Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur, Rajasthan is the principal residence of the former royal family of Dungarpur and operates as a heritage hotel. A part of the palace is a museum.
| Udai Bilas Palace | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Rajput architecture |
| Town or city | Dungarpur |
| Country | India |
| Owner | Harshvardhan Singh |
| Website | |
| https://udaibilaspalace.com | |
History
editIt was constructed in the mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh II, after whom it is named.[1][2] It was later expanded by his descendants.[2] Three new wings were added between 1940 and 1944.[3] It was originally a weekend retreat for the royal family from the 13th-century Juna Mahal.[3] Previously, the family resided at Juna Mahal; however, they relocated here in the mid-20th century.[4]
During the princely era, a force numbering between 59 and 101 over the years was employed to mount guard at the Udai Bilas and the old palaces.[5][6][7] It also provided escorts to the Maharawal and Maharani.[5][6][7]
Architecture
editIt is built in the classic Rajput architectural style.[2] The structure features intricate designs on its balconies, arches, and windows.[2] It is located next to Gaib Sagar Lake.[8] One of its wings, built using the local bluish-grey stone known as pareva, overlooks the lake.[2] The palace is divided into three sections: Raniwas, Udai Bilas, and Ek Thambiya Mahal.[2]
Interior
editIts interior features a fusion of Indian and European styles.[3] Its rooms have British floral wallpapers and art deco furniture.[3] The rooms feature decorative mirrorwork and stained glass.[3] African room at the palace houses one of the best collections of hunting trophies in the world.[3][9]
Structures within the complex
editEk Thambiya Mahal
editEk Thambiya Mahal (meaning: single-pillared palace),[10] also known as Krishna Prakash, was built by Maharawal Shiv Singh between 1730 and 1785 in memory of Gyan Kanwar as Shivjaneshwar Shivalay.[2][11] It features intricately sculpted pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches, and a frieze of marble carvings.[2]
Shiva Rajeshwar temple
editMaharawal Shiv Singh constructed a temple dedicated to Shiva Rajeshwar at the southeastern edge of Gaib Sagar Lake.[12] Now located within the Udai Bilas precincts, this temple once hosted an annual month-long fair.[12]
Dungarpur Mews
editThe palace also houses a museum featuring classic and vintage cars, known as Dungarpur Mews.[10][13] It also has a car bar.[13]
Gallery
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Courtyard where the Ek Thambiya Mahal is located. -
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Courtyard where the Ek Thambiya Mahal is located. -
Courtyard where the Ek Thambiya Mahal is located. -
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Dining room with hunting trophies lining the walls -
Marble inlay table with water pool down the center -
Dining room with hunting trophies lining the walls -
Dungarpur Mews in Udai Bilas Palace -
Dungarpur Mews in Udai Bilas Palace -
Dungarpur Mews in Udai Bilas Palace -
Dungarpur Mews in Udai Bilas Palace -
Ek Thambiya Mahal -
Courtyard where the Ek Thambiya Mahal is located. -
Hunting trophies lining the walls -
Hunting trophy at Udai Bilas
References
edit- ^ Betts, Vanessa; McCulloch, Victoria (27 September 2013). India - The North: Forts, Palaces, the Himalaya Dream Trip. Footprint Travel Guides. p. 117. ISBN 978-1-907263-74-3.
- ^ a b c d e f g h RajRAS (2 March 2018). Art Architecture & Culture of Rajasthan. RajRAS. pp. 75–76.
- ^ a b c d e f Wilson, Henry (2001). India : decoration, interiors, design. Internet Archive. New York : Watson-Guptill Publications. p. 64. ISBN 978-0-8230-2513-8.
- ^ "The Juna Mahal at Dungarpur". Trotting on. 5 May 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ a b Not Available (1915). Report On The Administration Of The Dungarpur State, Rajputana, For 1914-15. p. 38.
- ^ a b Not Available (1914). Report On The Administration Of The Dungarpur State, Rajputana For 1913-14. pp. 49–50.
- ^ a b Not Available (1919). Report On The Administration Of The Dungarpur State, Rajputana. pp. 25–26.
- ^ Country Life. Country Life, Limited. 1998. p. 22.
- ^ Meola, Eric (2013). India : in word & image. Internet Archive. New York : Welcome Books. p. 175. ISBN 978-1-59962-128-9.
- ^ a b "Dungarpur's grandeur dazzles". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
- ^ ANSHDEEP (1 June 2024). RAJASTHAN GK. 50 DISTRICTS | ENGLISH MEDIUM: UPDATED EDITION 2024. Intend Education. p. 51.
- ^ a b Xxxxxxxx (1911). Short History Of The Dungarpur State. pp. 86–89.
- ^ a b "Dungarpur Mews: A Place To Discover The World Of Automobilia". deRivaz & Ives. 8 December 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2024.