Udaipur, the city of lakes, is encircled by the Aravallis’ lush green hills and the peacefulness of lakes. It is magnificent to witness the Rajput culture, customs, and history of Udaipur. With a heroic past, it is the embodiment of valor and chivalry.

Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East,” is a prominent Rajasthan tourist destination. It draws visitors from all around the world. The seven lakes of the city with historic temples, gardens, narrow lanes, and crafts are something to look upon.

Udaipur Foundation

In 1568, Rana Udai Singh of the Mewar dynasty found Udaipur. For Rajputs, freedom, honor, and dignity were the cornerstones of their existence. After the ruler’s name, the city was named. After arriving here, it was discovered to be fertile land and proclaimed the Mewar dynasty’s capital. Chittorgarh was the capital of the Mewar Kingdom before Udaipur.

Maharana Udai Singh II focused on developing this region and decided to shift from Chittorgarh to Udaipur for safety and prosperity. Earlier Ayad region was the capital during the 10th century of the Mewar dynasty. But the king did not choose the Ayad area as it was a flood-prone zone during that era. Lake Pichola was built beside City Palace to overcome water issues.

For Palace safety, the king build gates the length of 6 km- Bramhapole, Ambapole, Udaipole, Hathipole, Chandpole, and Surajpole. Now this area is known as Old City. The British did not head towards Udaipur as it was a hilly zone and tough to conquer as it was hard to carry weapons and arms on horses.

History of Kings of Udaipur- The Sisodia Dynasty

When the Mughal emperor Akbar besieged Chittor in 1568, Maharana Udai Singh relocated his kingdom to Udaipur to protect the people. Because of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur was considerably safer. Mewar Following the Mughals, Sisodiyas assumed control of other Mewar districts acquired by the Mughals.

In 1818, Udaipur became a princely state under British rulers. After the 1947 independence, Maharaja handed the city to the Indian government and merged into Rajasthan state. To date, Udaipur has a remarkable position in Rajasthan maps. It is known for famous monuments, history, architecture, massive palaces, and beautiful lakes that glorify the lives of Mewar kings.

The bravery of Sisodia is well-known throughout India. The Mewar dynasty is one of the oldest, spanning 1500 years and 26 generations. They are fiercely protective of their culture, traditions, and pride. They were the real upholders of Hindu customs throughout the Hindu medieval era.

Maharana Pratap was born in Udaipur that was legendary. A brave battlefield commander, he fought against Akbar in 1576. Udaipur rulers did not marry their women to the Mughals, unlike other Rajput kingdoms. Maharana Pratap Singh once refused to have lunch with Raja Man Singh as he married his sister to Prince Salim. Man Singh felt insulted and took revenge for this in the Haldighati battle against Maharana Pratap. Amar Singh abdicated the throne as he left the battle against the Mughals and never returned to Udaipur.

Maharana is referred to as a great warrior Udaipur acclaimed as the head of the 36 Rajput clan. The Parihara Prince of Mandore presented it to the Prince of Mewar. Suryavanshi, the Sun Family’s descendant, rules the Mewar empire. Rajput believes in the Gita phrase, “God helps those who do their duty.”

Current Rulers

Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar is the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty. The city, however, is under the government of India, not him.

He was born on December 13, 1944, and is the second son of Shri Bhagwat Singh Ji Mewar. He attended Mayo College in Ajmer, accredited by Cambridge University. He later earned a degree in Arts with Economics, English Literature, and Political Science from Maharana Bhupal College in Udaipur. Then he traveled to the United Kingdom and was accepted into Metropolitan College, St Alban for a Hotel Management program.

He presently owns various hotel brands under the HRH group. He also owns vintage automobiles, crystal collections, and other private assets, such as the Shikharbadi Hotel’s private airfield and the Jaipur Polo Club.

Udaipur Now

When Britishers discovered Udaipur, they protected the state under a British bannerman. Maharana Bhim Singh, the monarch of the Mewar kingdom at the time, signed a pact. Later, when India gained independence in 1947, Udaipur graciously merged with the country. The royal family was permitted to maintain the palace as an ancestral lineage. These palaces are now premium historic hotels. You may have seen glimpses of these regal hotels in the James Bond thriller Octopussy and the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film Goliyon Ki Rasleela- Ramleela.

The richness of royalty and chivalry attracts tourist to intricate architecture and several monuments like Bagore Ki Haveli, City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Maharana Pratap Memorial, and Saheliyon Ki Bari that depicts the history of Udaipur.