"UDAIPUR, Queen of Mewar" Udaipur by OlivierB

Guhil founded the State of Mewar in 568 AD, and his descendants have ruled over the area ever since. Separated from the rest of India by mountains and dense forests, Mewar developed the spirit of iron discipline and stoic resolve, which was to become its most salient feature and to arm its determined resistance.
The House of Mewar was founded upon principles of trusteeship, which are its underlying structure and strength. According to history, in the eight century, the founder father of the House of Mewar, Bappa Rawal was appointed initiated and confirmed in his role by a guru, Harit Rishi, who laid down cardinal rules for the governance of the state, through the concept of service. Harit Rashi's tenets were based upon respect for mankind, service to the community, and more importantly, adherence to and maintenance of the ancient Vedic culture.
Bappa Rawal (his real name was Kalbhoj), was held in high esteem and with deep affection by his people. This is attested by the name by which he was known. "Bappa" means father, an intimate term of endearment, and "Rawal" was the name of the founding father of the Mewar Sisodia dynasty, a Kshatriya kinsman. The Kshatriya clan is one of the four principal ranks in Hindu society. Kshatriyas are warriors, defenders of righteousness and implementers of the law, whose solemn duty is to defend the state and its people without regard to personal risk.

By means of searching tests conducted over a period of time, the guru, Harit Rashi, found his young shishya (student) "Bappa" to be a worthy successor to him, and therefore custodian of the Shri Eklingji Shrine. Part of the spirituality of Mewar comes from centuries of devotion to Eklingji. Harit Rashi initiated Bappa into the rites of Shiva and specifically those of Eklingji, a manifestation of Shiva. He taught him the sacred scriptures and the wisdom they contained. He taught him to honour the sanctity of life and the duties of mankind. The State of Mewar was created on the foundations of these principles, from the keen instruction of a guru (teacher) to his shishya (student). Before the guru died, Bappa gave his solemn promise that he and his descendants would protect and fulfill this sacred trusteeship of Eklingji and its legacy of 'Manava Dharma'. 'Manava Dharma' which rules the conduct of the diwans of Eklingji, is set out in the Vedas and Vedantas, an extraordinary collection of texts, containing deep spiritual truths veiled in intricate and imposing symbolism. The Vedas and Vedantas were composed over several centuries, dating from around 1600 BC to 2 AD, and they are an accumulation of timeless wisdom recording the realizations and experiences of select rishis or sages. The purpose of these texts is to offer the means to transform society with understanding and reverence.

Read more about the House of Mewar at : www.mewarindia.com/history/indexhissyn.html

Palaces by the lake, Udaipur

The majestic white City Palace located in the heart of Udaipur, was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan and extended to its present form by subsequent Maharanas. Built in granite and marble and surrounded by crenellated fort walls, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan stands on a crest overlooking the Pichola Lake.

The oldest part of the palace is 'Raj Aangan' (Royal Courtyard-1571) which Maharana Udai Singh built in the 16th century. The main part of the palace with its several ' Mahals' is now preserved as a Museum. Almost all the rooms of the palace have beautiful paintings, inlay glass work, antique furniture and colourful enamel. The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. 'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. The 'Manak Mahal' ( Ruby Palace) has crystal and porcelain figures. 'Bhim Vilas' with Radha Krishna stories painted on the walls has a glass mosaic gallery the 'Suraj Gokhala', with beautiful stained glasses and a panoramic view of the city below. The 'Zenana Mahal', the queen's quarters to the south and the 'Dilkusha Mahal' (Palace of Joy) has frescoes and wall paintings while the 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk', an art gallery, houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.

• Pros:Art, culture, food
• Cons:Hard to get reservation at Lake Palace Hotel
• In a nutshell:A traditional Rajasthani town with glitz