India, in particular, North is endowed with countless beautiful palaces and palatial residences built by the rich Maharajahs a century or centuries ago. Their size, rich design, embellishments,etc were dependent on their financial clout and status. After India's independence and since the cut in the dole being received by them from the government, these by-gone princely, people, to maintain their status and comfortable living, matching their past glory, have converted many of these historical building into luxurious resorts and five star heritage hotels where the visitors enjoy the lost old charm in the artificial modern environment.
For the Maharajahs of Jodhpur, the seat of power was Jodhpur and they ruled their kingdom from safety of their formidable fort (at Jodhpur) - the Meharangarh. The Maharajah of Jodhpur 100 years ago decided to have a new residence built and it was called the Umed Bhawan Palace. His younger brother Maharaj Ajit Singh, then Prime Minister of the state, followed suit and built a residence for him called Ajit Bhavan that was designed by an English architect. The Jodhpur red sand-stones were mainly used for the construction of the building. The building has a traditional design with two floors and gardens around it. The unique feature of the age old design is two floors and the mezzanine section have high ceilings with proper ventilation. This helps proper regulation of cool air circulation inside the building and this special arrangement keeps the rooms cool from the hot summer heat and radiation.
As in many Indian palaces, the Zennana or the woman’s living chambers were on the first floor. In many palaces, this section was self-contained had latticed windows to help the womenfolks to see outside from their living space. In the bygone days, it was customary that the gates to the Zennana in the the Ajit Bhawan Palace were guarded by well-trained soldiers. In this case they em[ployed sturdy unics to safeguard the gates. This would prevent men loitering near the women's quarters and the palace women would move around inside the section freely and comfortably. When Rani Ajit Singh was going down the grand stairway to the Lady's porch that had huge swinging doors, in those days, an alarm would sound. Her car would be parked near the door for the Royal lady to access the autobobile easily.
The palace had a big court yard that was used by the rulers to meet local dignitaries, including people from the villages. The rulers had a close rapport with the people by patiently listening to their grievances and tried to get them redressed. The residence has an orchard in the front on the left side. There are jails, stables, a temple and a well on the right side. The roof of the house has interesting latticeworks and an interconnected two staircases that once led to the ladies wing of the house.
Built in 1927 with serene desert of Rajasthan around it, the palace brings out the legacy of Rajput style of living and the charm of the desert area. It is part of the past history of a rich and powerful Rajput Royal family.
The palace has been converted into a resort and in the midst of this dry region, it an oasis of comfort and fun. The warm hospitality and the quiet ambiance will make the visitors feel at home. Here the Rajput heritage is vibrantly alive. The palace is set in a plot that covers 20,500 square meters.
Ajit Bhavan is located 2 km from the Jodhpur Airport, 3 km from the Railway Station and 5 km from the
Jodhpur Bus Stand.
http://in.wikifun.com/ajit-bhawan-(a-heritage-resort)-jodhpur-342006_fs1485243en.html
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| Ajit Bhawan palace, Jodhpur Booking.com |
For the Maharajahs of Jodhpur, the seat of power was Jodhpur and they ruled their kingdom from safety of their formidable fort (at Jodhpur) - the Meharangarh. The Maharajah of Jodhpur 100 years ago decided to have a new residence built and it was called the Umed Bhawan Palace. His younger brother Maharaj Ajit Singh, then Prime Minister of the state, followed suit and built a residence for him called Ajit Bhavan that was designed by an English architect. The Jodhpur red sand-stones were mainly used for the construction of the building. The building has a traditional design with two floors and gardens around it. The unique feature of the age old design is two floors and the mezzanine section have high ceilings with proper ventilation. This helps proper regulation of cool air circulation inside the building and this special arrangement keeps the rooms cool from the hot summer heat and radiation.
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| Ajit Bhawan palace, Jodhpur. T2India |
As in many Indian palaces, the Zennana or the woman’s living chambers were on the first floor. In many palaces, this section was self-contained had latticed windows to help the womenfolks to see outside from their living space. In the bygone days, it was customary that the gates to the Zennana in the the Ajit Bhawan Palace were guarded by well-trained soldiers. In this case they em[ployed sturdy unics to safeguard the gates. This would prevent men loitering near the women's quarters and the palace women would move around inside the section freely and comfortably. When Rani Ajit Singh was going down the grand stairway to the Lady's porch that had huge swinging doors, in those days, an alarm would sound. Her car would be parked near the door for the Royal lady to access the autobobile easily.
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| Ajit Bhawan palace,TripAdvisor |
The palace had a big court yard that was used by the rulers to meet local dignitaries, including people from the villages. The rulers had a close rapport with the people by patiently listening to their grievances and tried to get them redressed. The residence has an orchard in the front on the left side. There are jails, stables, a temple and a well on the right side. The roof of the house has interesting latticeworks and an interconnected two staircases that once led to the ladies wing of the house.
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| Mewar painting of a royal family. Alamy |
Built in 1927 with serene desert of Rajasthan around it, the palace brings out the legacy of Rajput style of living and the charm of the desert area. It is part of the past history of a rich and powerful Rajput Royal family.
The palace has been converted into a resort and in the midst of this dry region, it an oasis of comfort and fun. The warm hospitality and the quiet ambiance will make the visitors feel at home. Here the Rajput heritage is vibrantly alive. The palace is set in a plot that covers 20,500 square meters.
Jodhpur Bus Stand.
http://in.wikifun.com/ajit-bhawan-(a-heritage-resort)-jodhpur-342006_fs1485243en.html
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