Samode

Origin and Foundation of Samode Thikana

The historical estate of Samode was established as a prominent Thikana (noble fiefdom) of the Amber (Jaipur) princely state. It was held by the illustrious Nathawat clan, a senior sub-branch of the ruling Kachwaha dynasty of Rajputs. The lineage of Samode traces back to Raja Prithviraj Singh I of Amber (who ruled from 1503 to 1527), whose noble descendant, Gopal Singh, was granted the territory. The estate was formally founded around 1550.

However, the family’s initial control over the region was short-lived. Due to local political turbulence and regional conflicts, the territory was lost shortly after its foundation. For over two centuries, the family struggled to assert their rights until 1757, when they successfully regained control of their ancestral domain. This reclamation marked the beginning of Samode's rise as one of the most politically influential and wealthy estates under the Jaipur crown.

The Golden Era and Architectural Splendor

Following the restoration of the estate in 1757, the rulers of Samode, who held the hereditary title of Rawal, rose to high prominence. They served as premier nobles and ministers at the Jaipur royal court. The estate underwent a dramatic transformation under the visionary leadership of its 19^th-century rulers:

• Rawal Sheo Singh: Serving as the Prime Minister (Diwan) of Jaipur state, Rawal Sheo Singh wielded immense political influence. He is credited with expanding the modest Samode fort into a grand palace, commissioning the world-renowned hand-painted frescoes, intricate mirror-work (Sheesh Mahal), and structured courtrooms that define the palace today.
• Rawal Laxman Singh: He further expanded the palace and constructed the magnificent Durbar Hall, which seamlessly blends traditional Rajput architecture with ornate Mughal design elements. He also constructed the fortified stronghold of Sheogarh on the hill crest overlooking the town.
• Samode Bagh: The family also developed a classical Mughal-style garden, known as Samode Bagh, spread over several acres and enclosed by high walls, which served as a luxurious retreat for the nobility.

The British Period

During the British Raj, Samode continued to flourish under the protectorate treaty signed between the British East India Company and the Jaipur State in 1818. The Rawals of Samode maintained a position of high honor within the Jaipur Durbar, receiving a multi-gun salute protocol within the state ceremonies. The wealth of the Thikana grew through agricultural revenue and state administrative offices, making it one of the premier elite estates of Rajputana.

Post-Independence and the Modern Era

With India gaining independence in 1947 and the subsequent integration of princely states, the administrative powers of the Thikana were dissolved. The ancestral properties of the Rawals of Samode transitioned from feudal seats of power into cultural landmarks.

In the late 20^th century, the descendants of the Samode royal family, Rawal Raghavendra Singh and Rawal Yadavendra Singh, pioneered heritage tourism in Rajasthan. They meticulously restored the ancestral palace, transforming it into the world-famous luxury heritage hotel, the Samode Palace Hotel. Today, the palace, along with Samode Bagh and the Samode Haveli in Jaipur, stands as a testament to classic Rajput architecture, attracting travelers, historians, and filmmakers from across the globe.