HISTORY OF JAIPUR
The city of Jaipur is capital to the northern Indian State of Rajasthan, famous
for its colorful culture, fonts & palaces. Jaipur is approximately 258 kms from Agra, 350 kms from Gwalior, 405 kms from Udaipur & 1202 kms from Mumbai. Forts, palaces, architectural marvels & tales of velour, all in their own way, bear testimony to the glory of Jaipur that was and is, just as when it was conceived by Sawai Jai Singh in 1727.
It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trapping of modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller.
MONUMENTS TO VISIT
HAWA MAHAL – The ‘Palace of Winds’ built in 1799 A.D, by Maharaja Pratap Singh, is the most recognizable monument of Jaipur . This is the most easily recalled landmarks of Jaipur and is also its icon. Located in the city Palace it is best viewed from the outside for the palace is really a facade. This five-storey building overlooking the busy bazaar street is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and artistry with its pink delicately honeycombed 953 sandstone windows known as 'jharokhas'. It was originally built for the ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life and processions in the city from their veiled comfort.
GAITORE - It is the final resting place of the Maharajas of Jaipur and is located just off the Jaipur - Amber Road. Situated in a narrow valley the cenotaphs of the former Maharajas are chhatris made in typical Rajput architecture. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II is of special mention for its carvings that exaggerate it.
NAHARGARH FORT- Nahargarh Fort is located on the sheer rugged ridge of Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive northern backdrop of Jaipur. It looks most classy when floodlit at night. The fort overlooks the city and presents a glittering view of the city lights. It was built in 1734 and extended in 1868. Nahargarh meaning abode of the tigers was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defence of Amber. The rooms are linked by corridors and retain some delicate frescos as well as toilets and kitchen hearths. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion in summers and is now even a favoured picnic spot.
ALBERT HALL- It is situated in the beautiful Ram Niwas Garden. This beautifully designed Sarcenic structure was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. It was opened in 1887 as a public museum. Built in a mix of marble & sand stone. The museum displays an impressive collection of traditional art like sculpture & miniature paintings.
JAIGARH FORT- The Jaigarh fort is the most spectacular of the three-hilltop forts that overlook Jaipur. In Mughal times, the Jaipur region was a major weapon-producing centre for the Mughal and Rajput rulers, several of which are on display in the fort's museum. It is one of the few military structures of medieval India preserved almost intact, containing palaces, a granary, a well-planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and giant mounted cannon-the Jai Ban (Jaivan) which is the largest cannon in the world. Jaigarh Fort is also known as the fort of victory.
JAI MAHAL- Jal Mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. in the midst of Man Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The lake was formed by constructing a dam between two hills by Sawai Man Singh I. During winter months one can see large number of migratory birds at the lake.
THE CITY PALACE- One of the most magnificent marvels of Jaipur is the City Palace Complex which has a rare combination of the finest blends of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture. In the heart of the old city, it has a vast area. The outer wall built by Jai Singh & additions made up to the 20th century.
JANTAR MANTAR- Built in 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Singh. A stone observatory Largest of Jai Singh’s five remarkable observatory. Its complex instruments, whose settings & shapes are scientifically designed, represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy .The huge masonry instruments were used to study the movement of constellations & stars in the sky.
KANAK VRINDAVAN VALLEY- Not so old but definitely an exquisitely land scaped gardens with beautifully carved temple in beige stone, which is a vast complex with terrace sites all around and intricately carved marble columns and lattices. Located in the foothills of Nahargarh hills on the way towards Amer, this complex is a popular spot for picnic and film shoots. It should be definitely visited on the way to the three garland forts of Jaipur- Nahargarh, Jaigarh and Amber. The greenery after the monsoons give this whole place a feel of heavenly sensation, with JAL MAHAL in the back ground.
LANGUAGE
Hindi, English, Marwari.
