Travel Places in Dungarpur
¤ Juna Mahal
The pristine white Juna Mahal Palace, a seven-storeyed palace was
built in the 13th century and resembles a fort more than a palace.
More popularly referred to as the Old Palace, it was built when a few
members of the Mewar dynasty split and found a new kingdom here. The
exterior has crenellated walls, turrets and narrow passages wide
enough for a single person, the intention being to slow down the
attacking enemy. The interiors are resplendent with frescoes, glass
and mirror work and miniature paintings. It is said that the maharaja
had some 50 scenes from the Kama Sutra painted in a closet in his
private suite. The palace walls and ceilings are covered with scenes
from Dungarpur’s history and the portraits of the erstwhile
princes, dating from the 16th to the 18th century.
The strategic position of Dungarpur, nestled and sheltered, by the
Aravallis has helped in preserving most of these paintings and artwork
from being destroyed by invading armies. Unfortunately the Juna Mahal
is open only to the guests staying at the Udai Vilas Palace.
¤ Other Attractions
Another charming place to visit while here is the Gaib Sagar Lake.
The shrine of Shrinathji lies just beside the lake and is a nice
accumulation of several exquisite temples. The main Vijay Raj
Rajeshwar Temple is simply an architectural wonder and is dedicated to
Lord Shiva. It is said that the temple was inspired from a vision that
Maharawal Vijay Singh once had in his dream. Rajmata Devendra Kunvar
realized his vision and created this artistic temple.
¤ Badal Mahal
The double storeyed Badal Mahal or the Palace of Clouds stands tall
and proud just beside the lake. The expanse of water is frequented by
migratory birds, forming a great sight from the Mahal.
¤ Museum
The Rajmata Devendra Kunvar State Museum and Cultural Centre has a
huge gallery with an extensive collection from the 6th-7th century,
11th-12th century and 16th-18th century excavations of the Vagad
region. The museum was opened to the public in 1988 and gives enough
information on the history of Vagad, a region which included
Dungarpur, Banswara, and Kherwara in Udaipur. The notable sculptures
in the museum are Mahisasur Mardini (16th-17th century); Vinadhar
Shiva in black stone (6th-7th century); Kumari, a female figure
(6th-7th century) all discovered from Aamjhara, a beautiful idol of
Gajlaxmi (17th-18th century) and the Navgraha
in a single stone piece (11th-12th century).
It also displays a panel of portraits of the former maharajas of
Dungarpur and photographs of palaces, temples and monuments from
different phases of the state’s history.
Timing : 1000 hrs to 1630
hrs. Closed on Friday and gazetted holidays.
¤ Government Archaeological
Museum
The Government ArchaeologicalMuseum here in Dungarpur also houses a
marvellous collection of ancient statues. |
