Surrounded by rugged hills on three sides, Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, is among the most picturesque cities in the
world. It derives its name from SAWAI Jai Singh II. He ruled from 1169 to 1744 A.D. during which he built the new city in 1727 A.D. The city is divided into seven rectangular sections with wide well laid main roads, intersected by streets. The entire city is encircled by a fortified wall, guarded by seven gates and though the modern city has grown outside its walls, the distinct characteristics that set this city apart, have been well preserved.
The main places of significance in Jaipur are:
v City Palace – Situated in the heart of the fortified city, this former royal residence is an imposing blend of
traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The entry can be made either from the South through Aatish Gate or from the East through the Sirchdeorhi, which is the principal entrance. The palace houses the Diwan-e-Am, Diwan-e-Khas, Mubarak Mahal and many apartments. To the northwest is the stately graceful 7-storeyed Chandra Mahal with apartments adorned with paintings, floral decorations, mirrored walls, and ceilings in the traditional Jaipur style.
v Jantar Mantar
Observatory – This open-air observatory behind the city palace is one of the most unique contributions made by Sawai Jai Singh to his people. It is the largest and the nest preserved of all the observatories made by Jai Singh. The observatory has equinoctial dial, the Samrat Yantra, which indicates the position of the Sun and the heavenly bodies, besides, and variety of other instruments. It is the only stone observatory in the world. These massive instruments were built to measure, among other things, the local time, the Sun’s inclination, the declination of the fixed stars and planets, and to determine eclipses.
v Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds – This remarkable monument of Jaipur was later added to the City Palace complex. Sawai Jai Singh built it. This unusual five-storied structure with its intricate façade of casements tucked beneath arches and spears looms largely over the bustling streets, below. It is characterized by elaborate and farcified architecture. No one quite knows why was it built, though it is said to have been dedicated to ‘Lord Krishna’ by Pratap Singh. Aristocratic Rajput women to look out while they themselves remained unseen probably used it.
Jaipur attracts tourists from all over the world for its wonderful history and culture. The traditional style of clothing is a fascinating feature of this Pink City.