The huge City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Construction of this palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh, the city’s founder. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection.
City Palace Museum Also Known as ” Pratap Museum”
City Palace Museum in Udaipur
Located inside the complex of City Palace, this museum is also known as Pratap Museum. The name Pratap Museum was given because the museum holds dear the armor of the brave and gallant Maharana Pratap and also possesses the drums and bugles of the great ruler Rana Sanga.
As you enter the City Palace, the straight way will take you to this museum of artifacts. The entrance gate of the City Museum is known as Ganesh Deori, which means “Door of Lord Ganesha”.
It was established in 1890 and is one of the earliest museums of the Rajasthan.
Priceless Possessions of Detailed Rajasthani Art
The museum has priceless possessions of the former age like antique paintings of Mewar and detailed Rajasthani art. You will find an unusual assortment of coins, sculptures, inscriptions, portraits and wall-paintings here.
It also displays the turban of Khurram, who was popularly known as Emperor ShahJahan. The turban still depicts the friendship that survived between ShahJahan and Maharana Khazan Singh.
Different Sections of The Museum
The museum is divided into several pavilions and halls. Every pavilion has a distinct theme of its own.
- Mor Chowk and Manka Mahal
The museum includes the Mor Chowk with its beautiful peacocks in mosaics. The Manka (Ruby) Mahal has glass and porcelain figures while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures.
- Bari Mahal, Zenana Mahal and Moti Mahal
In the Bari Mahal, there is a fine central garden. Zenana Mahal is the main place where you can see arms and armor, paintings and photographs, majestic insignia, processional accouterments and various other objects that reveals the royal legacy and conventions of the Maharanas of Mewar and Sisodia..
The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles.
The city museum opens between 10-4:30 and is closed on fridays and gazetted holidays.
