Maharaja
Umaid Singh, an admirer of western lifestyles hired a famous Edwardian
architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester, for Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur.
The maharaja got the palace constructed with the intention of providing
employment to famine stricken farmers. The palace consists of 347 rooms.
Jodhpur Umaid Bhawan Palace was one of the last palaces to be built in
India. The attractions of the palace include the Throne Room (housing fascinating Ramayana murals), a wood-paneled library, a private museum; an indoor swimming pool, a Billiards room, tennis courts and marble squash courts. The Palace has now been converted into five star deluxe palace hotel. The Umaid Bhavan Palace of Rajasthan also houses a museum. On display, in the museum, are an array of weapons, stuffed leopards, clocks and a huge banner presented by Queen Victoria.
