The City Palace Museum, Udaipur, is housed within the iconic 450-year-old palace, the former residence of the rulers of Mewar. It was opened to the public as a museum in 1969 through the efforts of Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Mewar. The Mardana Mahal and Zenana Mahal were bequeathed to the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, established by Maharana Bhagwat Singh. The museum has grown significantly over fifty years, attracting visitors from around the world. The royal family of Mewar, believed to descend from the Sun, has a rich history, with Udaipur becoming the capital in 1553 CE under Maharana Udai Singh II.