City Palace
The city palace, with its imposing and magnificent architecture blending
Mughal and Rajasthani schools of architecture, is actually walking distance
from the main markets.
The Mubarak Mahal, (reception area) is a blend of awesome Rajasthani,
Islamic and Mughal architecture. |
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A must see is the pair of Gangajalis on display in the open Sarvatobhadra
building, these were fabricated in the court workshops for Sawai Madho Singh
II to carry the holy water of the Ganges to England! These even find a
mention in the Guiness Book of World Records as the largest silver objects
in the world. Part of the building now forms the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II
Museum and the other half is still remains as the residence of the kings of
Jaipur. The Maharani's Palace now houses the huge display of the Rajput
weaponry.
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Jantar Mantar
Among the five observatories built during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh, in
1728, Jantar Mantar is one of the oldest, the biggest and the best preserved
observatories. Astronomy being a passionate hobby of the King, he with the
help of skilled laborers, managed to create a collection of complex
astronomical instruments |
chiseled out of stone and most of which continues to provide accurate
information to this day. The must see here, is the
sundial which was built according to the ancient Indian texts on astronomy.
The yellow edifice has a 27m high gnomon, set at an angle of 27 degrees. The
shadow it casts moves up to 4 m in an hour and helps calculate the local
time.
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Hawa Mahal
The literal meaning of Hawa Mahal is Palace of Winds. Hawa Mahal was built
by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799.
Hawa Mahal is a pyramid-shaped facade with five stories. It has 953 small
windows decorated with tiny lattice work. These pink sandstone windows
commonly known as "Jharokhas" are constructed in such a style, that it
looks like a giant honeycomb. |
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The air circulation through windows
represents the marvelous touch of Mughal designing, which keeps the Palace
always cool. The
small screened balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices enhance the
beauty of the Palace. The Pyramidal outline and replication of pattern makes
it more attractive in appearance. The idea of the structure was to let the
ladies of the royal household watch everyday life and processions in the
city without coming out in public.
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Amber fort
Amber (Amer) is situated about 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the seat of
the ruling Kachhawa kings, before they created Jaipur. The Amber Fort itself
is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture made in red
sandstone and white marble.
The intricate carvings on the walls and ceilings simply astonish the
visitors. |
The minute mirror work adds to the grand appearance and royalty of the
halls. The Amer Fort undoubtedly captivates the tourists with its
artistic quality of delicate work.
The mighty walls guarantee the protection
of the Fort against the invasion of the enemies. The Fort is divided into
four subparts.
Kali Temple, which is also known as Shila Devi Temple, forms the part of the
Fort. It is renowned for its glorious past, huge silver lions and silver
doors. The Hall of Public Audiences, Diwan-I-Aam is a pavilion with double
row of columns. Ganesh Pol, another feature of the Fort, directs the way to
the inhabited apartments of the King. The Hall of Victory, Jai Mandir has a
stunning ceiling comprised of mirror work and an inlaid panel. The Fort has
numerous other halls and pavilions with their own specific attraction.
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Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh means `Victory Fort' and was built between the 15th and the 18th
century. Jaigarh Fort was made to tighten the security of Jaipur and Amber.
It has several palaces, granary, well-planned cannon foundry, several
temples and a tall tower. Jaigarh Fort used to serve as the center of
artillery production for the Rajputs. |
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The highlight of this Fort is the massive cannon by the name of Jaivan,
which was made in the same production house.
Jaivan, the cannon, is believed
to be the largest cannon in the World. The Fort discloses the mastery over
architecture of the former age. Jaigarh Fort has many wide water channels,
which were a part of a rainwater harvesting system. The Fort also has 3
underground tanks, the largest one of which can store 60, 00,000 gallons of
water.
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Nahargarh Fort
Nahargarh Fort is located on the Aravali Hills and it forms an impressive
northern backdrop of Jaipur. The fort overlooks the city. 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.
There are nine apartments for the nine queens the Maharaja had and all are
well planned and decorated. The rooms are linked by corridors and have some
delicate frescos. It was used by members of the royal family for excursion
in summers.
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Albert Hall
Located just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas garden,
which has always been a place for recreational activities since the reign of
Sawai Ram Singh.
Situated in the middle of the garden as a centre attraction was the
exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall. |
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Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect, Albert Hall combines the
elements of English and north Indian architecture. The Hall displays an
impressively rich collection of artifacts like paintings, carpet, ivory,
stone and metal sculptures and colorful crystal works.
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Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh is a beautiful garden, located at a distance of 10 kms
from Jaipur. In 1728, Sisodia Rani Garden was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh, with an intention to gift the garden, to his queen from Udaipur. As
the name suggests, the Garden was named after the queen, who was adorable to
the King. |
Sisodia Rani Garden served as a natural sanctum and a getaway for the
Maharani of Jaipur. Here, the queen used to spend time in the lap of nature,
away from the political machinations of the royal palace. The Garden houses
fragrant shrubs and exquisite variety of plants, which exclaims the fact
that it made a perfect sanctum for the lady of the royal household. For
centuries, the garden offered a retreat to the crowned heads and royal
ladies, but at present everybody can enjoy this exotic and refreshing
garden.
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