Maharana Fateh Singh Ji

Did you know why Sajjangarh Fort is also known as Monsoon Palace?

The “Territory of the Ruling Elites” Rajasthan, is known for its numerous magnificent forts and palaces. Sajjangarh Palace, however, is a truly amazing structure & an example for the same. It was built by the 72nd ruler of the Mewar dynasty, “Maharana Sajjan Singh” at a height of 3100 feet. Sajjangarh is how it came to be known.

Although Udaipur is known as the “City of Lakes” it also has a large number of magnificent castles. And Sajjangarh comes at the first place.

However, you may also know it by the name Monsoon Palace. Nevertheless, very few people are aware of the origins of this title. Let us tell you about the entire instance which led this to happen.

History Behind the Name

A visionary leader, Maharana Sajjan Singh is credited as being the “Builder” of the palace. He carried out numerous developmental projects, such as expanding the infrastructure for roads, water supply, and other civil work. He also instituted civil administration and courts. His reign (1874–1884) lasted just 10 years.

But his largest undertaking was the construction of the Sajjan Garh Palace, or the Monsoon Palace. It was planned to serve as the western backdrop to the city of Udaipur.

Initially a nine-storey complex was envisioned by Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji. It was planned to serve as an “astronomical center” and to track monsoon clouds. Moreover to accommodate as a family resort too.

But before he could complete the fort, fate made him meet the untimely death.

Hence Maharana Fateh Singh Ji, successor of the clan, took the pain on his shoulders for the completion of the complex. Nonetheless he succeeded in making the project possible.

Moreover Fateh Singh Ji occupied the building for watching monsoon clouds and hence the name – “Monsoon Palace”. The royal family also used it as a hunting lodge.

maharana fateh singh ji going for hunt — Source: clevelandart

Some Interesting facts

Monsoon palace is best visited during the monsoon season to see the clouds, endless hills of greenery, and a few light showers. As it is situated at the top to give a wider view & heavenly feeling of being surrounded by clouds.
You can see a beautiful sunset as well, but you must be at the palace when it happens.
You get the view of three beautiful lakes at once, Fateh Sagar, Pichola, and Swaroop Sagar which is breathtaking.
The palace has featured the filming of several Bollywood and Hollywood productions, including Octopussy, Cheetah Girl, Dhamaal and Hum Hai Raahi Pyar Ke. The palace appears as the home of the main antagonist, an exiled Afghan prince by the name of Kamal Khan, in the James Bond film Octopussy (Louise Jourdan).

The most loved Monsoon Season is about to end and it would be the best opportunity to visit the palace. Don’t wait, make a plan and step out before it’s too late!

Fateh Sagar you Know, Facts Behind you Don’t

India accommodates 128 lakes, of which five most beautiful lakes are situated in the City of Lakes, Udaipur. And whether we talk about Udaipur’s heart or what makes it so amusing, it’s the lakes.

Fateh sagar sunset — Source: pickyourtrail

But when it comes to everybody’s favourite one, Fateh Sagar will certainly receive all the votes. It is the most loved site among both locals and visitors. The lake is adored because of its scenery and sunsets which never fail to impress. Although this place has also a great history glued with itself.

The name of the lake Fateh Sagar was coined after Maharana Fateh Singh Ji , but few are aware of its earlier origins. Let’s explore the stories below to discover the facts.

Initially Constructed in 1678AD

Fateh Sagar Lake was formerly constructed by Maharana Jai Singh Ji in 1678 AD. But due to heavy floods during the reign of Maharana Bhim Singh Ji, the earthen bund which formed the lake was washed away. Hence approximately 200 years later, Maharana Fateh Singh Ji bore the responsibility on his shoulders and rebuilt it.

Formerly Known as Devali-Ka-Talaab

It is yet another lesser-known fact that the lake was known as Devali ka Talab. Constructed in 1680 by Maharana Jai Singh Ji, it was situated 1.5 miles away from Udaipur. It was built near the village Devali and hence was named after it.

Connaught Dam Enlarged to Fateh Sagar Lake

Earlier in the 1670s the dam near Devali Lake wasn’t built too high. And in 1889, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria, visited Udaipur. So to commemorate his visit, Maharana Fateh Singh Ji decided to raise the pal (dam) of Devali-ka-Talaab by 20 feet.

The Duke laid the foundation of the dam with the fortune to put the first brick. The Fateh Sagar Ki Pal, you know now, was given the name of “Connaught Bandh” after him.

Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught
Source: pinterest

Later in return the Prince suggested that the Devali-Ka-Talaab which was an enlarged and restored water reservoir, be called “Fateh Sagar”. Hence the lake was renamed after Maharana Fateh Singh Ji.

Engineer Thomson also proposed the canal that would link Pichola with Fateh Sagar, which became a reality once the height of pal was raised.

A Fun Fact :

In 1898, on the occasion of Hariyali Amavasya, Chawdi Rani along with Maharana Fateh Singh Ji went to see the overflowing Fateh Sagar.
They were so happy to watch it and hence announced a fair to be organised on Hariyali Amavasya every year.
Maharani also asked Rana Ji to keep a separate day just for the ladies. And that’s how we all enjoy the most delightful fair with joy.

Although it’s been more than a century to that and every Udaipurite still awaits & gets excited the same to see the overflowing Fatehsagar every Monsoon. Same goes with this year. We are eagerly waiting for that to happen.