Udaipur House

Udaipur House is a historic royal mansion located in the heart of New Delhi, India. Once the official city residence of the Maharanas of Udaipur, the building is among the last surviving symbols of the princely states’ presence in India’s capital. Its history is deeply tied to the legacy of the Mewar dynasty and the city’s colonial-era architecture.^[1]

When New Delhi was planned as the new imperial capital during the 1910s and 1920s, several of India’s powerful princely states constructed town houses near the government precincts. These residences, often called state houses, served as diplomatic hubs for rulers who attended meetings of the Imperial Legislative Council or met with the British Viceroy. Udaipur House was one such notable property, commissioned by the Mewar royal family to maintain their influence in national affairs.^[2]

Unlike the larger and more widely recognised Hyderabad House or Jaipur House, Udaipur House remains relatively understated in Delhi’s urban heritage. Construction began in the late 1920s, aligning with the development of Lutyens' Delhi. British architects designed it in a blend of Indo-Saracenic style, merging Mughal decorative elements with European classical forms. Skilled artisans from Udaipur were brought in to create the elaborate interior details, including marble inlay, stone jali work, and painted frescoes inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan.^[2]

Udaipur House is smaller in scale than Hyderabad House but still holds architectural merit. The residence opens onto a landscaped lawn in keeping with Mughal garden traditions. Its central hall once hosted royal receptions and formal dinners. High ceilings, carved wooden doors, and marble floors reflect the taste and wealth of the Mewar dynasty. Residential suites, guest rooms, and private courtyards follow the layout of traditional Rajasthani havelis. Despite decades of official use, many original design elements survive.^[3]

After India gained independence in 1947, the country’s princely states acceded to the Union of India. Udaipur House, like other state houses, was transferred to the Government of India and came under the purview of the Ministry of External Affairs. Over time, it was repurposed for administrative offices, official meetings, and occasionally cultural events involving visiting foreign dignitaries.^[4]

Unlike Hyderabad House, which remains a major venue for state banquets hosted by the Prime Minister of India, Udaipur House is less in the public eye. It continues to serve government functions but is mostly closed to public access. On special occasions, parts of the house have been used for diplomatic luncheons or small cultural exhibitions, offering glimpses of its royal past.^[3]

In recent years, Udaipur House has been listed as a protected heritage structure under the Delhi Urban Art Commission’s conservation framework. Organisations like the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have surveyed the site to document its historical and architectural features. Recommendations for future restoration focus on preserving its facades, courtyards, and authentic interior finishes.^[5]

Above all, Udaipur House is a reminder of the Mewar dynasty’s stature beyond Rajasthan. The Maharanas of Udaipur, regarded as custodians of one of the world’s oldest serving royal lineages, still reside at the City Palace in Udaipur. This Delhi outpost connects their legacy to the country’s capital, bridging a chapter of India’s princely heritage with its democratic present.^[6][7]

• Hyderabad House
• Jaipur House
• Bikaner House
• City Palace, Udaipur
• Lutyens' Delhi
• Baroda House
• Patiala House