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 is an artificial lake in Udaipur, north of Lake Pichola. According to Rajasthan Tourism, Maharana Jai Singh originally constructed it in 1678 AD. It was then known as Dewali Talab. After floods washed away its earthen bund, the lake was reconstructed during Maharana Fateh Singh's reign and took the name Fateh Sagar Lake. Thus, Maharana Jai Singh is associated with the original construction, whereas Maharana Fateh Singh is associated with its reconstruction after the floods. A canal connects Fateh Sagar with Lake Pichola, making it part of Udaipur's interconnected lake system.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Maharana Udai Singh II is associated here with expanding Lake 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 lake of Rajasthan.
- (D) Maharana Sajjan Singh is associated with Sajjangarh Palace, not with the original construction or reconstruction of Fateh Sagar Lake.
Concept
This question tests major lakes in the Geography of Rajasthan, especially their builders, locations and later history. RAS repeatedly asks such facts because lakes connect physical geography with regional history and major tourism landmarks.