Udai Bilas Palace
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| Udai Bilas Palace | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Rajput architecture |
| Town or city | Dungarpur |
| Country | India |
| Owner | Harshvardhan Singh |
| Website | |
| https://udaibilaspalace.com | |
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.
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]
