Udaipur district General information
Udaipur , also known as the City of Lakes, is a city in, and the administrative headquarters of, the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.[citation needed]
It is known for its Rajput-era palaces. Particularly famous is the Lake Palace, which covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels.
HISTORY
Maharana Udai Singh founded the city of Udaipur after his old capital which was based around the Chitthorgarh fort was sacked by the Mughals under Emperor Akbar. There were frequent attacks on chitthorgarh by the mughal army. In 1567, the capital of Mewar, Chittor, was sacked for the third time by the armies of the Mughal Emperor Akbar; Rana Udai Singh 11 withdrew into the hills and ravines of the Aravalli.According to legend, the Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected because of an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains.Also it was a fertile land with lake on three side. Maharana Udai Singh followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. .Rana Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the other royal houses of Rajputana. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,only five remain. The Suraj Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city Maharana the title of the Udaipur rulers means Light of the Hindus.
The famous "white" city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake's calm waters. Udaipur is voted one of the most romantic cities of India.Due to an abundance of water, there are a number of gardens in and out of town. There are a number of reservoirs surrounding the town, along with a few forts and ancient ruins.
Fair & festivals
Shilpgram Festival: Shilpgram, a crafts village 3km west of Fateh Sagar, has displays of traditional houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. There are also demonstrations by musicians, dancers, or artisans from these states. The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to an array of exquisite art and craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival.
Mewar Festival : The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival. During the festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind. The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival. The Mewar Festival in March - April
They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.
Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programs. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.
Gangaur Festival : Gangaur festival which comes in March - April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction. During this festival women carry the idols of goddess Parvati also called Gauri in form of a procession to Gangaur Ghat which is one side of Pichola lake.
Teej: Teej is also an important festival celebrated in all parts of Rajasthan .It comes in the month of July - August. It is the festival celebrating the advent of monsoon. Held during the monsoons, July-August Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej.
Places of interest
City Palace:A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia' with eight marble porticos. The maharajas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.
The Suraj Gokhada : The balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The 'Mor Chowk' known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the 'Chini Chitrashala' noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the Palace.
Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum: The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari :"Garden of the maids of Honour "This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.
Pratap Memorial: Atop the Moti Margi or pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.
Fateh Sagar: A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
Pichhola Lake: The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Nag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
Ahar: The ancient capital of Sisodias, 3 km from Udaipur, Ahar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.
Sajjan Garh: Dominating the city's skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan Garh. It offers a panoramic overview of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
Shilpgram:Literally meaning "Craftsmen’s Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art and culture between various Indian states. Shiplgram comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali Mountains.
Gulab Bagh: A spectacular rose Garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A library in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.
Gangaur Ghat:Gangaur ghat is located on the bank of world famous picturesque lake Pichola..The festival of teez & gangaur are celebrated on this ghat.