The City Palace Preface

Chandra Mahal:

Inside the City Palace Museum in Udaipur, a large photo of Maharana Karan Singh greets visitors on the staircase above Rai Angan, towards Chandra Mahal. This 17th-century ruler, who in a short span of 8 years from 1620-1628 CE was responsible for much of the palace's construction, including the Chandra Mahal, also known as the Rang Mahal.

Maharana Karan Singh was sent to Ajmer and Agra by his father to sign a mutual treaty with the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The Persian architecture he saw there impressed him, and he introduced these ideas into the future construction of the palace.

The Chandra Mahal is a prime example of this Persian influence. The cusped arches, domes, lattice jalies, and intricately carved railings are all characteristic of Persian architecture. However, the local artisans who carried out the construction also incorporated elements of the Mewar style, creating a unique and beautiful blend of the two.

Another notable feature of the Chandra Mahal is the Lakhu Gokhada, a marble throne where the Maharana would be seated after his coronation. From here, he would throw silver coins down to the masses gathered in the Ganesh Chowk below, these coins were filled in Lakhu Kund. One forth of these coins was distributed to the people and remaining three fourth was kept in State Treasury for charity. The coins would then be collected and distributed to the people.

The Lakhu Kund, a single-piece marble trough in the middle of the Chandra Mahal, was also used by the Maharanas for playing Holi with colored water. This tradition is evident from earlier paintings that show the celebration of Holi and dance performances in the space.

In a niche below the Lakhu Gokhada is a statue of Lord Rama, from whose elder son Kush, the Mewar Royal Family takes its descent.

The balcony of the Chandra Mahal is decorated with beautiful laced jalis with colored glass. The stunted appearance of these jalis is a clear evidence of the 17thcentury architectural styles propagated by Maharana Karan Singh. The stone screens with geometrical patterns also reflect Persian influence.

The Chandra Mahal is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture. It is a testament to the vision and skill of Maharana Karan Singh, who left a lasting legacy on the City Palace of Udaipur.

Yogiverya Bawji Chatur Singh, a nephew of Maharana Fateh Singh, is also honored in the Chandra Mahal. He was well versed in the great Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the Hindu religious book Bhagwad Gita. He translated several works into the local dialect.