Udaipur is one of the most beautiful and historical
towns of Rajasthan, India. It is known as the Venice of the east and
also called the city of lakes. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in
the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of its architectural
and cultural explosion. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake
compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on
the hill above. Udaipur is also the center for performing arts, craft
and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilp Gram festival is a center
of attraction during the season.
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel
Chittorgarh was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legends say that
Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola
Lake to establish his capital on this very spot. Surrounded by Aravali
Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable than
Chittorgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by
Maharana Pratap who valiantly defended Udaipur from subsequent Mughal
attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most revered Rajput icon and gallantly
fought the Mughal at the Haldighati in 1576. Mewar continuously defied
foreign invaders and has a history of bloody battles until the British
intervention in the nineteenth when a treaty was signed to protect
Udaipur. Upon independence Udaipur merged in the union of India






