Udaipur – The Roots of the Royal History

If you ask any Udaipurite, they will tell you what the City of Lakes means to them. We see a lot of love for the city when we talk to city residents. The picturesque city of Udaipur is surrounded by the lush Aravali Ranges. The connection of the lakes in Udaipur creates a distinct lake system. People come from all over the world to experience the tranquilly of the city, which is located in the quiet surroundings of a deep forest.

A Short History

In 1553, Maharana Udai Singh relocated his capital from Chittorgarh to a lush valley area, naming the area Udaipur.

When Maharana Udai Singh was in exile in Kumbhalgarh, he began to appreciate the advantages of the hilly regions. He decided to relocate his capital, and he chose the eastern shore of Lake Pichola as his new location. While out hunting in the mountains, he came across a hermit named Goswami Premgiriji. The hermit granted him permission to build the Pichola palace near the lake’s edge. As a result, he decided to relocate the capital from Chittaurgarh to Girwa Valley.

The Founding Day

Maharana Udai Singh dedicated the city on the auspicious Aakhaa-Teej day in 1553 (15th April 1553).

When the Mughal Empire threatened Mewar and took control of Chittorgarh fort in 1567, Udai Singh built a six-kilometre-long wall to defend Udaipur. The wall was adorned with seven gates.

When the Mughal Emperors Akbar and later Aurangzeb invaded the city, the Maharana had an advantage due to the city’s elevation.

Along with the capital city, Maharana Udai Singh built a massive masonry dam in his honour, which he named Udaisagar.

After changing the Capital

The Maharana generously donated land for a new city and invited people from all castes and communities to settle there.

While the general public built regular houses, the nobility and traders moved here and built their own Havelis. In addition to the bathing ghats, step wells were constructed along the Pichola’s banks.

Maharana Jagat Singh-I added more rooms to the palace established by Maharana Udai Singh, and he also improved the city’s temples and the Jagmandir island palace. Amar Kund, Rang Sagar, Kumbhariya Talab, and Swaroop Sagar are the four new waterbodies added to Pichola to the north over the years.

Post Mughals

When the Mughal Empire began to crumble, the Sisodia declared independence and reclaimed Udaipur and the rest of Mewar, with the exception of Chittorgarh. The Sisodias held Udaipur and the surrounding lands until it was converted into a princely state and placed under British control.

Udaipur’s Exquisite Geography

Udaipur is located in the southernmost region of the state of Rajasthan, close to the Gujarat border. The number of lakes and the Aravalli Range, which serves as a boundary and separates the city from the Thar desert, give the city a distinct climate and terrain.

Want to Go and Feel this History? But where can you stay in Udaipur?

If money isn’t an issue and you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Udaipur, this city may meet all of your needs.

If you are a solo traveller or have a limited budget and are looking for a hostel in Udaipur, you have several options.

Conclusion

A full tour of Udaipur will take at least 3-4 days. If you only have a few days, plan on spending at least two days in this picturesque city in Rajasthan.

Also Read: 10 Ways to Style Your Wedding Koozies for a Unique and Memorable Celebration

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