms and swords of Jodhpur's royal heritage. The Maharaja of Jodhpur along with his family which includes the heir to the Jodhpur throne Yuvraj Shivraj Singh occupies a large section of the magnificent palace.
The Umaid Bhawan Palace is a remarkable example of the western and eastern aesthetics combined together. The high dome of the palace is a fine example of Renaissance architecture while the huge walls of the palace are adorned by beautiful murals picked up from Rajasthani folklore and Hindu epics. The décor of the palace is also done keeping in mind the rich Jodhpuri traditions. The furniture at the palace includes some of the finest antique wooden pieces. If one intends to experience Rajput royalty at its best then perhaps Umaid Bhawan Palace is the place to be at.