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 'CityPalaceMuseum' and partly the residence of the Jaipur Maharaja.
Highlights:
Mubarak Mahal - A mini palace which now has the royal costumes and textiles gallery.
Sileh Khana - The royal armoury that has one of the best collections of Rajput weaponry.
Chandra Mahal - a flamboyant seven-story palace - can only be seen from outside.
Diwan-i-Khas - displays the giant silver urns (world's largest) in which Raja Madho Singh II carried Ganga jal to London.
Diwan-I-Aam - has a fantastic collection of miniature paintings, carpets,
maunuscripts; and a stunning silver throne and ivory howdah.
City Palace- This is Rajasthan's largest palace complex sprawled on the banks of the LakePichola, and has a series of palaces built by various kings from the 16th to 20th 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 16th and 17th centuries.
CityPalaceMuseum - 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.)
In the north-west frontier of Rajasthan stands the red sandstone Junagarh Fort - it was never conquered by outsiders and so takes pride in its pristine condition. Within the fort is a beautiful complex of palaces, temples and courtyards built by the kings who lived there
This is now mainly an industrial town, but the 17th century palace on the banks of the ChambalRiver, 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 18th 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.
Explore Rajasthan - Rajasthan is considered to be the land of monuments because the desert land of Rajasthan is dotted with many timeless and spectacular forts & palaces.
Travel Essay: Dreaming of Rajasthan - Travel Essay on a trip to Rajasthan: Driving directions, Road condition, Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal, Culture etc.,
Official Websites
Rajasthan Tourism - Rajasthan Tourism Government portal - Official website of Dept. of Tourism, covers Places of Interest in Rajasthan, Forts in Rajasthan and Transportation in Rajasthan.
Government of Rajasthan - Rajasthan Government portal covering diverse topics including health, tourism, culture, climate, Tenders and e-Governance.
Other Useful Links
Pushkar Camel Fair - Pushkar Camel Fair is a Livestock fair in India. The Pushkar fair features thousands of people, camels and horses. Buyers and sellers come to negotiate deals over their prized animals.
Palace on Wheels Train - The possibility of traveling in royal splendor of a bygone era has become a reality with the introduction of Palace on Wheels.
