Udaipur

 

(ūdĭpʊr', ūdī'pʊr) or Mewar (māwär') , 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 cent. It was a center of resistance to the Muslim invaders of India, who never completely subjected it. Udaipur accepted British overlordship 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.