Jag Mandir, Udaipur

On the south side of Lake Pichola, also famous for the Lake Palace, lies the beautiful Jag Mandir Palace. It was built by Rana Karan Singh but completed later by Maharana Jagat Singh I.

Jag Mandir Palace has significant historical background. It was built to house Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) in 1626 when he was about to revolt against his father, Emperor Jehangir. The Mughal Emperor and Rana Karan Singh were staunch enemies. Also, Prince Khurram was born of a Rajput Princess.

Jag Mandir Palace is notable for its unique architecture and amazing carvings. Rana Karan Singh had a domed pavilion built upon the island, crowned it with a Muslim crescent and decorated its interiors lavishly for the use of his royal guest. The pavilion is called Gul Mahal.

The Rana also had a throne and a mosque built for the prayers of the Mughal Prince and his entourage. It is believed that Shah Jahan (Prince Khurram) was inspired by the pietra dura work on the interior of the palace and incorporated several ideas from here into Taj Mahal. Gul Mahal houses a museum that has precious Mughal paintings and murals on display.

There are several carvings including a row of elephants that appear as if they are guarding the island. The carved chhatri in grey and blue stone is also worthy of a look. There are various pavilions that are of interest to visitors such as Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal and the Zenana Mahal. Bara Patharon ka Mahal is made of twelve marble slabs. Kunwar Pada ka Mahal was for the use of the crowned prince. The Zenana Mahal had chambers for the ladies of the Royalty. The entire palace is a visual delight; it lies in the midst of planned gardens blooming with roses, palms, jasmine, frangipanni and bougainvillea.

While it is believed that the Maharana Jagat Singh named Jag Mandir after himself, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagdish on the palace's premises; the palace has been named after the temple.

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