Jodhpur, Nov 03: Erstwhile royal traditions of Marwar which continue to mesmerise tourists, today caught the fancy of none other than the Prince of Wales who visited forts and palaces of Rajasthan for a peep into the country's "royal past". The sprawling Umed Bhawan Palace, constructed during British rule, played host to Prince Charles when he arrived here from Jaipur last night.
The royal visitor, enchanted by the architecture, went atop mediaeval Mehrangarh Fort Aga. From where he witnessed feats of disabled boys and girls who won gold medals in the World Disabled Games held recently in London.
The Prince, on a nine-day visit to the country, took keen interest in the city. He witnessed from a creek the renovated Ranisar Talab at the foothill of the fort. The reservoir once used to be the water lifeline for residents of Jodhpur. He also insisted on seeing the Nagaur Fort to study the old water conservation technology.
Providing the royal touch in all its finery to the heir to the British throne were former Maharaja Gaj Singh and his family in traditional attire.
Young girls performed "aarti" as "chobdars" (attendants) dressed in Mughal attire stood in attendance amidst Marwari folk music and dressed up camels providing a feel of the desert to the royal guest.
Keeping the dignitary's love for horses and polo in mind, the former royal family of Jodhpur also apprised him about the research work being undertaken for improving the local breed of horses. Bureau Report