Palace of wonders

    Medium
    Spotlight 2/2022
    Udaipur
    © Marina Pissarova / Alamy Stock Photo

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    Transcript: Palace of Wonders

    Romantic and astoundingerstaunlichastounding in equal in equal measuresgleichermaßenmeasure, Udaipur is an Indian city steeped in sth.von etw. durchdrungensteeped in tradition and history. Now in the state of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the historic capital of the Mewar dynasty. In the current issue of Spotlight, correspondent Aparna Pednakar enjoys the best of what Udaipur has to offer.

    Try to answer these questions: According to legend, whose descendantNachfahre, Nachfahrindescendants founded the Mewar dynasty? How many palaces are part of the City Palace complex? What is the name of the Rajasthani warrior classkriegerischer Stammwarrior class?

    Often referred to as the “Venice of the East” or the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur, in Rajasthan, tops every Indian bride’s wedding destination list, thanks to its calm weather, dreamy palaces and grand houses.

    Udaipur is the capital of the 1,500-year-old Mewar dynasty, which was founded by the descen­dants of Surya, the Hindu sun god. One of the dynasty’s greatest visionaries was Maharana Fateh Singh, ruler of Mewar from 1884 to 1930. Not only did he build the modern infrastructure of Udaipur, including its roads and irrigation systemBewässerungssystemirrigation system, but he stood firm against British interferenceEinmischunginterference in how he ruled his kingdom.

    When Edward, Prince of Wales, visited India in 1921, Fateh Singh was the only ruler in the country who refused to receive the prince, stating that his loyalty lay with his own kingdom and people instead of with Queen Victoria. Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, built during Fateh Singh’s rule as a place to hold royal events, reflects his personality: the victory (fateh) of light (prakash) over darkness.

    A royal welcome

    Taj Fateh Prakash Palace is part of Udaipur’s splendid City Palace complex. Built by different rulers over a period of 400 years, the 11 palaces that make up the complex shine like jewels on the eastern shoreUfershores of peaceful Lake Pichola. Next door to Fateh Prakash, the current descendants of the Mewar dynasty live in Shambhu Niwas Palace. If water flows out of the fountainSpringbrunnenfountain in the Shambhu Niwas garden, it means the royal family is at home.

    Fateh Prakash Palace has 65 rooms and suites, now managed by the Taj group of luxury hotels. You don’t have to be a member of a royal family to stay here, but all guests receive a welcome fit for a prince or princess. On my arrival, I’m met at Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport by a chauffeured vintage carOldtimervintage car from the famous Mewar collection. You, too, can expect to arrive at the palace in one of its beautiful cars, such as a 1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster, a 1965 Mercedes 190 or a 1964 Stampro Herald.
    I’m struck by both the setting and the atmosphere of the palace. The glittering waters of Lake Pichola contrast with views of the majestic Aravallis, India’s oldest mountain range, which surrounds the city. The air is to be fragrant with sth.duften; hier: von etw. erfüllt seinfragrant with hospitality. From palace staff to people on the streets, the Rajasthani warrior class, or Rajputs, are known for their courage, elegance and pride.

    Were you able to answer the questions? According to legend, the descendants of Surya, the Hindu sun god, founded the Mewar dynasty. There are 11 palaces in the City Palace complex. The Rajasthani warrior class is known as the Rajputs.

    Spotlight Digital