Rajasthan Palaces - Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Bharatpur and Bikaner

A group of art historians came from Boston to explore the palaces of Rajasthan they had heard of the rich artistic treasures on display in each of these grand monuments.

Royalty and Rajasthan go together each king and nobleman built his flamboyant palace to live in regal splendour. The medieval palaces were situated inside the fortresses, secure from the attacks of Muslim invaders. As peace was made with the Moghuls, the palaces became more relaxed, with halls, pleasure rooms and gardens. And finally in the late British period the maharajahs flaunted their status by replicating ornate British mansions and trying to outdo their overlords.

City Palace - This has been the abode of the rulers of Jaipur since 1750s. It is an impressive mix of Mughal and Rajput architecture - with large courtyards and gardens, and elaborate private dwellings. It is now partly the 'City Palace Museum' and partly the residence of the Jaipur Maharaja.

Highlights:

City Palace- This is Rajasthan's largest palace complex sprawled on the banks of the Lake Pichola, and has a series of palaces built by various kings from the 16^th to 20^th centuries. It has a fascinating range of architecture, spanning Rajput, Moghul and British styles.

Highlights:

• Old Palace Complex - this is a maze of living quarters, halls and courtyards, all linked by narrow corridors and knee-breaking staircases - typical of the fort palaces of the 16^th and 17^th centuries.
• City Palace Museum - a fascinating collection from all over the world reflecting the various Maharajahs personal whims - displayed in gorgeous rooms and halls.
• Chandra Mahal - a beautiful and ornate palace with marble carvings, jaali windows and many arched doorways leading from one hall to another.
• Dilkhush Mahal - has a red and silver glass enclosed hall and a miniature painting collection housed in the Krishna Nivas.
• Moti Mahal - the once gem-encrusted chambers of Maharana Jawan Singh.
• Fateh Prakash - the portrait gallery of the maharajahs that flaunts a crystal furniture set (it is a luxury hotel, but visitors can tour it.)

CITY PALACE

This is now mainly an industrial town, but the 17^th century palace on the banks of the Chambal River, merits a visit. The Durbar Hall is very impressive and so is the ebony and ivory gates leading inside. Every room is crammed with miniature paintings, antique furniture, wall hangings and murals.

A short drive from Bharatpur is the 18^th century summer residence of the Jat Kings of Bharatpur. The palace complex is in very good condition and has lovely trees and gardens around it. The highlight is a reservoir which collected rainwater and passed it all around the palace through hidden channels and pipes for natural air-conditioning. The palace also has a series of fountains around it, meant to simulate rain - unfortunately these are not put on everyday, but one can imagine what a wonderful sight they must have been.