Jodhpur - Umaid Bhawan Palace
How The Palace Was Constructed
This important palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh who ruled from 1911-47
was the last expression of princely architectural extravaganza during the British
Raj. It was in 1925 that Umaid Singh went to London in search of an architect
and commissioned the firm of Lancaster and Lodge to build the palace. The foundation
stone was laid in 1929 at Chittar Hill- a sight dictated by astrological considerations.
"Striking indeed is the impression of romance and dignity which this occasion
conveys" said Col. Windham at the time of its inaugaration, adding while
addressing the king "It conjures up both a retrospect of the past and a
prospect of the future Your Highness.
Chittar-ka-Bangla
It took some 3000 people working round the clock some 15 years to complete and
ranks as one of the world’s largest residences. The massive structure is
also referred to as Chittar-ka-Bangla or Chittar Bungalow. The 347-room building
was designed by Henry Lanchester, an understudy of Edwin Lutyens (who designed
most of New Delhi) it contains two huge wings separated by a double dome 185
feet tall.
Rajmahal
The primary entrance to the palace is called the Rajmahal, which contains the
traditional Rathore coat-of-arms, bearing the sacred kite, an incarnation of
the family goddess. Its symbol is omnipresent in the palace and as a mark of
reverence, kite hunting is not allowed in Jodhpur. It houses several banquet
halls and ball rooms where the monarch used to entertain his guests (usually
European), a billiard hall and an imposing Durbar Hall.
The palace was also built with superficial intentions of providing employment
to famine stricken farmers. The Palace now is a five star deluxe palace hotel.
The museum of the palace is highly recommended for its display of weapons, an
array of stuffed leopards, a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria and an
incredible collection of clocks.
This is known as Umaid Bhawan Palace because of the particular type of sandstone
used, to build it - which is not weathered. Portions of the Umaid palace have
been converted into a hotel and a museum.
Located in the Thar Desert, Jodhpur is known for its impressive fortified bastions,
specially those of Mehrangarh Fort, which has been a witness for many battles
and is associated closely with the history of the region.
Being a part of the desert triangle, and venue of Marwar Festival it is also
covered by the famous "Palace on Wheels", a super luxurious (emperor
style) rail-cum-road package tour.
The city again is of high tourist attraction and has all basic amenities for
both domestic and foreign tourists.
Hotels from Super Deluxe ranging to low budge can be checked in. It is well
connected by rail, road and air to the city as it again witnesses high flow
of tourist traffic in winters.
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