Dhebar Lake

Dhebar Lake
Location	Udaipur District, Rajasthan
Coordinates	24°16′N 74°00′E
Type	reservoir
Primary inflows	Gomati River
Primary outflows	Gomati River
Basin countries	India
Max. length	9miles
Surface area	87 km² (36 sq mi)
Average depth	102 feet at deepest
Shore length1	30 miles
Islands	3 Main, 11 total
1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Dhebar Lake (also known as Jaisamand Lake) is Asia's second-largest artificial lake (is considered largest now, since the Upper lake in Bhopal, India is the largest artificial lake in Asia, but is almost dried up due to lack of rainfall). It is located in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan state in western India. It has an area of 87 km² (36 square miles) when full, and was created in the 17th century when Rana Jai Singh of Udaipur built a marble dam across the Gomati River. It is 45 km from District head quarter of Udaipur. When first built, it was the largest artificial lake in the world. The surrounding Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary around Dhebar Lake can be reached by the state highway to Baswara from Udaipur. It is 27 km from Parsad (A village on National Highway No. 8). The Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary protects 162 km², mostly teak forest, on the shores of Dhebar Lake. One of the most famous resorts in Asia - The Jaisamand Island Resort is located on the biggest island of the 3, within Dhebar Lake.

Dhebar Lake, built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685, is the second biggest artificial lake in the world covering an area of 36sq miles. The lake remained the largest artificial lake in the world till the building of the Aswan dam in Egypt by the British in 1902, that was reconstructed between 1960-1970. During the reign of Maharana JAI SINGH (1680-1698), there was a great need for water for cultivation in Mewar's southeastern corner. The Maharana emulated his father (Maharana RAJ SINGH I who built RAJSAMAND LAKE) by damming a small river, the Gomati, and building a massive embankment; the height of the dam is 36.6 meters. Jai Singh named the resultant lake JAISAMAND after himself - its often-used nickname is 'Ocean of Victory' ('mand' meaning 'ocean'). On the day of its inauguration, June 2nd 1691, Maharana Jai Singh walked around the dam charitably distributing gold equal to his own weight. The statistics of the lake is really amazing – 9 miles in breadth, 102 feet deep at its deepest end, a circumference of 30 miles, with marble staircases leading into the water. The summer palaces of the Queens of Udaipur surround Dhebar Lake on all sides.

There are seven islands on this lake and the tribe of Bhil Minas (see People of Rajasthan) inhabits all. Two bigger islands are known as Baba ka Magra and a smaller island is called Piari. There is a bund on the lake, which has to be mentioned due to its sheer size – 1202 feet long, 116 feet high and 70 feet broad at the base. On the dam are six exotic cenotaphs and a Shiva temple in the centre. The northern end of the lake has a palace with a courtyard while its southern end has a pavilion of 12 pillars. The hills to its south have grand palaces that have an excellent view of the lake.

Dhebar Lake has elegant steps leading to the water and marble Chhatri (cenotaphs) on its bank with a small Shiv temple that marks the grace of the lake. On either side are the palaces built for the past kings favourite queens. The local tribe "Bhils" still inhabit the islands. Maharaja Jai Singh created Dhebar Lake in the 17th century utilizing the waters of the Gomti River. Encircled by hills and with a number of summer palaces along the shore, the lake is a natural and peaceful haven. There are eleven islands on the lake , some of which provide sanctuary inhabited by several species of migratory birds. The nearby wildlife sanctuary is also worth a visit. There is a number of resort hotels catering for those who would appreciate a break from the noise and turnoil of the city. Maharana Jai Singh at the time of digging the foundation for Dhebar Lake, celebrated the occasion by giving away gold in charity after a Tuladaan Ceremony. In the lake there are three islands whose inhabitants use Bhels (boats) to reach the shore. On the top of two nearby hillocks are two old palaces constructed by Maharana Jai Singh still exist in great condition. A very fine view of the lake is available from these Great Palaces. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther, wild boar, deer, four-horned antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.

The last name "Dhebar", are the Highest Caste in India, called Nagar Brahmins, where the name Dhebar Lake is derived from.