Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput dynasty of Mewar, who moved his capital from Chittorgarh to the safer hills around Lake Pichola. It remained Mewar's capital until India's independence, when the state joined the Indian Union in 1949. The Mewar dynasty is one of the oldest ruling families in the world.
Key facts
- Founded: 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II
- Dynasty: Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar
- Chittorgarh fell to Akbar in 1568
- Mewar joined the Indian Union in 1949
Udaipur’s story begins somewhere else: on a hilltop 115 km to the east.
Mewar before Udaipur
The Mewar kingdom traces its roots to the 8th century and Bappa Rawal. For centuries its capital was Chittorgarh. The Sisodia branch of the family ruled from the 14th century, and the rulers took the title Maharana. They saw themselves as regents of Eklingji, the kingdom’s true king.
A new capital
Chittor was besieged again and again. Maharana Udai Singh II looked for a safer site and found one in the hills beside Lake Pichola. Legend says a holy man meditating on a hill told him to build there. He founded Udaipur in 1559. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar took Chittor.
Maharana Pratap
Udai Singh’s son, Maharana Pratap, refused to submit to Akbar. He fought the Mughals at Haldighati in 1576 and resisted from the hills for the rest of his life. Read Maharana Pratap and Chetak.
Palaces and lakes
Peace with the Mughals in 1615 under Amar Singh I let later rulers build. The City Palace grew over some 400 years. Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace rose on islands. Fateh Sagar and other lakes were dammed and enlarged, giving the city its name. See why Udaipur is called the City of Lakes.
British era and independence
Mewar signed a treaty with the British in 1818. After independence, it joined the Indian Union in 1949, becoming part of Rajasthan.
Udaipur today
Udaipur is now one of India’s best-loved destinations, known for its lakes, palaces, weddings and crafts. The former royal family still lives in part of the City Palace.
Want the stories in person? Join a heritage walk or see our heritage tours.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Udaipur?
Maharana Udai Singh II, in 1559.
Why did the Mewar capital move from Chittorgarh?
Chittor had been besieged repeatedly. Udai Singh chose a site protected by the Aravalli hills and lakes. Akbar took Chittor in 1568.
Is there still a royal family in Udaipur?
Yes. The former royal family lives in part of the City Palace and runs heritage hotels, museums and trusts.
