Udaipur once known as Mewar is the land that produced a galaxy of patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the name of Rajasthan in every corner of the world. The Mewar dynasty traces its roots to the Sun God.
It is the most romantic city in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes, & Venice of east.
The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
The Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Fateh Sagar contains two small islands, one of which contains USO, or Udaipur solar observatory, and the other one has a beautiful garden called Nehru Garden.
It is known for its Rajput-era palaces. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. The City Palace, or the Palace of the then King of Mewar, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the city.
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. Women 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.
It's also proud of its heritage as a centre for the performing arts, painting and crafts. Famous historical personalities like Maharana Pratap, Rani Padmini and Meera Bai, the poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna hail from here.
Shopping in Udaipur
Udaipur has the tints of bright colours and you can certainly find these colours in its lively markets.
Udaipur offers the exquisite variety of handicrafts. They may range from toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, painted wooden box to Greeting cards. Udaipur has an assortment pottery too that can be availed in both metal and mud. Pottery covers all kinds of pots, plates, vessels and different kinds of containers. Apart from this, brassware and terracotta sculptures are also popular.
Regarding clothes, one can grab traditional clothes coloured in batik and hand prints. Dyed saris and textile also forms the major part of clothing. Talking about jewellery, a huge variety of precious stones, kundan and silver jewellery could be found.
Pichwai paintings: These paintings are almost synonymous to the taste of Mewar rulers. Initially, these paintings were made in bright colours and used to make the background for images of Lord Krishna. These paintings are available on silk, wood, marble & paper.
Language
Rajasthani is the main language of the state.
Music & Dance
Celebration is a way of life in Udaipur. Ghoomar dance from Udaipur have been universally recognized.
Folk music is an integral part of the Rajasthan culture. The past glory, chivalry, legends and history of the region are magically captured in these folklores. The songs are used to describe the heroics of the legendary battles of Rajputs. As a matter of fact, their lyrics and the tuning create some sorts of excitement. Folk songs are commonly ballads, which tell the stories of the chivalrous deeds, romance and love, as well as religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis. These songs are accompanied by musical instruments like sitar, dholak, sarangi etc.
Religion
The bulk of the Udaipur, Rajasthan population is Hindus. Other significant religious groups in the state are the Muslims and the Jains. Apart from these, local deities and the local folk heroes such as Pabuji, Ramdeoji, Gogaji, Mehaji, Tejaji & Harbhuji are also worshipped by a large number of people.
Architecture
The palace of Udaipur, founded in 1559 A.D. by Rana Udai Singh in the form of a small citadel stands on the verge of extensive lake surrounded by hills of a great beauty.
The three arched gate open to a huge courtyard, within which the palace stands five storeys high. Irregular in plan, the palace has many courtyard and rooms that have beautiful designs etched on them.
Its fluted turrets and projecting balconies, supported on carved brackets, are an example of fine medieval masonry and unfold a memorable vision of loveliness and charm so conspicuous in Hindu art. The additions to it in the form of amar vials and bari mahal with halls and fountains, slender columns and garden, reflect the influence of the mughal style. The entire plan with dining-halls, picture gallery, treasury, zoo, stables, arms, musical instruments, grass and water, gives it the appearance of compactness.
The lake palace covers an entire island in Pichola Lake. The palace was built facing east so that one could enjoy the beauty of sunrise and offer morning prayers to the Sun. The courtyards of the palace are lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens which enhance its impressive image. The rooms are ornamented with cusped arches, inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. The rooms on the upper floor are perfectly circular in shape.
