Of all the cities in Rajasthan, perhaps with the exception of Jaipur, Udaipur reflects the splendor of princely splendor most clearly. However, the reason for its founding was a tragedy, the Jauhar in the fortress of Chittaurgarh in 1567. When the superior strength of Emperor Akbar's troops became overwhelming, in this collective suicide, the Rajput women and their children climbed the pyres while the men opened the gates and threw themselves at the attackers. Rana Udai Singh II (1536 – 1572) had retreated to Lake Pichola before the siege began and, after the defeat, decided to build his new residence on the shores.
The main attraction are the palaces in and around the lake, some of which still serve as the residence of Maharana Arvid Singh, the reigning head of the House of Mewar. The city's founder, Udai Singh, had already begun construction of the city palace, whose impressive façade dominates the eastern bank of the lake; But it was only from 1614 onwards that the complex gradually grew in size and shape in several construction phases. From the old town you go through the fortified Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate 1600) to the three-arched Tripoliator, built in 1725, on the north side of the inner courtyard. Under the eight arches between the two gates, the Maharanas used to be weighed in gold and silver on their birthdays, which was then distributed to the population.