Rajsamand Lake

Rajsamand Lake (also known as Rajsamudra Lake) is a lake near the town of Rajsamand in the Indian state of Rajasthan, 67 KMs away from Udaipur. Built by Rana Raj Singh, it is approximately 1.75 miles (2.82 km) wide, 4 miles (6.4 km) long and 60 feet (18 m) deep. It was built across the Gomti river which originates from Sewantri, Kelwa and Tali rivers, with a catchment area of approximately 196 sq mi (510 km2).[1]

Rajsamand Lake
Ghat of Rajsamand lake with pavilions and toranas
Rajsamand Lake
LocationRajasthan
Coordinates25.07°N 73.88°E / 25.07; 73.88
Lake typeFreshwater Lake
Primary inflowsGomati, Kelwa and Tali rivers
Catchment area196 sq mi (510 km2)
Basin countriesIndia
Built1676
Max. length6.4 km (4.0 mi)
Max. width2.82 km (1.75 mi)
Average depth18 m (59 ft)
SettlementsRajnagar, Kankroli

Construction

Construction of the lake started in 1662 AD and completed in 1676 AD, this is the oldest known famine relief work in Rajasthan, which provided relief to starving population. Total cost of the construction is mentioned as Rs. 1,50,78,784.[2]

Its Muhurat was done 01-Jan, 1662 AD, which started with herculean task of making the river bed dry. Over 60,000 skilled workers were employed in this task. All kinds of water extraction techniques which were available at that time, were employed. After 3 years of effort, the foundation was laid on 17 April 1665. Main dam was completed on 26 June 1670. Construction took longer for other dams on different sides of the lake. Ship builders from Lahore, Surat and Gujarat were employed to construct a big boat and consecration ceremony was held in Jan 1676. All important Rajput rulers were invited. Several charities were done during the ceremony. On 15 Jan, 1676 Maharana Raj Singh started parikrama of the lake, which was completed after 6 days of walk. On 20 Jan, 1676, naming ceremony was held and various charities were donated, which were distributed among 46,000 Brahmins present at the spot. [3]

Places of interest
  • Nau Chauki - It is built over dam towards Kankroli. It has 3 intricately carved marble pavilions, with images of various Hindu gods, dancers, birds and animals. There were 5Tula-daan toran of which only 3 surive now on Nau Chauki,[4] where various charities and Tula-Daan was performed by Maharana Raj Singh, his wife, his son, purohit and others.[5]
  • Raj-Prashasti - the lake view point built over the dam has world's longest and largest stone inscription in Sanskrit, called Raj-Prashasti. It is inscribed on 25 black marble slabs, describing history of Mewar. It was written by Ranchor Bhatt.
  • Rajsamand Panorama - It is built by Rajasthan government, it has brief history of Rajsamand and reign of Maharana Raj Singh, with statues of Rana Raj Singh and others.[6]
  • Adventure and Water sports - Various water sports activities are now launched at Rajsamand Lake. Parasailing was also launched to give a thrilling aerial view of the lake.[7]

Sea Plane base

The lake was used as a seaplane base for Imperial Airways for its route of London to Sydney. During World War II, it was taken over by IAF which used it as auxiliary base.[8]

See also

References
  1. "With Rajsamand lake drying up, farmers face an uncertain future". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  2. Rajasthan District Gazetteers Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan, p10
  3. Somani 1976, p. 295.
  4. "Udaypur Rajya Ka Itihas". 1938.
  5. "Nau chowki pal – Rajsamand District, Rajasthan". Rajsamand District, Rajasthan (in Hindi). 18 February 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  6. "Rajsamand Panorama seen by 55000 tourists in a year". Dainik Bhaskar (in Hindi). 27 September 2019. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  7. Team, UdaipurTimes (14 August 2020). "Paragliding / Parasailing on Rajsamand lake to promote tourism". Udaipur Tourism (in Hindi). Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  8. "This lake was seaplane base during WW-II". The Times of India. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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