Jag Mandir Palace Udaipur

Jag Mandir in Udaipur, the Lake Garden Palace, is built in Lake Pichola and considered as inspiration for pietra deura in Taj Mahal. The construction began in 1551 AD and was completed in 1652 AD. It was used as a summer palace by the royal family. It was built by three Maharanas of Mewar Kingdom but the construction was initiated by Maharana Amar Singh in 1551 AD. His successor Maharana Karan Singh also contributed in its construction. The finality of the construction took place in 1652 AD, during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh. Jag Mandir Palace, remarkable for its large cupola, glass mosaic, and natural setting, is also associated with Shah Jahan, who as a prince, to avoid his father's wrath, had taken shelter here. This ancient palace on the water, built in 1620 AD, has a remarkable history in Udaipur. Mughal prince Khurram, later to be known as Shah Jahan, was provided shelter here, dis-regarding the wrath of the then Mughal ruler Jahangir banned by his father, Jahangir. The prince was in Jag Mandir Palace where he received news of the death of his father Jahangir. This resulted in a new era of peace between the Mughal ruler and the Rana of Mewar. In this backdrop, this palace synthesizes Hindu and Mughal architectural niceties. The Hindu style of architecture is visible on the ground floor whereas the Mughal influence is seen on the upper floor. The palace has an enormous elephant stone statue and a striking chattri (cenotaph) that add to its beauty. During the First Freedom Struggle of India in 1857, the sepoys had taken refuge here.