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 he city of
victory, Jaipur, presides over the fascinating desert
State of Rajasthan and the city very nearly exemplifies the character of
the state and its people: surrounded by rugged hills, each
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crowned by a formidable fort; and beautiful palaces, mansions and
gardens dotted throughout its precincts.
This vibrant city was founded in 1727 AD by Maharaja Jai Singh II who
moved his capital from Amber to the present site. The reason behind
was the increasing populations beyond the carrying capacity of the
former capital, Amber. The designing of this first planned city of
India was entrusted to a brilliant Bengali architect Vidyadhar |
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Bhattacharya, who laid the plans according to the Hindu treaties, the
Shilp Shastra.
Jaipur was planned in a gird system with wide straight avenues, roads,
streets and lanes and
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uniform rows of shops on either side of the main roads, all arranged in
nine rectangular city sectors.
For protection from invading armies and wild animals, the city was
surrounded by a wall having seven gates. However, Jai Singh's planned city
has withstood all the pressures and the changes.
Arrival of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, in 1863, enhanced the
glory of the walled city, which was uniformly painted
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in rose pink to extend a warm welcome. Since then the city earned the epitaph 'The Pink City'. The modern Jaipur, however, has
surpassed the earlier limits and now, nearly, extends to the very doors of
the ancient capital of Amber.
The former capital of Jaipur state, Amber, stands atop a range of
craggy hills, 11 km from the
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present city. The fort is remarkable as much for the majestic grandeur of
its surroundings as for its
sturdy battlements and beautiful palaces including Sheesh Mahal,
which is considered as world's best chamber of mirrors. One can steal a
measure of erstwhile majesty by riding up to the palace on a brightly
caparisoned elephant. On the way back to Jaipur, Jal Mahal- a
former hunting lodge is a perfect picture spot.
Within the walled Pink city is the signature building of Jaipur,
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Hawa Mahal- Palace of the Winds, constructed in 1799 AD. This five-storeyed
pyramidal building, which looks out over the main street of the old city,
is a stunning example of Rajput artistry with its
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pink, semi-octagonal and delicately honeycombed sandstone windows. It was
originally built to
enable the ladies of the royal household to look out on the city and
thereby observe everyday life and processions.
In the heart of the old city is City Palace, a unique blend of
Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Grey-white marble columns studded with
floral motifs in gold and coloured stones support the carved arches. This
beautiful palace houses museums, displaying a
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large variety of items collected by the Royal house. Royal costumes,
a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput weapons, jewellery, an
interesting collection of chariots and carriages, royal howdahs (elephant
seats) offer a glimpse of life in those days.
Adjacent to the entrance to the City Palace is the astronomical
observatory, Jantar Mantar, brainchild of the builder of Jaipur,
Maharaja Jai Singh, who made it in 18th century. The huge
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masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations and
stars in the sky. Enormous sundials still provide accurate time, and
subject to the daily corrections, which are displayed on board everyday.
One can set one's watch with precision.
Other places of interest are two imposing fortress of Jaigarh &
Nahargarh, full of the history of the state's martial past. Two
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gardens that must be visited are landscaped pavilions known as
Vidyadharji Ka Bagh and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. The newly built
Birla Temple is a unique monument with exquisite marble carvings.
The buzzing metropolis of Jaipur is shopper's paradise. It has
heaps of handicrafts ranging from
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grimacing papier-mâché to exquisitely carved furniture. Jaipur is especially well known for precious
& semi precious stones, woolen carpets, marble statues, costume jewellery,
tie & dye work, and block printed fabrics.
Jaipur is certainly a place of wild contrasts and a veritable feast
for the eyes. Vegetable-laden camel carts, traditionally dressed Rajput
men sporting bright turbans, Houses with latticed windows line the streets
with their rose pink colour, little colourful shops that delight for its
Rajasthani handlooms & trinkets, ramshackle roadside stalls
selling traditional rajasthani shoes- Jootis,
holy
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cows on the streets, vendors
selling flowers and other items of offerings outside the temples, heart
rendering morning & evening prayers in the temples… make Jaipur an
enchanting destination. |
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USEFUL INFORMATION |
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Getting there &
away
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Jaipur is well
connected by air with Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Mumbai and
Udaipur. It is also well linked with the major cities by rail & road.
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Further Connections
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Jodhpur, Samode,
Mandawa, Kuchaman, Ajmer, Pushkar, Deogarh, Udaipur, Ranthambore,
Kota, Bundi, Sariska, Karauli, Bharatpur, Agra |
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Temperature |
Summer:
(Max.) 41 degree C, (Min.) 25 degree C
Winter: (Max.) 25 degree C, (Min.) 8 degree C |
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Best time to visit |
From October till
March. |
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Clothes
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Summer- Cottons
Winter- Woolens |
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Important
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Most of the sales
people in Jaipur are incredibly persuasive & tenacious. Just keep your
cool and make your own decisions. Don't forget to make a good bargain
before buying anything.
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TOURS TO JAIPUR |
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