Exploring Samode: Art, Architecture and Ancestry

Samode Village is 42 kilometers northwest of Jaipur, which is a quaint and beautiful village.

- TDG NETWORK

Often overshadowed by Rajasthan's more prominent tourist hubs, Samode blends royal heritage, artisanal craft traditions, and rustic rural charm. It offers a compelling snapshot of Rajasthan's past and present—where regal palaces stand tall amid bustling village life.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Samode's legacy dates back over 400 years. Initially a Rajput stronghold, it flourished under the noble Rawal family, who were principal vassals to the Jaipur Maharajas. Over centuries, the Samode rulers transformed their fort into the exquisite Samode Palace, a shining symbol of Indo-Saracenic and Mughal architectural influences. The village itself grew organically around this heritage structure, retaining many traditional customs, crafts, and community bonds.

ARCHITECTURAL MARVELS Samode Palace The crown jewel of the village is the Samode Palace, a 16th-century fort converted into an opulent residence during the 19th century. With its delicate frescoes, ornate mirror work, and grand courtyards, the palace is a living museum of Rajasthan's aristocratic history. The Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Hall) and Durbar Hall are particularly stunning, showcasing intricate hand-painted walls and ceilings that reflect light in dazzling patterns.

Samode Fort Perched above the palace on a rocky ridge, the Samode Fort served as a strategic lookout. Accessible by a steep climb of nearly 300 stone steps, the fort offers panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape. It also houses secret tunnels, believed to have been escape routes during sieges.