Jag Mandir Palace and Lake Pichola - Udaipur

From the early 1600s onwards, Maharanas of Mewar contributed to the development of this delightful island of summer palace on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. The construction of this water-palace was commenced during the reign of Maharana Karan Singh (1620-28AD) and was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628-52AD) after whom it is called JagMandir.



View of Jag mandir palace from boat


View of Jag mandir palace from boat



Gol mahal and chattris.

In an era of peace reigned Maharana Karan Singh (1620-1628). He completed the construction of circular chambers we know as 'Gol Mahal' in 'Jagmandir'. Maharana Pratap Singh once refused lunch with Raja Man Singh because he had given away his sister in marriage to Prince Salim, later Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Man Singh avenged this insult by defeating Pratap at the battle of Haldighati. Pratap’s son Amar Singh made peace with the Mughals but unable to accept his humiliation, he gave up his title in favour of his son Maharana Karan Singh.

Prince Khuram (later emperor Shah Jahan) resided for some time in this palace, while in revolt against his father Jahangir, in 1623 AD. The young Mughal prince Khurram forged a strong friendship with Karan Singh, who provided a safe haven at 'Jagmandir' for the prince in exile. The Suryavanshi ideal of doing the right action at the right time and helping in distress without taking into acount any other implications was upheld by the Maharana. In 1627 when Mughal emperor Jehangir died, Prince Khurram succeeded him as emperor Shah Jehan. On his departure, the mughal emperor and the Maharana exchanged turbans as a token of bonding and friendship.






Reflection of the ceiling on table

Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628-1652) was undboubtedly the greatest patrons of art and architecture in Udaipur. In his reign,the picturesque Garden courtyard with its central pool was completed at 'Jagmandir'. Zenana chambers were built along with the west-end of the 'Gol Mahal'. 'Jagmandir' and 'Jag Niwas' the incomparable island palace on Lake Pichola are named after him. The 'quest for excellence' in architecture, painting and the arts reached its pinnacle in this era.

Jagmandir was gloriously embellished during the reign of Maharana Sangram Singh (1710-1734). The 'Darikhana' or the open pavilion with its intricately carved marble columns, was built to complement the beauty of the Garden courtyard. The 'Barah Patharon ka Mahal' or the palace of 12 stones, a unique structure with 12 solid marble-slabs was created along the east end of the 'Gol Mahal'. The 'Kuwarpada Ka Mahal' or the palace of the crown prince, was built at the western-end of the Garden courtyard, complete with its pavilions and central pool.

By the 1750s, 'Jagmandir' had come to resemble 'Swarg ki vatika' or the proverbial gardens of heaven.


During the sepoy mutiny of 1857 several European families from Neemuch were lodged and entertained by Maharana Sarup Sinha in this palace.

In 1942, during the reign of Maharana Bhupal Singh (1931-1955), three 'chattris' or kiosks came to adorn the Garden courtyard in front of the 'Gol Mahal'. The chattris mark the central directions of the garden courtyard. Each one is unique for its intricate carving and craftsmanship; the central deep green-marble 'chattri' being the most characteristic of them all. The 'chattris' are instrumental in integrating the entire space of the garden courtyard and its pavilions.





Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II,62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God, who gave his name to this elegant white building. The Lake Palace Udaipur a palace on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola girdled by hills, was the summer residence of the rulers of Mewar. Today this pleasure palace is a luxury hotel.

Udaipur is called "Venice of the East" due to the Lake Palace built on the island in the middle of Lake Pichola. It is an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers.