Umaid Bhawan Palace

About Umaid Palace:

Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, is one of the largest private residences in the world. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. It is named after Maharaja Ummed Singh, grandfather of the present owner Gaj Singh. The palace has 347 rooms and is the principal residence of the former Jodhpur royal family. Part of the palace is a museum.

A Palace Born from a Curse

The history of the construction of Umaid Bhawan Palace is linked to the legendary curse of a saint who said that after the good rule of the Rathore dynasty, there would be drought. Thus, after the end of Pratap Singh’s reign of almost 50 years, Jodhpur faced severe drought and famine for three consecutive years in the 1920s. The farmers of the area facing this difficulty sought help from the then Maharaja, Umed Singh, the 37th Rathore ruler of Marwar in Jodhpur, to provide them some employment to survive these harsh conditions.

A Helping Hand in Times of Need

To help the farmers, the Maharaja decided to build a grand palace. He appointed Henry Vaughan Lanchester as an architect to draw up plans for the palace; Lanchester was a contemporary of Edwin Lutyens, who planned the buildings of the New Delhi Government Complex. Lanchester designed the Ummaid Palace on the lines of the New Delhi building complex, adopting the theme of domes and pillars. The palace was designed as a blend of Western technology and Indian architectural features.

A Slow and Steady Construction

The palace was constructed at a slow pace as its initial purpose was to employ famine-stricken farmers in the area. Its foundation stone was laid in 1929. About 2,000 to 3,000 people were employed in its construction. The palace was taken over by the Maharaja after its completion in 1943 and at the close of the period of Indian independence. There was some criticism for undertaking an expensive project but it served the main purpose of helping the citizens of Jodhpur cope with the famine situation. The estimated cost of building the palace was Rs 11 million.

A Beacon of Grandeur

When it opened in 1943, it was considered one of the largest royal residences in the world. The site chosen for the palace was on a hill known as Chittar Hill on the outskirts of Jodhpur, after which the palace is also named, where no water supply was available nearby and the hill slope was steep. Due to it being rocky, hardly any vegetation grew. The necessary building materials were not nearby as the sandstone quarries were at a great distance. Since the Maharaja had the foresight to make his project a success, he built a railway line to the mine site to transport the construction materials.

Overcoming Challenges with Ingenuity

Donkeys were employed to carry soil to the site. Sandstone transported by rail was prepared on-site into large blocks with interlocking joints so that they could be laid without the use of mortar. The palace was built of “smoky” (golden-yellow) sandstone with two wings. Makrana marble has also been used, and Burmese teak wood has been used for the interior woodwork. When completed the palace had 347 rooms, several courtyards and a large banquet hall that could accommodate 300 people. The architectural style is considered to represent the then prevalent Beaux Arts style, also known as the Indo-Deco style.

A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph

However, the palace could not function fully for several years after tragic events in the royal family. Umed Singh who lived there for only four years died in 1947. His successor Hanwant Singh also died at an early age; He won the 1952 general elections and was returning home after this victory when his plane crashed and he died. His father’s successor, Gaj Singh II, decided to convert a part of the palace into a hotel in 1971. Today, Umaid Bhawan Palace stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the ingenuity of architecture. It is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Jodhpur and a reminder of the rich history and culture of Rajasthan

Conclusion

A visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace is a remarkable experience that takes you on a journey of luxury, history, and impressive architecture. This majestic palace, which combines Eastern and Western influences, is a true reflection of Rajasthan’s royal legacy. By exploring its intricate interiors, beautiful gardens, and museum, you can catch a glimpse of a time gone by when royalty reigned. This experience not only mesmerizes with its beauty but also immerses you in the stories that resonate within its walls, making it an unforgettable destination for those seeking a taste of royal opulence and a rich cultural heritage.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur Phone: 0291 251 0101
Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Open on all days
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur Entry Fee: 30 per person for Indians & 100 per person for foreign tourists & 10 per person for Children (5-11 years)
Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum Jodhpur Address: Umed Bhawan Palace Road, Cantt Area, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, 342006, India

Jodhpur Sightseeing Places: Mehrangarh Fort, Ghantaghar Tower, Machiya Safari, Rao Jodha Park, Kaylana Lake, Bal Samand Lake, Mandore Garden, Jaswant Thada, Santoshi Mata Mandir, Toorji Ka Jhalra, & Ganesh Temple. So Contact Rihanshu Dhawan at +91-9588208746 to book the Jodhpur Sightseeing Taxi Tour or Jodhpur Sightseeing by Self Drive Car.

Thanks for giving your precious time to read about Umaid Bhawan Palace. @hrstours provides Self Drive Car in Jodhpur for all over Rajasthan as well as India.