City Palace, the majestic white
royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated
walls. The palace was completed in its present form by the contribution
of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh, the later additions
were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building that
it becomes difficult to believe that the building was not conceived as a
whole. The city palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola.
Approach to the palace is through the 'Hati Pol' or the 'Elephant
Gate'. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'great gate' leads to the first court,
which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates are
eight carved 'toranas' or arches, which mark the spot where the rulers
were weighed against gold or silver, the equivalent value of which was
then distributed among the poor. Beyond the Tripolia is the arena where
the elephant fights were staged.
The path then leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilions,
terraces, corridors and hanging gardens- a harmonious profusion hard to
describe.The soft cream coloured central 'Chhatri' has facing of blue
coloured tiles with massive octagonal towers crowned with cupolas. The
Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirror work. The Krishna Vilas has a series of
miniature paintings, which are witness to the royal processions,
festivals and the game of 'Chogan'.
The Chini Chitrashala is famous for its Chinese and Dutch tiles, the
latter of which has depiction of Biblical scenes including the flight to
Egypt. Radha-Krishna stories are painted on the walls of the Bhim Vilas.
The glass mosaic gallery with its superb stained glasses and portraits
afford a panoramic view of the city below. The Mor Chowk has a brilliant
mosaic of peacocks set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer,
winter and monsoon. There are exquisite terrace gardens with fountains
in the Amar Vilas.
There is also a museum in the fort which houses the armour of the
valiant Maharana Pratap and the drums & bugles of Rana Sanga,
another Mewar ruler. |
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