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The Crystal Gallery at Udaipur, located at Fateh Prakash Palace, showcases some of the most precious and rarest of crystals. Due to its rarity and value it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Beautifully cut at different angles and lustrously polished, this is glass at its best! Maharana Sajjan Singh was the ruler who ordered this crystal collection from the famous manufacturer named F & C Osler of England.
However, his untimely demise prevented him from seeing the dazzling crystals himself. Due to his untimely death, this radiant collection of crystals remained in the dark cellars of the Fateh Prakash Palace, away from the common men's eye for almost a hundred years, until it was unveiled to the public in 1994. The exquisite crystal items in the gallery range from dining table, table, sofa set, washing bowl, goblet, tray, decanter, to perfume bottles, candle stands, crockery and yes…even beds. The highlight of the gallery is a jewel studded carpet, embodying peerless class.
Ethnicity and Indian concepts are seen in every fragile article housed by the Crystal Gallery. In olden days, low seats were preferable while eating and you can find even one of those made of glass! It also has a fascinating collection of four poster silver beds, chairs and brocade and velvet seating-all made of crystal again.
During those days when the electric fan was not heard of, the Royals used a punkhah which was essentially a device made of a piece of cloth and wood and there was a person called the punkhah puller who would operate it all day. So in the Crystal Gallery we can find one of these punkhahs, not made of wood and cloth, but with crystal and soft red satin material with the Mewar emblem of the Sun embroidered on it. Visiting this gallery will be a memorable experience, ensuring a royal treat to the eyes. Photography is prohibited inside this dazzling gallery.
It is located to the right of the famous luxury hall also known as the Durbar Hall, where royal functions and state banquets were held in the past. With lavishly done interiors and exquisitely displayed enhancements, this stately hall gives us a glimpse of the magnificence and royalty enjoyed by the Kings and royal families of the past.
This Crystal Gallery once functioned as a private viewing gallery from which the former Queens in purdah could see the assemblages in the Durbar Hall. So do make sure to visit this world of amazing crystal artefacts to appreciate their out-of-the-world beauty.
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