Forts and Palaces in Chittorgarh, Bundi and Jodhpur Speak of Sacrifice and Splendour – IV

Padmini Mahal in Chittorgarh reminds us of the Johar or self-immolation of Rani Padmini to protect her honour, while Sukh Mahal Palace in Bundi, is an important water palace. Ummed Bhawan, Jodhpur, is beautiful, informs Dr. Parneet and Dr. Kiran. An exclusive for Different Truths. 

Rani Padmini’s Palace in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan is another palace built on the pattern of Jal Mahal. This might not be an incredibly famous palace in Rajasthan, but it is an amazing sight with a glorious past and a significant event of history, the Johar of Rani Padmavati. Located just beside Chittorgarh Fort, this three-storeyed charming palace is surrounded by lotus pool and showcases intrinsic Persian artwork on the walls and the pillars. 

Sukh Mahal Palace 

Sukh Mahal Palace at Jait Sagar Lake in Bundi is a palace without which the description of water palaces shall be incomplete.  It’s more like a private mansion of the Bundi royal family. This palace is associated with Rudyard Kipling, the famous English author who stayed here for a couple of days and is said to have derived the inspiration for his novel, Kim. 

Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur has several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. Built around 1459, these brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces include Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace). 

Ummed Bhawan 

Ummed Bhawan in the sun city, Jodhpur is a marvellous example of a palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture and the unique Chittar sandstone gives it a dazzling appearance. The objective of the construction of this palace is different from that of others. Jodhpur faced severe drought and famine in the 1920s for a period of three consecutive years. The suffering farmers of the area approached Rajah Ummed Singh for help. To provide these farmers with some employment, the Maharaja decided to build a grand palace. With this intention, the work went on from 1929 to 1943 employing around 2000-3000 people in its construction. It resulted in one of the largest and most beautiful royal residences of the world. 

Rajasthan boasts of many more such palaces that attract the tourists to its preserved royal heritage and an exquisite taste for the finest architecture and art existing in India. Rana Kumbha Palace, Gora Badal Palace at Chittorgarh, Gulab Mahal at Kota, Badal Niwas Mahal at Jaisalmer, Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner, Palaces at Sursagar and Bijolai in Jodhpur and many more such palaces voice the stories of the rajahs, Maharanis, and their tastes in collecting the best art and artifices to their collections.

Visuals sourced by the authors

Co-author:

Dr. Kiran Deep is Associate Professor in English at Sri Ganganagar (Rajasthan). Her English translation of eminent Punjabi poet Surjit Patar’s poems has been published by Sahitya Akademi. Her publications include the research book, “Mapping the Creative Terrain: Revisiting George Eliot and Thomas Hardy”, along with several articles in literary journals of national and international repute.