subject: Palaces Of Rajasthan [print this page] Rajasthan, the land of the royal Rajputs is a place which is known not only in the Indian Sub Continent but also throughout the world. It is one of the popular tourist destination. Like any other part of the nation, it also has a large history and the forts and palaces which still reside in the state are the perfect example of them.
The history of Rajasthan began before 2500 BC and the advent of the Aryans, Mughals and other races gave rise to the amazing Rajputs, who are still renowned for their chivalry, valour and sense of honour till this day. The royal lineage and martial nature of the Rajputs resulted in the imposing architecture of the forts and palaces of Rajasthan. Many of these palaces have since been converted to luxurious hotels after independence, when the numerous princely states merged into the Indian union.
Udaipur:
known as the city of lakes, Udaipur is a place which gives you a sense of being grand. The air of the place in itself is great and the various things that it offers is another remarkable thing that attracts you. Some of these Rajasthan palaces have become bywords of all that is regal, gracious and honorable about the heritage and culture of Rajasthan. Among them, the most famous must be the Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur. The palace covers the entire 1.5 hectares of the Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Lake Pichola. This wondrous structure was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 and is certainly one of the most popular destinations for the tourist, if not to stay then at least to stare in awestruck admiration.
Chittorgarh:
Another Rajasthan palace, which is much written and spoken about, is what is known as Padminis Palace in Chittorgarh. Here is the lotus pond where Alauddin Khilji the Pathan king saw the reflection of the beauteous queen and vowed to make her, his own. The story of Maharana Ratan Singh riding out to sure slaughter and the queen and other women committing ritual suicide (jauhar) is written in letters of gold in the heritage of Rajasthan. The massive Chittorgarh Fort stands180 m high on a hillock spread over 240 hectares.
Jaipur:
the capital city of the state, the pink city, the definition of Jaipur is not confined to one single saying. Maharana Sawai Jai Singh was the founder of Jaipur and built the City Palace Complex, which is one of the most popular sites in the Pink City. The Maharana built several incredible architectural wonders, but the City Palace remains a landmark structure in Rajasthan's culture. The palace a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani styles is now the Sawai Man Singh Museum II and houses some beautiful costumes, priceless Pashmina shawls and other artefacts of the time. The various places which are visited are worth visiting, the best examples of Rajput architecture can be witnessed in this beautified capital.
There are many more palaces to be seen in the remarkable state of Rajasthan. These include the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Nathmal Ki Haveli in Jaisalmer: the Jal Mahal in Jaipur and many more. The landscape of Rajasthans history, culture and heritage is dotted with these magnificent memorials to a golden era. Everything that the royal state of the brave royals have is amazingly perfect as it has perfection and the forts and palaces still stand tall even after years of violent natural attacks. The state is worth saluting.
