Construction of Umaid Bhavan Palace Jodhpur, 1936 Postcard
Old 1936 photo pc or postcard of the Umaid Bhavan Palace at Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Shows a view of an imposing Umaid Bhavan Palace emerging under construction. Named after its original owner Maharaja Umaid Singh. The construction began in 1929 and was completed in 1944. A Britisher Henry Vaughan Lanchester was entrusted with the architecture.
Considered to be one of the world’s largest royal residences. It consists of 347 rooms spread over 26 acres of land. The garden alone is of 15 acres. It has a throne room, a durbar hall, banquet hall, ballroom and so on. Because of the prolonged harsh drought at the time, the Maharaja ordered the construction of the palace. This was to provide employment and consecutively to ward off impending famine.
The privileges and privy purses to the Indian royalty were abolished in 1971. Thus many of the Indian princely rulers were compelled to lease out their property. Taj Luxury Hotel, Jodhpur occupies a section of the building. Another section is occupied by the present Maharaja Gaj Singh and his family. The third is a museum. The present owner of the palace is Maharaja Gaj Singh the grandson of Umaid Singh.
Read more Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Did you know- the interior was designed by J S Norblin, a refugee from Poland. He also created the frescoes in the throne room on the east wing.
From the collection- Raja Ravi Varma’s Portrait – Old Postcard 1904., New Harbour Works At Madras or Chennai – Old Print 1880., Vintage Car With Newlyweds – Old Photo 1940
