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Jag Mandir Palace is a
beautiful palace located on the southern island of
Lake Pichola. The three-storied Palace is
a palatial structure made in yellow sandstone and marble. Built in early
years of 17th century, Jag Mandir Palace was raised by Maharana Karan
Singh to serve as a hiding place for Prince Khurram (popularly known as
Shah Jahan). Between the years of 1620-28, Maharana Karan Singh ruled
the region and during this period Prince Khurram revolted against his
father.
Maharana Karan Singh helped Prince Khurram as he was born to a Rajput
mother. Khurram, accompanied by his wife and two sons left the kingdom.
Then, Maharana Karan provided them a safe haven in the
City Palace of Udaipur.
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The aristocrats were
unsuccessful in adhering to the Rajput customs; subsequently Karan Singh
shifted them to the Jag Mandir Palace. At that time, Jag Mandir Palace
was under construction.
It is great to know that Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram)
imbibed several ideas, especially of pieta dura work, for the
world-renowned Taj Mahal from Jag Mandir Palace, during his stay in
1623-24. The Palace was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh during his
reign (1628-1652) after the death of Karan Singh. The present form of
the Palace is the result of further additions that were made to it by
Maharana Jagat Singh. Talking about the historical facts, Maharana
Swaroop Singh sheltered a number of European families in this Palace,
during the revolt of 1857.
In Jag Mandir Palace, Gul Mahal catches the major attention as this is
the place where Prince Khurram lived with his family. Gul Mahal is made
in the Islamic style of architecture, which states that Karan Singh kept
in mind the taste of Khurram. The hall has amazing interiors and is
decorated with the Muslim crescent. To serve the religious purpose of
Khurram, a mosque was also constructed in the complex of the Palace.
Another attraction of this Palace is the courtyard, which is festooned
with black and white tiles.
Other pavilions that are worth mentioning are Bara Patharon ka Mahal,
Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal. Bara Patharon ka Mahal is
made out of twelve solid marble slabs. Kunwar Pada ka Mahal was meant
for the crowned prince. The Zenana Mahal offered several chambers for
the ladies of the Royalty. Jag Mandir Palace has beautiful gardens
adorned with roses, palm trees, jasmine flowers, frangipanni trees and
bougainvillea.
On your trip to this magnificent palace, you can also check out its
museum where the history of this island and its Palace has been
preserved. Above all, you would be mesmerized to see eight life-sized
Elephants carved out of white marble, giving the impression of guarding
this beautiful island Palace. In the present date, the Palace complex
also comprises a Darikhana Restaurant that serves lip smacking cuisine
of Rajasthan. Jag Mandir Palace is a nice place to visit and explore the
halls, where once the royalty of Mewar used to reside.
How to
reach
Located on the island of Lake Pichola,
One can easily reach Jag Mandir Palace either by taking Local buses,
Tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city. You need a boat ride to
reach Jag Mandir.
Nearest airport is
Maharana Pratap Airport
(also known as
Udaipur Airport or
Dabok Airport (IATA:
UDR, ICAO: VAUD)) which is located 22 km (14 mi) east of Udaipur.
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