Rajsamand Lake
| Rajsamand Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | Rajasthan |
| Coordinates | 25°04′N 73°53′E / 25.07°N 73.88°ECoordinates: 25°04′N 73°53′E / 25.07°N 73.88°E |
| Type | reservoir |
| Catchment area | 196 sq mi (510 km2) |
| Basin countries | India |
Rajsamand Lake (also known as Rajsamudra Lake) is a lake situated near the town of Rajsamand in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Built in the 17th century, it is approximately 1.75 miles (2.82 km) wide, 4 miles (6.4 km) long and 60 feet (18 m) deep. The lake was built across the Gomati, Kelwa, and Tali Rivers, with a catchment area of approximately 196 sq mi (510 km2).
Rajsamand Lake in Rajsamand District of Udaipur region of Rajasthan. Rajsamand Lake is one of the five popular lakes of Mewar. Located 66 km in the north of Udaipur, Rajsamand Lake lies between the cities of Rajnagar and Kankroli. The lake is also known by the name of Rajsamudra Lake in Rajasthan. Rajsamand Lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660. The lake stretches to the length of 4 miles and 1.75 miles in width. The lake has the approximate depth of 60 feet.
River Gomti is the main supplier of water to Rajsamand Lake. This lake also boasts of a glorious dam that was built in the 17th century. On the southern end of the lake, the huge embankment is all made in white marble. It has marble terraces and stone steps that touch the waters of the lake. Here, one can also see the five toranas (weighing arches), where Maharana Raj Singh and his descendants organized the event of Tuladan (Kings used to weigh themselves in gold and then distributed it amongst the Brahmans).
On the embankment of the lake, there domicile nine pavilions or 'Nauchowki' (nine Ghats), which were constructed by Maharana Raj Singh. The beautifully carved pavilions are festooned with pictures of the Sun, chariots, gods, birds and wonderful carvings. The history of Mewar is inscribed in 1017 stanzas, on twenty-seven marble slabs, that are called as 'Raj Prasasti'. It has also been acclaimed as one of the longest etchings acknowledged in India.
Rajsamand Lake was also made the seaplane base of Imperial Airways during World War II, for over six years. If you are visiting Kankroli-Rajsamand (twin cities), enjoy the fabulous scenery of Rajsamand Lake from Dwarkadhish Temple. While traveling to Kumbhalgarh, you can trace the most amazing site of Rajsamand Lake.
At the time of sunset, the waters of the lake glitter with the startling light of the sun. The vista appears marvelous at this time, when the orange shade of the departing Sun shades the waters of the lake. The mining of marble in the surroundings and en-catchment area of lake in the last three decades has caused irreparable damage to the source of the water. The rain water is diverted elsewhere and the lake remains mostly dry.
This beautiful Lake is famous for its embankments which are adorned with carved arches and cenotapgs. The southern part of this lake is most popular one because of the presence of 5 Toranas or weighing arches. These arches were used by Maharajas of the royal families to weigh themselves in Gold, Silver and other precious metals. Equal to their weight they gave the weighed metals to the Brahmanis. Theis process of alms-giving was followed by Maharaja Raj Singh and his descendants. This event was known as Tuladan which was held annually.[1]
List of lakes in India
- List of lakes in India
References
- ↑ Rajsamand lake , Tutorial