The history of Udaipur and its royalty runs in the lanes of the city and veins of its people, and it's about time that everyone gets to know what Udaipur really is.
Foundation of Udaipur
Udaipur - Certainly, the world is familiar with the glorious rulers of Rajasthan. One of those magnificent rulers is Maharana Udai Singh. There are stories that, once Maharana Udai Singh met with a sage during his hunting voyage, in the Aravalli Hills. The sage suggested him to build a castle in this rich land, which will be protected by the Aravalli itself. The lush green and hilly region stunned the mind of the Maharaja. He followed the sage's advice and initiated working on the plans for construction. Soon, the castle's walls were bricked high and construction was over until 1553 AD. The deserted lands of Udaipur accompanied by the lake are some hard to find combos. The place becomes entranced during the dawn and dust. You should just wait in silence and let the sun takes its time to rise and fall. Maybe that's the same idea the king had in mind too.
The Shifting of Capital and Capture of Chittorgarh Fort
A prominent sun is hereditary Udaipur's history, as Maharana Udai Singh is claimed to be the successor of Sisodias who are known to be the descendants of the Sun god. Sisodias are the most valiant warrior clan, claimed to be the oldest clan to ever raise a flag and rule a territory in Rajasthan. Chittorgarh was the original capital of the country of Maharana Udai Singh, Mewar, and an expanse of the Rajputana. The capital was shifted to Udaipur due to the frequent attacks by the Mughals. The king made a wise choice, as predicted by the Sage the Aravalli protected the capital Kingdom from Mughals. The vicious Mughals strike with no mercy, but the natural boundaries and bravery of Rajasthan held the line. It was the year 1568 when the Mughal Emperor managed to capture the Chittorgarh Fort and other parts of Mewar. But, soon after the capital ship was transferred, Mewar regained a firm grip and recaptured most of their territory, but with an exception to the Chittorgarh Fort.
The mighty Chittor Fort
The Battle of Haldighati
Maharana Pratap was the Udai Singh's son and the heir to the throne. He was elected as the new king after the death of Udai Singh in 1572. Unfortunately, the Mughals never stopped. The new king fought heroically, however, in 1576, it was the Battle of Haldighati when the Mughal emperor Akbar was Victor against the Rajput king and claimed Udaipur as his own. Then the time came when death turned to the Great Emperor, his son Jahangir took the throne and granted the control of Udaipur to Amar Singh, Maharana Pratap's son and spawn a treaty between both Kingdoms. After his father's death, he laid the burden on his shoulders and tried to dominate the Mughal, which eventually turned out to be a peace offering.
The scenic and peaceful Lake Palace of Udaipur (Source)
The Present Day Udaipur
When Udaipur was introduced to the British, they accepted their protection and acted as a British bannerman. It was Maharana Bhim Singh who signed the treaty as he was the leading ruler at that time. The accord was honoured till the day of independence in 1947. When given a chance Udaipur willingly surrendered and become the part of Independent India. The royal family had to yield their title as king but they were allowed to keep their castle as their ancestral lineage. Today, those castles function as hereditary hotels. They even appear in James Bond movie- Octopussy and the Bollywood blockbuster Goliyon Ki Raas Leela Ram-Leela.
The rich and eventful history of Udaipur and the royal city is cherished by the tourist due to its artsy architecture and royal lineage. There are a number of monuments and places where you will find the traces of Udaipur's history that the descendants of the Sun God left behind. The places like Bagore Ki Haveli, City Palace Udaipur, Lake Palace Udaipur, Jag Mandir Palace and Maharana Pratap Memorial are some handful of the places depicting the history of Udaipur.
It is a wasteful effort to craft the vibrant history of Udaipur and the city itself in words. But the best attempt was by the Prince of Wales and he quoted, 'The traveller who goes there first is liked to be a man who begins his banquets with a masterpiece and is worried to find the other dish rather dull'. With that said you must have an impression of what Udaipur is all about, so what are you waiting for just pack up and march onwards Rajasthan!
