Palaces in Rajasthan are a common sight. Most of these belong to the Rajputs who occupied many states of Rajasthan until 1947. They were the royal families and their palaces and legacies are strewn throughout the now united state of Rajasthan. Today most of these palaces have been converted to heritage hotels in Rajasthan. The grandiose buildings reflect the sumptuous life of the Rajahs. As tourists keep on coming across one palace after another they realize that the state is rightfully called the land of the Rajas.

Apart from the luxurious lifestyle the palaces in Rajasthan reflect the rich craftsmanship. Mostly the palaces of Rajasthan were citadels located within the city and heavily fortified. The medieval palaces had the defensive character of the Rajput constructions. Two large divisions of these forts are Diwan-i-Am or the Hall for the Masses and Diwan-i-Khas, Room for Private Audience. Other than these there are ceremonial rooms and other official structures. These fortified palaces had concealed passages, narrow corridors, ramps and stairways. Most of these magnificent structures are accompanied by well-maintained gardens.

The taste for frescos covering the walls and ceilings was also of particular interest to royals. The Rajput`s love for murals is evident in the depiction of the mythological scenes, Hindu Gods, hunting and battle scenes and portraits of sovereigns etc. It is in the chitrashalas of palaces where one comes across the Rajput taste for shimmering colours.

As far as the palaces are concerned there is a strong influence of Mughal architecture as well. The Additional structures were built by successive regimes without affecting their picturesque grandeur and charm. By the late 18th century the style of Rajputs started having an imprint of the Mughal influence. The Sheesh Mahal, Udaipur and the ones in Jaipur mirror this influence to a great extent. Other remarkable palaces in Rajasthan comprise of Amar Vilas of Udaipur, Hawa Mahal, Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, City Palace of Jaipur, Taragarh Palace of Bundi, Padmini`s Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace and Rana Kumbha Palace in Chittorgarh and several other palaces in Rajasthan testify for its grandeur and opulence.