| Udai Bilas Palace | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Rajput architecture |
| Town or city | Dungarpur |
| Country | India |
| Owner | Harshvardhan Singh |
| Website | |
| https://udaibilaspalace.com | |
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.
It was constructed in the mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh II, after whom it is named. [1] [2] It was built at a cost of over a lakh of rupees. [3] It was later expanded by his descendants. [2] Three new wings were added between 1940 and 1944. [4] It was originally a weekend retreat for the royal family from the 13th-century Juna Mahal. [4] Previously, the family resided at Juna Mahal; however, they relocated here in the mid-20th century. [5]
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. [6] [7] [8] It also provided escorts to the Maharawal and Maharani. [6] [7] [8]
It 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. [9] 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]
Its interior features a fusion of Indian and European styles. [4] Its rooms have British floral wallpapers and art deco furniture. [4] The rooms feature decorative mirrorwork and stained glass. [4] African room at the palace houses one of the best collections of hunting trophies in the world. [4] [10]
Ek Thambiya Mahal (meaning: single-pillared palace), [11] also known as Krishna Prakash, was built by Maharawal Shiv Singh between 1730 and 1785 in memory of Gyan Kanwar as Shivjaneshwar Shivalay. [2] [12] It features intricately sculpted pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches, and a frieze of marble carvings. [2]
Maharawal Shiv Singh constructed a temple dedicated to Shiva Rajeshwar at the southeastern edge of Gaib Sagar Lake. [3] Now located within the Udai Bilas precincts, this temple once hosted an annual month-long fair. [3]
The palace also houses a museum featuring classic and vintage cars, known as Dungarpur Mews. [11] [13] It also has a car bar. [13]
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