Everything About Samode Palace

Samode Palace is a heritage monument located in Jaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The palace was built by a noble feudatory with the hereditary title of “Maha Rawal” or “Maha Saheb” from Amber and Jaipur principality in Rajasthan. The palace is an example of an architectural marvel. It has hosted several celebrities, artists, and tourists from across the globe. The palace was completed in the 16th century and built with a combination of exquisite marbles and masonry. It is a prominent tourist place in Jaipur and an integral part of Rajasthan tourism. It is a 475-year old palace that stands strong as a heritage monument with its Indo-Saracenic architecture. The article includes all the details of Samode palace, its architecture and history.

History of Samode Palace 

• Samode, a town located in Rajasthan, belonged to the landlords of principal Thakurs of Amber. The lineage of Thakurs was traced to the 17th prince of Kacchwaha Rajputs, Maharaja Rajveer Singhji.
• Samode was willed to Gopal Singhji, the 12th son of Maharaja Rajveer Singhji. He was the noble feudatory of Amber and Jaipur Principality.
• It was further inherited by Behari Das, a Rajput warrior given the hereditary title of “Rawal Saheb’ or “Maha Rawal”.
• Samode Palace was initially built as Rajput Fort in the 16th century. However, in the 19th century, it was designed and architected by Rawal Berisal into an opulent palace.
• Rawal Sheo Singh, a descendant of Rawal Berisal, further expanded the palace and added the Durbar Hall and Sheesh Mahal. Durbar Hall was hand-painted with colourful floral patterns, and the Sheesh Mahal is a hall full of mirrors.
• The palace was converted into a luxurious and extravagant heritage hotel named “Samode Palace Hotel” in 1987.

Location and Architecture of Samode Palace 

• The palace is now a part of a heritage hotel under the flagship name of “Samode”. Owing to its intriguing architecture, it has attracted the attention of many tourists.
• Samode Palace is located 40 km north of Jaipur city centre. Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh are located close to the palace. Samode Haveli is located 6 km from Jaipur city, whereas Samode Bagh is 4 km from the palace. 
• Rawal Berisal designed the palace in the Rajput architectural style. The palace and Samode Haveli, and Samode Bagh show a combination of Mughal and Rajasthani art and architecture. 
• Samode Palace, along with its other structures, are located in Samode in the hills of the Aravalli Range.

Structures of the Samode Palace  

There are three heritage structures, which together form the Samode heritage monuments. These include the Samode Palace, Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh. 

Samode Palace 

• The palace is built of sandstone, flaunting ancient Rajasthani architectural style. The interiors have marble floors, ornamented pillars, floral motif paintings, frescoes, and luxurious royal carpets. 
• The frescoes in the Durbar Hall and the hand-made paintings on the walls are around 250 years old. The palace is 3-storied with a patio on each floor. 
• Samode Palace is close to the Samode village, famous for block printing, handicrafts, miniature painting, and bangles. 

Samode Haveli

• The haveli has an elegant dining hall with hand-painted walls and boasts a royal, contemporary setting.
• It was built 175 years ago with a garden and apartments around intimate courtyards. The descendants occupy it, and a part of it is converted into a heritage hotel.

Samode Bagh

• The garden is a Mughal-style garden built in the 16th century spread across 20 acres, enclosed by a 15 feet high wall. 
• It consists of a 150-year-old pavilion in the garden premise. 
• Samode Bagh was built almost 250 years ago by Rawal Sheo Singh. Designed in the classic “Char Bagh” style, it is the oldest functional Mughal garden in Rajasthan. 
• There is luxurious accommodation for tourists with 44 dune-coloured tents equipped with all modern amenities. 

Information for Visitors 

Samode Palace, Samode Haveli and Samode Bagh are touristic places in Jaipur often visited by travellers. Samode heritage monuments were converted into heritage properties and hotels for tourists to stay and enjoy the exuberance of the rich and royal. However, tourists can also visit the palace and not stay. There is an entry fee for tourists exploring the palace, haveli, and the garden. 

Conclusion 

Rajasthan is rich in its heritage, history, and royal families. The opulent palaces and magnificent Havelis’ in Jaipur have attracted many tourists from all across the globe. The Samode Palace is an important heritage monument built by a noble feudatory from the principality of Amber and Jaipur. The 475-old palace with Indo-Saracenic architecture combines Rajasthani and Mughal heritage. The palace was converted into a heritage hotel in 1987 to extend a taste of royalty to its guests. Samode Haveli continues to be inhabited by the family’s descendants, but a part of it is converted into a hotel. All three architectural edifices collectively form the Samode Heritage Monuments, located in a small village called Samode in Jaipur. The article summarises the history, architecture and different monuments in the group.