Udaipur : Geography

Udaipur, city and former princely state, now part of Rajasthan state, NW India. The Udaipur region, thickly wooded in the south and west, is mostly an alluvial plain watered by many intermittent streams. Grains, sugarcane, corn, and oilseed are grown. There are also extensive mineral deposits of iron ore, lead, zinc, silver, and beryllium.

Udaipur was probably founded in the early 8th century. It was a center of resistance to the Muslim invaders of India, who never completely subjected it. Udaipur accepted British over lordship in 1818. In 1948 it joined Rajasthan. Udaipur, city (1991 pop. 308,571), capital of the former state, was founded c.1560. It is an agricultural market and a weaving and embroidery center, with manufactures in chemicals and clay products. The city, surrounded by a battlemented wall, is especially noted for its maharaja's palace, which overlooks scenic Pichola Lake.

Udaipur rests in the shadows of the Aravalli Mountains, at a height of 577m. The old city is surrounded by the city wall, on the east side of Lake Pichola. The train station and bus station are both just outside the city wall.