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Hawa Mahal
Poet king Sawai Pratap Singh built this palace of winds.
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.
Most people come here to get a view of the facade but
they can also climb to the top for a wonderful view
from the latticed windows. There is also a small archaeological
museum there. Entry to foreigners/citizen is Rs 30/10.
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.
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 a 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.
The display includes a collection of canons, many of
which are exquisitely decorated and were used in the
Mughal campaigns led by the Rajput King, Raja Man Singh.
Of the Jaipur's three forts, Jaigarh is perhaps the
most motivating. It does not have those delicate structures
or palaces like that of Amber but if you want a quick
look at a hard-core fortress, this is it. Jaigarh means
`Victory Fort' and was built between the 15th and the
18th century, and stands 15 km from Jaipur, amidst rock-strewn,
thorn-scrub covered hills, its forbidding stone ramparts
are visible from the Jaipur town. A steep road goes
up to the main gate, the Dungar Darwaza, from where
the view is stupendous.
It was the royal treasury for several years. It was
one of the few ancient Indian military structures to
be kept intact through the ages. There are passageways
among the palaces and you can see a collection of coins
and puppets. This fort is open to public since a few
years only. It was sealed for seven years, due to a
rumour, that an enormous treasure in gold was buried,
in the fort area. The government ransacked the fort,
emptied the reservoirs of water but found nothing.
Jaigarh was once responsible for the security of both
Jaipur and Amber, is a huge moated fort and contains
all the accoutrements of a full-fledged citadel. 1 ½
or 2 hours are usually enough to explore it- don't bother
taking a guide; there isn't much use for one, and sections
like the armoury and the museum have adequate signs.
Entrance fee to Jaigarh is Rs. 20 for foreign tourists
and Rs 10 for Indian tourists.
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 legend also have it that it was named
Nahargarh after Nahar Singh a prince whose spirit would
destroy the construction and not allow its progress
further. So after a tantrik prayer to the spirit it
agreed to leave on condition that the fort is named
after him. The Madhavendra Bhawan, built by Sawai Ram
Singh II has uniquely a cluster of 12 identical suits
for queens and at the head is a suit for the king himself.
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. Durg
Cafeteria just above the entrance sells meals and refreshments,
while Padao Restaurant on the west sells drinks around
sunset.
Amber
Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres
from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling
Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted
in the plains to present day Jaipur.
The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is
a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.
Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed
by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone
and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies
an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and
architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort-
palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of
the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings,
precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground
is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built
mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the
heavily structured walls could defend the residents
within the ramparts of the fort.
All the means of survival & luxuries for the royal families
and the people who were concerned with the functioning
of this small kingdom of the Kachhawas were well provided.
The Rajputs who had apparently won a small structure
passed on by Meena tribes, later on renovated it into
the grand Amber Fort. Holding a history so old as 7
centuries, this place vibrates with its legendry past,
in the archaeological history. Although many of the
early structures have been literally ruined but at the
same time, those dating from the 16th century on are
remarkably preserved by sincere efforts.
City palace
Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace
Complex gives you an idea about the farsightedness of
the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind
a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent
architecture, art and craft structure in the city. Sawai
Jai Singh built its many buildings but some of some
of the structures were also built by later rulers and
some of them are even dated in the in the twentieth
century too. The palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani
architecture and the royal family still lives in a part
of the palace.
On entering the complex and before the palace proper
lies the Mubarak Mahal, the palace of welcome or reception.
Sawai Madho Singh built the palace in the nineteenth
century. It was used as a reception centre for the visiting
personage. The building now forms the Maharaja Sawai
Man Singh II Museum and on display here are a wide array
of royal costumes, some very exquisite and precious
Pashmina (Kashmiri) Shawls, Benaras silk saris, Sanganeri
prints and folk embroidery. An unusual display is that
of voluminous clothes worn by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh
I (ruled 1750-68).
The Maharani's Palace, the palace of the Queen paradoxically
puts a display of the Rajput weaponry. The inestimable
collections of weapons date back to even 15th century
and are in a remarkable state of preservation. Remarkable
amongst them is scissor-action dagger. This deadly weapon
when thrust in bodies the handles were release to spread
the blades. The dagger was then withdrawn tearing limb
from limb of the body of the hapless victim into certain
fatality. Other exhibits include protective chain armours,
pistols, jewelled and ivory handled swords, a belt sword,
small and assorted cannons, guns, poison tipped blades
and gun powder pouches. The frescos on the ceiling are
amazing and well preserved.
The art gallery is located in the Diwan-I-Aam, which
literally mean the Hall of public audience. The exhibits
here included some very precious and ancient handwritten
original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures. Particularly
intriguing in miniature copies of Bhagwat Gita made
in this manner so that it can be concealed out of sight
of Emperor Aurangzeb’s onslaught on Hindu scriptures.
Some very delicate miniature paintings in Rajasthani,
Mughal and Persian schools on various themes including
the Ramayana are very engrossing displays. Visitors
must also take a good at preserved painted ceilings.
Also on display are elephant saddles called “haudha”.
Jantar Mantar
Across the road from the palaces is the famous JANTAR
MANTAR one of the five observatories in India . Built
by Sawai Jai Singh, this is one of the largest and the
best preserved. A passionate hobby of the king in the
field of Astronomy, numerology, insighted him to execute
this observatory and with the help of skilled labourers,
they managed to create a collection of complex astronomical
instruments chiselled out of stone and most of which
continues to provide accurate information to this day.
The most striking instrument is the Brihat Samrat yantra
Sundial, an imposing yellow edifice to the far right
of the observatory complex which has a 27m high gnomon
arm set at an angle of 27degree.The shadow this casts
moves up to 4m in an hour, and aids in the calculation
of local and meridian pass time and various attributes
of the heavenly bodies, including declination the angular
distance of a heavenly body from the celestial equator
and altitude. This highlight of the observatory has
made it a centre of attraction for the tourist visiting
Jaipur.
Galtaji Lake:
It is an ancient pilgrimage centre lying beyond the
gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy
kunds (natural spring and water tanks) along with lush
landscape make it a delightful spot. The small temple
of the Sun God built by Diwan Kriparam on the top of
the highest peak is a visible city landmark.
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 ji . This exquisitely designed garden with forcentry
doors and a huge complex with small pools and fountains,
flourishing lawns and beautiful flower beds all around
was basically a famine relief project. It mostly attracted
the British families where they entertained their guest
and families quite often with the lavish gowns of the
Men and formal colourful attires of the nobels and the
high society club members, this park would come alive
with the setting sun. Their individual 'BAGGIS' were
parked outside in a line and the attendants served around
as helpers. The children basically had a gala timely
playing around in 'JHULAS'(swing) etc. During day time
it was opened for the common public and by the evening
it was opened for common public and by the evening it
was available for exclusive lots.
Situated in the middle of the garden as a centre attraction
was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall,
which was designed by sir Swinton Jacob, a British architect
who designed many palaces in Rajasthan. Combining the
elements of English and north Indian architecture known
as the pride of the New Jaipur opened in 1887 AD, it
is a very well maintained and impressive building displaying
a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings, carpet,
ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal
works etc. Just opposite the Albert Hall is one of the
oldest ZOO in the country, harbouring different species
of birds and animals. Another piece of attraction near
the Albert Hall, is the Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre)
with a modern art gallery and an performing art theatre
both indoor and open air. Recently added joints of interest
are streets dotted with food stalls which promises a
delicious variety of Indian fast food certainly relished
by the tourists
Statue Circle
This is a traffic roundabout In Jaipur. The Statue Circle
is not only the most famed circle but the most swarmly
situated too. Almost half the Jaipur passes by it. It
is the favourite lounge of Jaipur and a place for evening
out, with'Meals on Wheels' standing by. Strangely it
acquires its name of statue circle after its figurine
rather than the grand Sawai Jai Singh the founder of
modern day Jaipur. His statue stands in full imperial
symbols of staff and Jai Singh is made out to be holding
out astrological diagrams to exemplify his proclivity
for astrology. The memorial is be fitting to the great
sovereign, builder and futurist. The lighting and the
colourful fountains cheer up the roundabout and its
surrounds.
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