The
Palaces of Rajasthan are the essence of the heritage of Rajasthan.
Serving as the residences of the Royal families the Palaces are a
perfect blend of the Rajput and Mughal architecture. These grand
monuments are the living reminders of the lifestyle and history of the
kings of Rajasthan. The Palaces of Rajasthan stand not only as
independent structures but are even found within several fort complexes.
These Palaces are the true examples of the exquisite architecture of
Rajasthan. The Palaces encompass beautiful gardens, fountains, temples,
durbars, separate men and women quarters within its fold. Today most of
the Palaces serve as heritage hotels and also house some of the finest
museums of Rajasthan. After the Royal house the merchants were the most affluent class in Rajasthan. In keeping with their prestige the merchants got heavily decorated mansions or havelis built as a place of their residence. Like Palaces the havelis are found in almost all the cities of Rajasthan but the mansions of Jaisalmer and Shekhawati region are the most elaborate and popular ones. The havelis of Rajasthan are adorned by beautiful frescoes in vibrant colors like blue, indigo, maroon, red, green and yellow. The walls of the havelis are a visual treat with their beautiful paintings depicting scenes from mythology, daily life and colorful customs of Rajasthan. The mansions are indeed a reflection of the excellent craftsmanship of the Hindu and Muslim workers.
City Palace (Jaipur)
Situated amidst the heart of the walled city, City palace Jaipur was built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh and later the following rulers made extensions to it. A section of the City palace still serves as the residence of the royal family of Jaipur; however the ground floor and other sections of the Palace are open for public viewing and are currently acting as museums.
Hawa Mahal (Jaipur)
The Palace of Winds is centrally located in the city of Jaipur and is an unusual structure with 953 small windows at the large wall facing the street today to allow breeze to enter in the hot months of summers. It was built by the poet king Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 for the women of the royal family to view the royal processions in the street below from the palace without being visible themselves.
City Palace (Udaipur)
Built by Maharana Uday Singh the founder of the city of Udaipur City palace has been continuously extended by successive Maharanas but still retains its uniformity. Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola the palace can be entered through Hati pol or the elephant gate which further takes one to the two other gates of the palace the Tripolia, a triple arched gate and Bari pol or the big gate.
Lake Palace (Udaipur)
The summer palace of the Maharana of Udaipur Lake palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743.Originally known as the Jag Niwas the palace is built over an entire island over Lake Pichola.
Umaid Bhawan Palace (Jodhpur)
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.
Jal Mahal (Jaipur)
Situated in the centre of the Mansarobar Lake, the Water Palace of Jaipur was built in the 18th century. Built for royal duck shooting parties the palace has the scenic Nahargarh hill as its background. The five storied Mahal has nearly four stories submerged in water and is entered through a causeway situated in the middle of the Mansarobar Lake. The palace is now abandoned but looks splendid during monsoons.
Lalgarh Palace (Bikaner)
Built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in 1902 in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh, the imposing red stone structure is an architectural marvel of Rajasthan. The palace is an example of hybrid architecture combining Mughal, Rajput and European styles. This oriental fantasy designed by Sir Swinton Jacob can be categorized as the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The exterior of the palace tells the Rajput tale while the interiors of the palace are distinctly oriental. The Palace is an example of superb craftsmanship as can be made out from the beautiful latticework and filigree work. The corridors of the palace are adorned by beautiful paintings and several hunting trophies. Sprawling bougainvillea in the Palace garden and Peacocks add to the beauty of the palace. The palace has now been turned into a heritage hotel.
Patwon Ki Haveli (Jaisalmer)
Patwon ki Haveli or the mansion of the brocade workers is one of the oldest and most elaborate hawelis of Jaisalmer. It has exquisitely carved pillars, corridors and chambers and is known for its beautiful jharokhas or balconies. The five storied haveli is divided into six apartments, two owned by Archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate crafts shop and two private homes.
Salim Singh ki Haveli (Jaisalmer)
Named after the Prime Minister of Jaisalmer Salim Singh the haweli is nearly 300 years old. The mansion has a beautiful arched roof with superbly carved brackets in the form of peacocks. The front facade of the haveli resembles a ship stern hence the haveli is also referred to as the jahazmahal. Two sandstone tuskers guard the entrance of the haveli. The haveli consists of as many as 38 balconies all built in distinct styles. Legend has it that the minister wanted to get the haveli built of the same height as that of the palace of the Maharaja but the King would not have this and got the two stories torn down.
Nathmlal Ki Haveli
One of the ostentatious and recent haveli of Jaisalmer to be built in 1885 AD by the Architect brothers Lulu and Hathi, the Haveli has a unique story to tell about its construction. The two architect brothers took to left and right size respectively for constructing the haveli, yet the haveli boasts of striking symmetry. Life-size replica of elephants in yellow sandstone guards the entrance of the haveli. The right and left wing of the haveli are adorned by miniature paintings of flora, cattle and horses.
Nawalgarh Havelis (Shekhawati)
Referred to as the Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan due to magnificent murals and frescoes from mythology, legendary tales and contemporary lifestyle adorning the havelis of Nawalgarh, these are a visual treat to the spectator. On the west of the Nawalgarh fort are a group of havelis known as aath havelis (meaning eight). The haveli depicts the life-size paintings of camel, horses and elephants. Krishna legends miniature paintings adorn the walls of Murarka haveli opposite the aath haveli. To the north is the Hem Raj Kulwal haveli which you can enter through an ornate silver door. Other notable havelis are Bhagton ki choti Haveli, Parusrampuria Haveli, Dharni Dhakra Haveli, Chhauchharia Haveli, Hira Lal Sarowgi Haveli and Geevrajka Haveli which are all art galleries in themselves. The interior of these havelis have a vibrant riot of colors just bewitching you with their beauty. Most of these havelis belonged to the affluent merchant class of the region and truly reflect their ostentatious lifestyle.
Mandawa Havelis (Shekhawati)
The second Open Art Gallery of Rajasthan, the havelis of Mandawa are similar to the havelis of Nawalgarh in terms of the beautiful frescoes and murals which add beauty to these havelis. Built in the Jaipur style of architecture there are pleasant courtyards, gardens and balconies with a splendid view of the Mandawa fort which one gets from the Mandawa havelis. Displaying the skillful craftsmanship of Rajput artisans is the Goenka Double haveli. The haveli is adorned by life-sized portraits of the royal men, traditional Rajasthani women and religious motifs. The haveli has monumental façade of elephants and horses and has two principal gateways. The Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli has religiously inspired frescoes like Lord Shiva on Nandi and Lord Indra on his elephant. The Jhunjhunwala haveli is famous for its intricately carved and painted ceiling and the golden leaf painted walls. Paintings of Lord Krishna with the gopis (milkmaids) also adorn the walls. Carved archways, latticed windows and intricate designs are found in Murmuria haveli as well. Besides traditional frescoes and murals the Murmuria haveli has modern paintings also like the one depicting Jawaharlal Nehru with the National Flag on a horseback. Mohanlal Saraf Haveli, Chowkhani Haveli, Bhagchandika Haveli, Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli and Lakshmi Narayan Ladia Haveli and the Newtia Haveli are some of the other majestic havelis of Mandawa.
Fateh Prakash Palace (Udaipur)
Located at the shore of Lake Pichola the palace is named after the great ruler of Mewar Maharana Fateh Singh who once resided in the palace. The corridors of the palace are adorned by huge paintings of the Mewar style of art which were lavishly patronized between 17th and 19th century. The palace houses one of the most splendid Durbar Halls of India. The main attraction of the durbar is the huge chandelier in the middle of the hall. There are a number of galleries around the hall for the women to view the proceedings in the hall. The durbar is adorned by the weapons and life sized paintings of the Maharanas of Mewar.
The crystal gallery of the palace has no match to it; Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered most of the crystals now displayed at the gallery. A unique piece in this gallery is the intricate crystal studded carpet. The gallery houses numerous other crystal studded items and furniture like dressers, sofa sets, tables, beds, washing bowls and fountains. The palace provides one of the most picturesque views of the Lake city of Udaipur.
City Palace (Alwar)
Vinay Vilas Mahal or the City Palace Alwar was built in 1793 AD by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. The palace is uniquely a blend of Mughal and Rajput style of Architecture. The central courtyard has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases. Once the residence for the royalty the palace is now converted partly into the district government office and on the second floor is the museum. In the vicinity of the palace is the artificial Lake built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1815. A marvelous Chattri with Bengali roof and arches also known as Moosi Maharani ki Chattri adorns the Palace. The presence of a picturesque garden Purjan Vihar (Company garden) laid during the reign of Maharaja Shiva Dan Singh in 1868 AD ads to the beauty of the palace.
The museum displays the collection of the royal memorabilia and has one of the finest collections of Rajput and Mughal paintings. The Government museum is also famous for having the rarest ancient and medieval age manuscripts in Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and Urdu like the 200 foot long illustrated Mahabharata, Waqiat-e-Babari (autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babur), Gulistan and Shahnama. The museum also exhibits pieces of armory belonging to Sultan Mohamed Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb.