RAS question
Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after it was originally built by which ruler?
Correct answer: (B) Maharana Jai Singh.
Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur was originally constructed by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 AD and was later reconstructed during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh.
Explanation
Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake in Udaipur, lying north of Lake Pichola. Rajasthan Tourism states that Maharana Jai Singh constructed it in 1678 AD. The lake was later reconstructed during Maharana Fateh Singh's reign after floods washed away the earthen bund, or dam. That reconstruction explains both parts of the MCQ: Jai Singh is linked to the original construction, while Fateh Singh is linked to the later rebuilding and the present name, Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake was earlier called Dewali Talab and is connected to Pichola Lake through a canal, reinforcing why it is tested with Udaipur's lake system rather than as an isolated monument.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Maharana Udai Singh II is associated here with expanding Pichola, not with the original construction of Fateh Sagar Lake.
- (C) Maharana Raj Singh built Rajsamand Lake, so choosing him confuses Fateh Sagar with another major Rajasthan lake.
- (D) Maharana Sajjan Singh is linked with the monsoon palace, not with building Fateh Sagar Lake.
Concept
This tests the Geography of Rajasthan topic of major lakes, especially the builder, location and later history of Udaipur's lake system. RAS repeatedly asks such facts because lakes connect physical geography with regional history and tourism landmarks.