Naman Kapuria

Udaipur: A blessing turns 466 year old today

Every city deserves a birthday celebration, a royal one deserves after party. According to tradition, Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur on this day i.e. Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej in 1553. Today on the foundation day of this beautiful lake city where all lakes are man-made. Let’s go through some of the important stories that everyone out needs to know. Udaipur was a strategic foundation as it is surrounded by Girwa valley that is approximately 20 Km in length and 15 Km broad. Aravalli range separates Mewar from the desert area of Rajasthan. A circular fertile Girwa valley was a perfect place to settle our future in.

A history that was created:

Travelling in past always interest people because the city we live in has a part of us and that is roots. Walking on the roads of the city and thinking about how things reached here, how this valley turned into a city beautiful. The brilliant time of wonder of Chittorgarh that started with Bappa Rawal and proceeded under Rawals Khumaans to Maharana Sanga (Sangram Singh 1509-1527) lost its unmistakable quality after Sanga’s demise. The third child of Sanga i.e. Maharana Udai Singh II, luckily rescued the circumstance through balanced and venturesome standard. The political circumstance in India was changing quickly which the youthful Maharana needed to battle with.

The Portuguese built up themselves on the western bank of India with the new weapon of fighting the mounted guns, they set up themselves on the western shoreline of India-beginning in 1509 with development of ports and posts at Calicut, Cochin, Pulicat (Podouke), Goa, Bombay, Cambay, Diu, lastly landing in Gujarat by the 1530s. The Mughal ruler Babur set up himself in the north in 1526. He as well took the response to the new innovation of mounted guns. With the assistance of Portuguese, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat effectively attempted and tried the adequacy of cannons fighting on Chittaurgarh in 1535. They needed to inspire the Muslim ruler with the end goal of getting a decent footing on the Gujarat coast. They were likewise the primary “merchants” of black powder and gun in India. This viewpoint needs thought particularly in connection to the general discernment that Babur presented mounted guns fighting in India. Actually Portuguese beat the Mughal ruler by 25 years!

Maharana Udai Singh | Source: Eternal Mewar

With this foundation of an unfriendly and unstable north, a southern kingdom outfitted with new innovation and his own home in turmoil, Maharana Udai Singh admirably chose to conform to the changed circumstance in and around Mewar with “Krishan-Neeti”.

A Silent Warrior:

In around 1568, when Chittorgarh was attacked by Mughal Empire then Maharana moved his kingdom to Udaipur and hence the purpose of founding the city was served. Now the kingdom was defended by nature. The tall hills of Aravalli range fought hard all these years in the favour of Maharana. A silent knight.

It might interest you those Aravalli Hills are now broken beyond repair. What nature has given us we all know but maybe we don’t know how to return the favour. Inside one age, millions who once discovered it the hub of their sustenance, are presently accommodated to the loss of one of the planet’s most established physical highlights. This notwithstanding the way that a great many villages have announced changes in the nearby environment after the mountain range’s corruption, with critical effect on the general population’s lives. Knowing history might be easy but to preserve history is a task. A task for all the generations living the era that was gifted by the descendants.

Let’s take a pledge to preserve the beauty of the city and steer towards some interesting dates and facts about ‘Our Udaipur’.

1931- 1st cinema Hall – Mewar talkies

1943 1st Bank – Bharat bank ltd.

1915, 1st-time electricity was utilized in the palace.

1960 Feb 6, 1st flight from Airport- Air India (Delhi – Jaipur – Udaipur – Ahmedabad)

jag mandir island during the 18th century

Jag Mandir was the Inspiration for Taj Mahal: Shah Jahan mother was a Rajput woman, Maharana Karan Singh remained him securely inside the Jag Mandir Palace that was noted as ‘Gul-Mahal’ at the time. Shah Jahn adjacent to his better half and children were solid safe in Gul Mahal, it’s equivalent that sovereign religion got awed by the structure of Gul Mahal and planned Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the earth.

Your Ultimate Guide to Monsoons in Udaipur — Udaipur- Kashmir of Rajasthan

Udaipur is also known as the ‘Kashmir of Rajasthan’: Udaipur is created like Kashmir once it comes regarding its beautiful landscapes, exciting sights and if truth be told a great thing about lakes. One more reason that connects Kashmir to Udaipur is that each of these cities is positioned on valleys that results in their spectacular beauty.

Maharana Udai Singh designed a six-kilometre-long town wall, with seven gates: Significantly Surajpole, Chandpole, Udiapole, Hathipole, Ambapole, Brahmpole are worth capturing. The realm among these walls and gates continues to be said the Old City or the walled town.

The sculpture of Queen Victoria is presently show-cased among the Saraswati Bhawan Library: In February 1890, a sculpture of Queen Victoria was unveiled among the Gulab Bagh. With the sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi stands amidst the luxurious garden; collectively the Saraswati Bhawan Library in Gulab Bagh was initially called as ‘Victoria Museum’.

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them — Source: Pinterest

Sahastra-Bahu (Sas-Bahu) Temples is on a list of India’s Heritage Monument: Sahastra-Bahu Temples area is magnificently noted as ‘Sas-Bahu’ temples. Historical records say, that Sahastra Bahu means ‘Vishnu with one thousand arms’ but the native stories suggest a definite tale. They’re situated in Nagda at Udaipur, Located 20 km away from the city.

The curious case of Hare: Maharana Udai Singh II is said to have established his new capital city of Udaipur when he chased a rabbit/hare at Akshay Tritiya chase in the Girwa Valley, somewhat northwest of Ayad town. Same way chasing rabbit/hare Ahmedabad and Sirohi was found by their respective founders that too on Akshaya Tritiya.

Samor Gardens, Shiwaniwas Palace and Old Palace, Udaipur — Old Palace, Udaipur

With these stories, history is left open-ended. There is still a lot we need to know about this magical city, a book with empty pages where words need to be discovered to uncover. In the end, clinking glasses with the lakes, hills and aura of this city. We wish Venice of east a very Happy Birthday!

Udaipur’s Apurvi Chandela becomes world number one shooter

Udaipur’s Apurvi Chandela has become number one shooter in the 10-meter air rifle category on Wednesday. Apurvi achieved top position in world rankings with 1926 points. In the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in February this year, she bagged a gold medal with 252.9 world record score.

Apurvi expressed happiness on Twitter, “World Number 1 position secured.
Touched a milestone in my shooting career today!! “. Apurvi Chandela is among the six Indian shooters who have won the Olympic quota for Tokyo Games. In 2018 Asian Games, she won a Bronze Medal at the 10m rifle event.

Apurvi Chandela wins gold at ISSF World Cup 2019 — Image source: PTI Photo/Manvender Vashist

Recently, Apurvi missed a medal in the ISSF World Cup held in Beijing. She was ranked fourth with 207.8 points. Although India was successful in winning the team medal with 1887.2 at ISSF World Cup. Apurvi stays in Jaipur with parents while her extended family is based in Udaipur. Her family in Udaipur celebrated her achievement with firecracker show and by distributing sweets.

In the meantime, India’s Anjum Mudgil has also reached second place in the ranking of the 10-meter air rifle by winning the mixed team gold at the ISSF World Cup, Beijing.

Indian Railways: Now change the boarding station four hours prior to the journey

If a confirmed ticket was booked from IRCTC website but had to be cancelled because there’s no option to change the boarding station, here’s good news!

Udaipur mysore humsafar express — Photo Credit: Shivam Sadhu/ raah_chalta_

Passengers travelling by rail will now be able to change the boarding station up to four hours before the chart is formed. This facility has been implemented since Wednesday. This means that one can change the boarding station that is selected at the time of booking tickets.

Prior to this, the boarding state could be changed only 24 hours before the start of the journey and for that passengers had to submit an application to the railway reservation head. Now it can be done online through the IRCTC website for tickets booked online. The boarding station can also be changed by calling the Railway Inquiry Number -139. However, the condition is that there will be no refund on cancelling the ticket.

Udaipur: Gaurav Sahu bags a gold medal in Hong Kong

On the first day of the Asian Powerlifting Championship that is being held in the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong from April 21 to 26, Gaurav Sahu of Udaipur won a gold and a bronze medal while performing his best in 53 kg weight category.

Giving this information, Rajasthan State Powerlifting Association Secretary Vinod Sahu said that in 53 kilograms sub-junior category, Gaurav Sahu won the gold medal in the Asian Championship by lifting 165 kg in the deadlift which is highest in Asia. He also bagged a bronze medal in the Bench Press with a weight of 62.5 kg while the fourth position was secured in 132.5 Kg squat. Total weight lifted by him was 360 kg.

In this way, Gaurav Sahu performed brilliantly in his first international tournament and won two medals. Gaurav Sahu will return to Udaipur on 28 April, where he will be welcomed by the Rajasthan State Powerlifting Association at Udaipur Railway station.

Kartik Aaryan and Randeep Hooda in Udaipur for Imtiaz Ali’s next

Kartik Aaryan the cute hunk of B-town was spotted shooting in Udaipur. He’s playing the role of a schoolboy in Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Love Aaj Kal 2’ which is a sequel of ‘Love Aaj Kal’. Kartik was seen riding a scooter with friends in a school uniform. Kartik’s new look as a schoolboy is already taking over the internet. Imtiaz is one of the finest directors of Bollywood and directed many films including Rockstar and Highway.

Kartik Aaryan spotted in the old city — Picture Credit: Siddharth Nagar

The film is being shot around Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli, Jagdish Chowk and Sun ‘n’ Moon restaurant. Along with Kartik Aaryan, Sara Ali Khan and Randeep Hooda are playing the lead role in the film. The title of the movie isn’t decided yet but it’s revealed that it is a sequel of Love Aaj Kal which was released in 2009, starring Saif Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone. Randeep reached Lake city on Thursday. A picture of Kartik strolling on a scooter was widely shared on Social Media.

Kartik Aaryan in Udaipur — Picture Credit: Siddharth Nagar

Imtiaz Ali in Udaipur for his next — Picture Credit: Sun and Moon Restaurant

Kartik Aaryan in Udaipur for his next — Picture Credit: Siddharth Nagar

A few days back Irfan Khan was shooting for his movie ‘Angrezi Medium‘ in the city. This is how Udaipur was star struck this summer. Lake City has always proved to be one of the favourite destinations for Bollywood directors and the legacy continues.

World Heritage Day 2019: Udaipur Heritage, the strings attached to past

In the year 1982, the International Council on Monuments and Sites decided to celebrate 18 April as World Heritage Day. It was a step taken towards spreading awareness about monuments and other sites which are a part of our history. Udaipur is one of the most prominent cultural heritage signatures of Mewar.

Future generations have the right to live history through these heritage sites and hence they should be preserved. Udaipur – The Venice of East, a beautiful city guarded by the Aravalli range, was founded in the 16th century by Maharana Udai Singh. Since it was a circular piece of fertile land in between Girwa valley, it was declared as the capital of Mewar. The prosperous cultural heritage legacy was received by the different generations of rulers. City Palace, Jagdish temple, Saheliyon ki Bari, Ahar Cenotaphs, Monsoon Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli and many such locations in Udaipur act like a bridge between the generations.

A sense of royalty can be felt through the architecture of such sites. With each passing day, each monument of the city repeats the story to every visitor and this story needs to be conserved. Safeguarding of heritage sites is very important because they give a sense of identity and continuity in a fast-changing world to the coming generations. Heritage sites basically reflect the culture of the city.

Let’s go on a roller coaster ride through the heritage sites of the city or wait, rather, let’s walk together across the city. While walking towards the old city you see Gulab Bagh on your left and vintage car museum on your right. The transition from new to the old city is worth noticing and can be seen through the gates and architecture of houses. When the lanes start to narrow down, it means you are close to witnessing something magical.

City Palace:

The palace complex situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola was constructed over a period of 400 years when the capital was shifted from Chittor district. The palace constantly got several modifications by other rulers of the dynasty. It was mostly constructed in Rajasthani style with a touch of Mughal architecture. It is designed so beautifully that it overlooks several other historical sites such as Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace and a perfect view of the entire city. Crystal gallery is the major attraction in this complex.

Jagdish Temple:

Moving ahead, when the streets will shrink further, a treat to eyes is guaranteed. On a junction of three roads, Jagdish Temple is situated. Jagdish temple was made by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Maharana Jagat Singh ruled Udaipur for 25 years from 1628 to 1653. The temple is dedicated to the preserver of the universe Lord Vishnu. It is the largest temple in the city. After 28 years of the construction of the temple, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted the temple to get destroyed and sent his army to do so. But the army of Maharana Raj Singh (ruler of Udaipur back then) didn’t let them succeed. Thank god a unique specimen of architecture was saved for us.

Saheliyon ki Bari:

Tired already? Let’s take an auto to Saheliyon ki Bari which is approximately 4 Kms away from the core of the city. Saheliyon ki Bari’s heritage talks about a group of forty-eight young women attendants who came with the princess as a part of her dowry. It is a major garden of the city and was built in the year 1710 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. Imagine a historic garden built for a queen. Royalness of this place is refreshing.

Ahar Cenotaphs:

Now moving toward the destination where these great creators of this dynasty are buried. It has a total of 372 cenotaphs of around 19 Maharanas who once ruled the city. This spectacular field of domes was built approx. 400 years back. Most attractive cenotaph that you will be able to spot will be of Maharana Sangram Singh, go look for it and the newest was built in the year 2004 of Udaipur’s last Maharana, Bhagwat Singh. After a walk of 150 m from Ahar Cenotaphs, you can find Ahar government museum which contains copper and pottery objects that are around 3300-years-old.

Tip: Observe the silence here.

Monsoon Palace or Sajjan Garh:

We can’t walk to next destination but I bet the way to that place is an adventure in itself. The monsoon palace, also called Sajjangarh palace is a hilltop palace at a distance of around 7 km from the city. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1884. It is said that from there monsoon clouds could be seen coming towards the city. It was originally constructed by the royal family of Mewar and is now owned by the forest department of the government of Rajasthan but you don’t need to worry about that. The beautiful palace gives you a mind-blowing view of the sunset and is supposedly called monsoon palace because it seems like the palace is floating in heaven during Monsoon.

There are many such locations around which will take you back in time. On every location, one can stand and feel that the place has been standing there for a long time and knows the secrets that you might be interested in.

On this World Heritage Day, let’s take a pledge of preserving these locations on our part. Engraving names of your loved ones won’t make you a hero but preserving cultural heritage can make you one. Also, good knowledge to have, there are dustbins around these locations, please use them and don’t litter. Not just one day, make every day as Heritage Day. Come and celebrate this auspicious day like a festival because these monuments are none less than time travel machines.

Udaipur’s Gaurav Sahu all set to compete at Asian Power-lifting Championship

Gaurav Sahu of Udaipur will participate in Asian Power-lifting Championship starting from April 20 at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Hong Kong. Gaurav has been selected in the Indian team. Its first international match of his life.

Vinod Sahu, secretary of Rajasthan Power-lifting Association mentioned that Gaurav Sahu, the student of Central Academy Sardarpura, is going to lead Indian power-lifting team in the sub-junior group of 53 kg weight category. He will compete with the power-lifters of Asian countries in the same category.

On the selection of Gaurav Sahu in the Indian team he was greeted by the Chairman of Rajasthan Power-lifting Association Hanuman Prasad Purohit, District Sports Officer Udaipur Amrit Kalyani, International Power-lifters Kamlesh Sharma, Chandresh Soni, Maharana Pratap Award winner International Power-lifter Mala Sukhwal, International player Devendra Sahu,Principal of Central Academy Sardarpura School’s Priya Boss and many more renowned personalities.

Gaurav recently won a gold medal in Rajasthan State Sub-Junior Power-lifting Championship held in Bandikui, Dausa. With a positive attitude of winning the contest, Gaurav will leave the city on 18th of this month.

Cultural Centre at Saheliyon-ki-Bari still not open for visitors

Even after 9 months in the Kalangan centre prepared by the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), the cultural evening and short films for tourists have not been started.

On the pattern of heritage in Bagore Haveli, the evening full of cultural events were supposed to happen daily. A short film on the history of Saheliyon-ki-Bari was prepared to show in a specially constructed room, but the indigenous and foreign tourists visiting here are not able to see it at this time. On July 28, 2018, the former Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria inaugurated the Kalangan Center. In it, there were 44 works of famous artists of contemporary art including Mewar’s famous traditional miniature painting style, Nathdwara, Kawad Photo category etc. Apart from this, the panels of the historic theme of Mewar, which are built in Herbal Gardens of Forest Medicinal Plants, Bird Vihar are located here.

More than two thousand domestic and foreign tourists visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari, according to which the proposed rooms for short films are facing a shortfall, which is going to shift above. Second, in the evening selection of a qualified institution for cultural events cannot be held. There will be a separate ticket for entry, but how much it will look, it can not be decided by the administration. Here, additional security professionals are required for deployment, but SCERT lacks a budget to keep security personnel on contract. Time for completion of this project is indefinite hence, the visitors have to wait for a new addition to Udaipur itinerary.

Techno NJR students performed Flash Mob for Awareness about General Elections 2019

Techno India NJR Students have been actively participating in various social activities for welfare and awareness among the community. This time, the students of Techno NJR performed a Flash Mob at Fateh Sagar Paal and Celebration Mall on the evening of 7th April 2019 to make public aware about General Election 2019 which will be held in Rajasthan on 28th April. The event was presented by the Techno NJR students in collaboration with Election Commission of India, Udaipur along with Nagar Nigam Udaipur, for making people aware about the elections and to encourage them to cast their vote which is their constitutional right. The large crowd which gathered at both the places also took the oath to vote and promote voting. A team of 31 Techno NJR Students from a first and second year performed the Flash Mob:

Akhilesh Joshi, Anam Quazi, Ann Mary Thomas, Ashi Kothari, Bhavesh Verma, Bhavini Mittal, Chirag Jain, Damor Mohit, Devyani Gupta, Gargi Sharma, Gazala Patwala, Hardi Jain, Harshita Mehta, Ishika Jain, Jinisha Jain, Kavish Lodha, Laxmi Panwar, Mahima Kothari, Nupur Thakur, Pranjal Jain, Rahul Choudhary, Ritu Sen, Sakshi Madrecha, Sejal Jain, Shaurya Bhansali, Shivangi Dharmawat, Surbhi Singh, Vidushi Dhakad, Yash Joshi and Yash Porwal.

The Flash Mob was choreographed Jitendra Verma and managed by Gaurav Kumawat. Overall Coordination of the event was done by Shri Puneet Sharma on behalf of Election Commission.

Udaipur Loksabha General Election 2019 Nomination Insights

On Tuesday five nominations were filed by candidates of different political parties. 9th April 2019 was the last day for filing names for the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency Loksabha General elections 2019. Election observer Rajesh Singh Rana (IAS) appointed by the Election Commission of India was also present on this occasion.

Candidates filing nominations on the last day of nomination process — Candidates filing nominations on the last day of the nomination process

During the process, last day nomination was filed by Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Red Star’s Keka Meena, Prabhulal Meena of Bahujan Mukti Party, Bidilal Chhanwal of Indian Tribal Party, Shankarlal of Satya Bahumat Party and Harji Lal Meena of Ambedkarite Party of India. These all were the last moment nominations.

Candidates filing nominations on the last day

Earlier, this week for the Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency, Raghuveer Singh Meena of the Indian National Congress, Arjunlal Meena of Bharatiya Janata Party, Kesulal Meena of Bahujan Samaj Party and Ghanshyam Tawad of Communist Party of India had presented the nomination papers. Presently, Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency comprises eight Vidhan Sabha (legislative assembly) segments.

According to the schedule set by the Election Commission of India, the nomination will be scrutinized on April 10. The last date for withdrawal of nomination by candidates will be April 12. It’s a democratic right of every citizen to know their candidates before voting. Udaipur Lok Sabha constituency one of the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Rajasthan.