Bagore ki Haveli is a beautifully huge house on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This structure dates to the 18^th century portrays the aristocratic lifestyle of the Mewar royal court by showing their architectural brilliance and fine taste. The complex now converted into a museum and an active cultural institution, the haveli has become an important link to the rich heritage of Rajasthan. It has a lot of historical treasures, royal rooms, and unforgettable experience of traditional folk arts. This is one of the major tourist attractions of Udaipur, famous for its evening cultural shows.

History of Bagore ki Haveli

The history of Bagore ki Haveli dates to the mid-18^th century, built between 1751 and 1778 CE by Shri Amar Chand Badwa, the prime minister of the Mewar Kingdom under several Maharanas.

After Badwa’s death, the huge structure passed into the hands of the royal family of Mewar and became a residence for many of the royal relatives. The major construction was in started in 1878, when Maharaja Shakti Singh of Bagore, the natural father of Maharana Sajjan Singh, extended the haveli and built a triple-arched doorway that gave the house its name.

The haveli remained a royal property until India’s independence in 1947. Later, like most old houses, it began to deteriorate and was used as a residence by government employee. The Rajasthan Government, recognizing its historic and architectural values, handed over the crumbling edifice to the West Zone Cultural Centre in 1986. The WZCC launched a major and laborious rehabilitation program in the hope of restoring the haveli to its former glory. The haveli functions as the headquarters for the WZCC, along with a living museum aimed at preserving and propagating western Indian performing arts.

Architecture of Bagore ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli is an exemplary mansion in Rajputana style of architecture, having multi-layered construction, several courtyards, and beautiful balconies. Made mainly of local yellow stone and marble, the mansion has more than a hundred rooms that have been built into various types of exhibition spaces.

Main Features of Architecture:

Courtyards and Terraces were built around several courtyards, the biggest being the Neem Chowk, which doubles up a venue for cultural performances every evening. Panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Jag Niwas, now known as Lake Palace and the city palace was obtained from the terraces and Jharokhas, overhanging enclosed balconies.

Intricate interiors are adorned with subtle craftsmanship. Many chambers have superb glasswork and mirror work, including two magnificent peacocks composed of little pieces of colorful glass.

Galleries present a range of antiques, offering an insight into the sumptuous Mewar royal life. The galleries include:

·        The museum has a large collection of turbans from various districts of Rajasthan.

·        The puppet museum showcases traditional Rajasthani puppets or Kathputlis.

·        The Queens chambers have been renovated to depict the lifestyle of the royal women, with their traditional clothes, jewellery, and paintings.

Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore ki Haveli

The folk dance show “Dharohar” is the main highlight of a visit to Bagore ki Haveli and has been hailed as among the best things to do in Udaipur. This one-hour nightly performance, staged in Neem Chowk, celebrates the many folk traditions of Rajasthan in a very vibrant, colorful, and energetic style.

The show usually consists of various forms of well-known dances, like –

Ghoomar is an elegant, spinning dance performed by women attire in bright, flowing ghagra cholis.

Chari Dance consists of women dancing while balancing brass pots known as chari on their heads; at times ignited with flames.

Bhavai Dance is breathtaking and dangerous balancing of many sometimes seven or nine pots on one’s head, while dancing on the edge of a plate or shard of glass.

Kalbelia Dance is an enchanting snake-like dance by the Kalbeliya tribe.

Puppet show is a colorful and humorous presentation with traditional Rajasthani puppets accompanied by folk music.

The concerts, usually take place from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM are quite famous, and guests are encouraged to buy early tickets to ensure good seats, sometimes as early as 6:15 PM. The richly lighted balconies of the haveli create a dramatic and natural setting for the performers.

Things to do at Bagore ki Haveli –

Explore the museum galleries with more than 100 rooms, havelis houses the Turban Museum, the Puppet Museum, the Royal Chambers and articles that depict the daily life of the people during 18^th and 19^th century.

Admire the Lake views from jharokhas and terraces, offering fabulous views of the setting sun over lake Pichola, illuminating City Palace and Lake Palace.

Attend the Dharohar Dance Show offering a view of Rajasthan’s vibrant culture, hence should not be missed during the visit to Udaipur.

Witness the world’s largest Turban, quite a sight to behold.

Places to visit near Bagore ki Haveli –

The exceptional location of haveli on the banks of Lake Pichola brings it within walking distance to some of the most iconic landmarks in Udaipur.

Gangaur Ghat on which the haveli stands is a stunning place for an early morning or late evening stroll and observe local life and rituals.

Jagdish Temple is an enormous, intricately carved Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Jagannath, built in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture.

City Palace complex towers over Lake Pichola is only a short walk away from the haveli.

Ambrai Ghat offers one of the best shooting options for dusk, as it captures the lighted City Palace and the haveli in view.

Lake Pichola boat ride takes visitors to the island palaces of Jag Mandir and Lake Palace.

Timing: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Dharohar Dance Show Timing: 7:00 Pm to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee:

Domestic Adult: ₹60 per person

Domestic Children: ₹30 per person

Foreign Adult: ₹100 per person

Foreign Child: ₹50 per person

Camera/Video: ₹50

Dharohar Dance Show Entry Fee:

Indias: ₹90 per person

Children: ₹45 per person

Foreign Adult: ₹150 per person

Foreign Child: ₹75 per person

Camera: ₹150

Conclusion –

Anyone comes to Udaipur should not miss Bagore ki Haveli, epitomizes the rich aristocratic history of Mewar through stately architecture, a well-preserved museum, and a colorful representation of Rajasthani folk culture.