Udai Bilas Palace in Dungarpur, Rajasthan is the principal residence of the former royal family of Dungarpur and operates as a heritage hotel. A part of the palace is a museum.
History
It was constructed in the mid-19th century by Maharawal Udai Singh II, after whom it is named.[1][2] It was built at a cost of over a lakh of rupees.[3] It was later expanded by his descendants.[2] Three new wings were added between 1940 and 1944.[4] It was originally a weekend retreat for the royal family from the 13th-century Juna Mahal.[4] Previously, the family resided at Juna Mahal; however, they relocated here in the mid-20th century.[5]
During the princely era, a force numbering between 59 and 101 over the years was employed to mount guard at the Udai Bilas and the old palaces.[6][7][8] It also provided escorts to the Maharawal and Maharani.[6][7][8]
Architecture
It is built in the classic Rajput architectural style.[2] The structure features intricate designs on its balconies, arches, and windows.[2] It is located next to Gaib Sagar Lake.[9] One of its wings, built using the local bluish-grey stone known as pareva, overlooks the lake.[2] The palace is divided into three sections: Raniwas, Udai Bilas, and Ek Thambiya Mahal.[2]
Interior
Its interior features a fusion of Indian and European styles.[4] Its rooms have British floral wallpapers and art deco furniture.[4] The rooms feature decorative mirrorwork and stained glass.[4] African room at the palace houses one of the best collections of hunting trophies in the world.[4][10]
Structures within the complex
Ek Thambiya Mahal
Ek Thambiya Mahal (meaning: single-pillared palace),[11] also known as Krishna Prakash, was built by Maharawal Shiv Singh between 1730 and 1785 in memory of Gyan Kanwar as Shivjaneshwar Shivalay.[2][12] It features intricately sculpted pillars and panels, ornate balconies, balustrades, bracketed windows, arches, and a frieze of marble carvings.[2]
Shiva Rajeshwar temple
Maharawal Shiv Singh constructed a temple dedicated to Shiva Rajeshwar at the southeastern edge of Gaib Sagar Lake.[3] Now located within the Udai Bilas precincts, this temple once hosted an annual month-long fair.[3]
