Interestingly, this palace, which was originally built to help people during a famine, has now become a world-famous venue for luxury weddings, where people spend lakhs to celebrate.
When we talk about royal families and kings, one name that often comes to mind is Jodhpur. The Umaid Bhawan Palace in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur is not just famous in India but also well-known worldwide. Built around 96 years ago, this palace is now a popular destination for grand weddings, but its history is truly special. Even today, the royal family and their majestic lifestyle are visible here. Interestingly, this palace, which was originally built to help people during a famine, has now become a world-famous venue for luxury weddings, where people spend lakhs to celebrate.
Spread across 26 acres, it took about 15 years to build this grand structure. Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in the “Sun City,” is one of the largest residential palaces in the world. It also holds the distinction of being the last royal palace built in India.
In 1929, Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur started the construction of the palace to help his people. It was completed in 1943, after 15 years of hard work. Famine was not uncommon in Jodhpur, and during one such severe famine, crops were destroyed, leaving people struggling with hunger. To provide employment and relief, the Maharaja initiated the construction of the palace. More than 3,000 to 4,000 workers worked tirelessly to bring this magnificent structure to life.
Construction and design of Umaid Bhawan Palace
The design of Umaid Bhawan Palace was created by a renowned architect from England. The famous architectural firm Lancaster in London was commissioned to prepare the blueprint for Rs. 2,600 at the time. The interiors and paintings of the palace were designed by a renowned Polish artist who came to Jodhpur specifically for this project. The final design of the palace was completed by architect Henry Vaughan Lanchester.
The construction of the palace used sandstone and marble. It features 347 rooms, several grand halls, a swimming pool, a library, a billiards room, a massive dining hall, a golf course, gardens, and other luxurious amenities. Building the palace cost Rs. 1,09,11,228 at that time. Special “Chittar stones” were used in its construction, sourced from Fidusar near Sur Sagar, for which a dedicated railway line was built. Additionally, wood for the palace was imported from Burma (now Myanmar).
During the palace’s inauguration, Maharaja Umaid Singh’s son Hanwant Singh, father of Maharaja Gaj Singh, ceremonially opened its doors with a golden key.
Today, Umaid Bhawan Palace is divided into three parts: the royal residence, the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel. The royal family resides in the royal quarters.
In 1971, a portion of the palace was converted into a luxury hotel. In partnership with the Taj Group, Crown Prince Shivraj Singh prepared an opulent hotel with over 70 rooms. Umaid Bhawan has since become a favorite wedding destination. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra and PV Sindhu have tied the knot here.
Crown Prince Shivraj Singh oversees the palace
Currently, Crown Prince Shivraj Singh, a star polo player and businessman, oversees the palace. His father, Maharaja Gaj Singh, named the palace after his father, Umaid Singh. Shivraj Singh is now the heir to this royal legacy. Spread over 26 acres, the palace generates significant revenue for the royal family.
According to Startup Talky, Maharaja Gaj Singh’s family has a net worth of Rs. 22,400 crore. Shivraj Singh is actively working to grow this wealth. He manages events and functions held at Umaid Bhawan and also owns other properties like Bal Samand and Sardar Samand hotels.
A graduate in Business Administration, Shivraj Singh also worked abroad for some time before returning to India to take charge of his heritage. The royal family also owns Mehrangarh Fort. In 2010, Shivraj Singh married Gayatri Kumari Pal, a princess from a royal family in Lucknow. He now resides at Umaid Bhawan Palace with his family.