Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Overview

Umaid Bhawan Palace is an embodiment of the state’s royal heritage at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. Chittar Palace is another name for Umaid Bhavan Palace because it was constructed using stones from the nearby Chittar Hill. These stones give palace the golden yellow color.

The palace comprises a museum, Taj Palace hotel, and the abode of the royal family. Vintage car collection, clocks, banners, artifacts, cutleries, trophies, and weapons are the main attractions in Umaid Bhawan.

The palace comprises 347 rooms, durbar hall, banquet hall, squash courts, billiards rooms, and tennis court. It was India’s last royal constructions. The palace is named after Maharaja Umed Singh, grandfather of Maharaj Gaj Singh.

The palace is one of the world's largest private residences of the royal era of Rajasthan. Jaipur is very close to the Thar Desert, so winter is the best time to visit Jodhpur and Umaid Bhawan.

History

Maharaja Umaid Singh laid the foundation in 1928, and its construction was completed in 1943. This grand sandstone structure was built over 16 years. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir S.S. Jacob were the chief architects.

Henry Vaughan Lanchester was a well-known Edwardian architect. Henry V. Lanchester patterned the theme of columns and domes on the line of government buildings of Delhi. Maharaja built the palace with a mission to employ the farmers and the poor of Jodhpur.

When construction was in progress, ‘Maharaos of Kotah' used to reside in a small fort inside the same city. They have been awaiting a palace for themselves. Umed Singh determined to erect this palace for Maharao’s.

A special train brought colored stones to the building site. The king engaged around fifty thousand men and women, who toiled for 15 years relentlessly to build this majestic palace. Skilled masons chiseled big pieces of stones into intricate design form.  This towering palace costed a whopping 94, 51,565 to Maharaja.  

Maharaja Umaid Singh could live in the palace just for 4 years because he died in 1947. The property has passed on to the present titular head Maharaja Gaj Singh, who resides in a portion of Umaid Bhavan. Taj Group of Hotels began operations in 2006 for travelers.

Architecture

The edifice is a confluence of eastern and western architectural influences. The Renaissance of Europe influenced the 105-foot high cupola, and Rajput tradition has inspired the towers. Indo-colonial and Art Deco style of architecture is the main feature of the palace.

Initially, Maples of London designed the interiors of the palace in Art Deco style. The Germans sunk the ship carrying the stuff to Mumbai in 1942. Subsequently, Maharaja Umed Singh commissioned an interior decorator Stefan Norblin for the style of Art deco.

Stefan did some furnishings and designed paintings. Inspired by the Rajput mansion style, the palace has a distinct Zenana section for male and Mardana sections for the male with separate entrances. 

In 1930 architect George Devon extended the palace to accommodate Maharaj Kumar Bhim Singh and his wife.

The Trophy Bar

The Trophy bar portrays fishing gears, tiger skin cushions, elephant feet stools, bears from Kashmir, large wild boar tusk, and gazelles from Africa.

The Billiards Room

Victorian and Edwardian racehorses, oils of horses from Maharaja's Sardar Singh race stable are the Billiards Room's main highlights.

The Sub-terranean Swimming Pool

Zodiac club, gym, sauna, billiards room, two marble squash courts, four tennis courts, and croquet lawns for sunbathing are the pool's main parts.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel

Umaid Bhawan Palace is an architectural marvel to experience royal hospitality. Bright interiors and exteriors make it an ideal destination for wedding celebrations. It was transformed into a hotel in 1972 with all royal stuff.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum

The museum is a must-visit with a wide collection of antique objects of the bygone era. It is a repository for China vases, clocks, furniture, and arms. Besides, the museum exhibits stuffed leopards, trophies, pottery, antique clocks, and airplane models.

Queen Victoria gifted a banner to Maharaja Jaswant Singh in 1877, significant memorabilia at the museum.

Guides

Plenty of English and Hindi speaking guides are on staff.

Address