Bagore Ki Haveli is an old royal building situated in front of the Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat in Udaipur. This is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur.
Built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Chief Minister of Mewar Royal Court, it dates back to the 18th century. Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who resided in the haveli, incorporated three storeys to the main structure, in 1878 AD. This ancient edifice has more than hundred rooms and displays delicate carvings and glass work. After being deserted for 50 years post-independence, the haveli was finally handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre in 1986 for restoration. Today, the Haveli looks glorious and also houses a museum in its premises with paintings and costumes of the Royal Kings.
The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. One can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath areas, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms along with a number of balconies, courtyards and corridors. The Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style and there are glorious coloured glass windows in some of the rooms as well as two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship.
In the museum, the aristocratic culture of Mewar has been portrayed. Premium mural paintings of Rajasthan designed in Mewar, along with the costumes of the royal kings and modern art are notable highlights of the museum. Exclusive things of Rajputs like jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas and pan boxes form the collections of the museum. The museum also displays nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items of the erstwhile rulers. Original paintings of Mewar are displayed in the Queen's Chamber.
History of Bagore Ki Haveli
Shri Amarchand Badwa, who served as the Prime minister of Mewar kingdom during the reign of Maharanas Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh from the period of 1751 to 1778, built Bagore Ki Haveli. Following the death of Amarchand Badwa, the haveli came under the possession of Mewar royal family and became the abode of Nath Singh, a relative of the then Maharana.
In 1878, Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore further extended the haveli by building the triple-arched gateway and since then it is known as Bagore ki Haveli. Till 1947, the haveli remained in the possession of Mewar state.
Post India’s Independence, the Haveli was used by the Rajasthan government for housing government employees. The haveli was neglected for almost forty years and later in 1986, the Government eventually decided to handover the restoration work to the West Zone Cultural Centre.
Architecture of Bagore ki Haveli
Any art lover would love to explore the Bagore ki Haveli for its splendid architecture and skillful craftsmanship. Reflecting the Mewar’s aristocratic culture, Bagore ki Haveli is a marvellous assortment of huge courtyards, balconies, jharokhas, decorative archways, cupolas and a fountain.
With around 138 rooms, the interiors of the Haveli are decorated with exceptional mirror work. The walls of the Haveli are adorned beautifully with alluring glasswork and mural paintings. One can see various rooms used by the royal family that are worth admiring for its finest craftsmanship.
The Chambers of the Royal Ladies is one place that is worth visiting for its renowned glass windows that are colored beautifully. It houses two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaic that are exceptionally crafted.
