The
city is bursting at its seams due to the
pressure of population. Pollution in the
city has reached alarming levels. Yet,
Jaipur today epitomises the spirit of
Rajputana in its fusion of yesteryears
and modernity.
History
Jaipur dates back to the reign of Jai Singh
II, who ascended the throne of Amber in
1699. Capitalising on the good relations
of his ancestors with the Mughals, whose
power was on the decline, Jai Singh abandoned
the rugged hills of Amber and set about
laying a perfect palace-city in the adjoining
plains naming it Jaipur after himself.
The
only planned city of its time, Jaipur
is encircled by a formidable wall. A young
Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya
formalised the city's plans according
to a grid system in accordance with the
principles of town planning set down in
the Shilpa Shastra, an ancient Hindu treatise
on architecture.
Jai
Singh who was also an enthusiastic astronomer
spent much time and money on building
the Jantar Mantar, a solar observatory,
which is still one of Jaipur's main attractions.
People and culture
Lifestyle in the walled Pink City still
has the flavour and ambience of old times.
Except for increased crowds and motorised
vehicles, nothing seems to have changed
here. Right from the beginning it earned
a reputation of being a leading trade
city in India, which is still evident.
| Jai Singh, who was also an
enthusiastic
astronomer,
spent
much
time
and
money
on
building
the
Jantar
Mantar,
a
solar
observatory,
which
is
still
one
of
Jaipur's
main
attractions.
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|
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The royal
sport of polo and Jaipur go hand
in hand. A number of international
polo tournaments are hosted here
and are enjoyed equally by one
and all. Prince Charles and the
late Princess Diana have visited
Jaipur during the annual Jaipur
polo matches. The last Maharaja
of Jaipur, Sawai Man Singh II
breathed his last while playing
polo in England during the Ascot
week tournaments in June 1970.
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Speaking of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II,
his wife, still known as the Rajmata or
Queen Mother of Jaipur, the gracious and
charming Maharani Gayatri Devi, was once
considered one of the most beautiful women
in the world by Vogue.
Despite its
size and the pressures of modern living,
Jaipur has not suffered the traumas of city
living as far as socialising goes. Life
for the common people here is full of colour,
joy and celebration. The year is marked
with dozens of festivals and rituals, celebrated
with music, dance and culinary delights.
There is a joyous enthusiasm displayed in
the celebration of varied events.
Landmarks
Amber Fort
The Fort is
a classic, romantic Rajasthan fort-palace.
Its construction was started by Man Singh
I in 1592 and completed by his descendant
Jai Singh I, and is a beautiful blend of
Mughal and Hindu styles. Painted scenes
of wars and hunting expeditions adorn the
walls which are set with precious stones
and mirrors. The main attractions are the
Sukh Mandir or Temple of Contentment, cooled
by a stunning water cascade and the Sheesh
Mahal or Mirror palace. In a tiny pitch
dark room with mirrors all over the ceiling,
an attendant lights up candles and holds
them for you creating a marvellous sight
- twinkling stars on a clear night! In the
foreground is the Maota Lake with stunning
reflections of the splendid Amber Fort-Palace.
The fort can be reached through snaking
pathways on elephant back giving the visitor
a truly royal experience.
Jaigarh Fort
Within walking distance of Amber, it is
one of the few military structures of medieval
India. Named after Jai Singh II, the fort
offers a great view of the plains from the
Diwa Burj watchtower. Perched on a cliff
and surrounded by huge battlements with
inside walkways, the fort has retained its
ancient splendour in palaces, gardens, reservoirs,
a granary, an armoury, a well planned cannon
foundry, several temples, a tall tower and
the world's biggest cannon on wheels, Jai
Ban, which was made in the fort's foundries.
Used only once for a test firing, the cannonball,
weighing 150 kgs landed 40 kms away, allegedly
making "the brave tremble and aborting pregnant
women." Another of Jaigarh's attractions
is the elaborate water filtering and storage
system which, within its watery depths,
also housed the royal treasury.
Nahargarh Fort
Built by Jai Singh II in 1734 and extended
in 1868, the fort is like a tiger standing
on the crest of a hill overlooking the city
below. The panoramic view of the sprawling
city of Jaipur from here, especially after
nightfall, is simply breathtaking. Along
the ridge road it provides magnificent views
down to the Man Sagar Lake. In the midst
of this lake is a palatial duck blind, which
was used by the erstwhile royal family to
host shooting parties.
The City Palace
A delightful
blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani
architecture, the City Palace sprawls over
one-seventh of the area in the walled city.
The carved arches are supported by ornate
grey-white marble columns with floral motifs
in gold and coloured stones. Two carved
elephants in marble guard the entrance.
The retainers, whose families served generations
of rulers, are now guides here. The palace
houses a museum with a superb collection
of Rajasthani costumes and the armoury of
Mughals and Rajputs, including swords, some
of which are inlaid with enamel and adorned
with jewels. The art gallery has an excellent
collection of miniature paintings, carpets,
royal accoutrements and rare astronomical
works in different languages.
Jantar Mantar
This is the largest and best preserved
of the five observatories built by Jai Singh
II in different parts of the country. The
complex instruments, whose setting as well
as shape was scientifically designed, is
a tribute to medieval Indian astronomy.
The most striking instrument is the sundial.
The shadow this casts moves upto 4 m an
hour. The Ram Yantras are used for gauging
altitudes.
Hawa
Mahal
Entrance to the Hawa Mahal is from
the rear end of the building.
The ornamental facade of this
"Palace of Winds" is an important
landmark of Jaipur. The five-storey
structure of pink sandstone
has 953 niches and windows.
It was built in 1799 by Pratap
Singh and was a royal grandstand
for palace women to watch the
every-day life and processions
of the city.
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| Jaipur was established with
a
vision
of
making
it
a
leading
centre
of
art,
culture
and
craft.
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Ram Niwas Bagh
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary,
a greenhouse, a herbarlum, a museum and
popular sports ground. It was built by Sawai
Ram Singh II in 1868 AD as a famine relief
project. The Albert Hall has an exquisite
collection of sculptures, paintings and
decorative ware. In the twilight it looks
even more impressive with its subdued illumination.
Especially noteworthy is the beautiful 16th
century Persian carpet and Egyptian mummy.
Recently, the Rabindra Manch, with an auditorium,
a modern art gallery and an open-air theatre,
has been added, to promote cultural events.
Tonk
Built in the seventeenth century 100 km
from Jaipur, Tonk is a colourful medley
of painted mosques, mansions and colonial
buildings. The Sunehri Kothi or Golden Mansion,
is particularly lovely and is noted for
its mirror work.
Govind Devji Temple
This
spireless temple of Jaipur is dedicated
to Lord Krishna. It is located in the
central pavilion of the Jai Niwas Garden
to the north of Chandra Mahal. The image
of the patron deity, Govind Devji, was
originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan,
and reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh
II as his family deity.
Swargasuli (Isar Lat)
The
highest tower dominating the skyline of
the western side of the Tripolia Bazaar.
It was built by Sawai Ishwari Singh in
1749 AD to commemorate a grand victory.
Dolls' Museum
Pretty dolls from various countries are
on display at the museum in the compound
of a school, near the Police Memorial.
BM Birla Planetarium
The
Planetarium offers unique audio-visual
education and entertainment with its modern
computerised projection system. For school
groups concessions are available. Closed
on the last Wednesday of every month.
Birla Temple
In
milky white marble, the temple has intricate
carvings and is fully air-conditioned!
Jain Temple
The
exquisite Jain temple on the Agra Road
has some of the most beautiful 19th century
paintings in Jaipur style. Moti Doongari
and Lakshmi Narayan Temple Moti Doongari
is a privately owned hilltop fort built
like a Scottish castle. The Ganesh Temple
at the foot of the hill and the marvellous
marble Lakshmi Narayan Temple built a
few years back are noteworthy.
Statue Circle
The
full-length exquisitely carved statue
of Swai Jai Singh in white marble in the
centre of the circle was erected under
the newly planned scheme to pay homage
to the founder of Jaipur.
Ghat ki Guni
Beautifully landscaped gardens laid out
in the 18th and 19th century dot the narrow
gorge in the south-eastern corner of the
walled city, along the road to Agra.
Sisodia Rani Garden
It has tiered multi-level gardens with
fountains, water channels and painted
pavilions and suites of living rooms.
Amongst others, Vidhyadhar-ka-Bagh is
the best preserved, with shady trees,
flowing water, and an open pavilion.
Galtaji (20 km)
An
ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond
the gardens amidst low hills. Temples
and pavilions amidst lush landscapes make
it a delightful spot. The natural springs
here are said to have curative properties.
The small temple of the Sun god, built
by Diwan Kriparam on the top of the highest
peak is visible from all parts of the
city.
Sanganer (16km)
The
town is entered through the ruins of two
tripolias or triple gateways. Sanganer
is famed for textile block printing, papermaking
and Jaipur blue pottery. So the shopper
likes to visit here. In addition to its
ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely
carved Jain temples.
Gaitor (15 km)
It
is here that the Chhatris of Jaipur's
rulers stand in an ambience of respectful
tranquillity. The cenotaph of Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II in white marble is
the finest. Cenotaphs of Pratap Singh
and Madho Singh II are noteworthy. The
cenotaphs of the Maharanis of Jaipur are
on Amber Road. Nearby is the Jal Mahal,
a lake palace, which was the summer resort
of the royal Rajput family.
Amer
It
was the former capital of the Kachhwaha
rulers of the old state of Dhundhar for
seven centuries. Very little of the early
structures survive now.
Amer Palace and Shila Mata Temple
Built over a period of two centuries the
palace complex emerges dramatically from
the placid waters of the Maotha Lake and
is approachable only through a steep path.
Tourists often ride on elephant back to
Singh Pol and Jaleb Chowk. Two flights
of stairs rise from one end of the chowk,
one leading to the Shila Mata Temple and
the other to the palace complex. Raja
Man Singh brought the image of the patron
goddess, worshipped by thousands of devotees,
from Jessore in East Bengal, now in Bangladesh,
to be installed here.
Diwan-e-Aam has a spectacular pillared
hall and a double storied painted gateway.
Ganesh Pol dominates the courtyard. An
elegant tiny garden in Charbagh style
beyond the corridors has Sukh Niwas to
its right and Jas Mandir to its left.
The latter combines Mughal and Rajput
architecture seen in its beautiful interiors.
There are intricately carved Jali screens,
delicate mirror and stuccowork and painted
and carved dadoes. The proportioned Mohan
Bari or Kesar Kyari in the centre of the
Maotha Lake and the Dilaram Bagh at its
north end provides a spectacular view
of the palaces above.
Samode (50 km)
It
is known for its palace, which is now
a heritage hotel and is about 40 kms from
Jaipur. The highlight of the building
is the exquisite Diwan-i-Khas, which is
covered with original paintings and mirrorwork.
Bagru (35 km)
On
the Ajmer Road, the ground level fort
is still in good shape. It is noted for
its hand-printed handloom industry which
uses simple, basic techniques. The designs
of these handlooms are in earthy colours.
Ramgarh Lake (32 km on the North east)
A
huge artificial lake created by constructing
a high bund amidst tree-covered hills.
While the temple of Jamwa Mata and the
ruins of the old fort are some of its
antiquities, its beautiful landscape,
especially during monsoons, makes it an
idyllic picnic spot. now.
Bairath (86 km on the Shahpura-Alwar
Road)
An
important historical site with the excavated
remains of a circular Buddhist temple,
unique in Rajasthan. It is the earliest
known temple in India. Bairath also has
relics of the Mauryan, Mughal and Rajput
periods. A mint constructed by Akbar,
a beautiful Mughal garden and a remarkable
monument with painted chhatris and walls
built by Jahangir, along with other attractions.
Abhaneri (128 km north east off the
Agra road near Bandikui)
A
famous 7th-8th century AD temple of Harshad
Mata and the stepwell known as Chanda
Baodi are of interest. Two Jain temples
are also present, which were built at
a later period.
Sambhar (94 km)
The
largest inland salt lake of India known
for the holy Devayani Tank, the palace
and the nearby Naliasar.
Jaisinghpura Khor (12 km off the Amer
Road)
One
of the settlements of the Meena tribe,
it has a formidable fort, a Jain temple
and a stepwell amid lush surroundings.
Madhogarh-Tunga (40 km On the Bassi-Lalsot
Agra Road) Tunga was witness to a historic
battle fought between the Jaipur forces
and Marathas. The fort is nestled amidst
beautiful mango orchards.
Art and Entertainment
Jaipur was established with a vision of
making it a leading centre of art, culture
and craft. The Ghoomar is a popular dance.
The `Dagar Bandhu' singers of Vedic origin
and the famous 'Dhrupad Gahrana' are based
in Jaipur. It is also a leading centre
for the learning of Sanskrit, astrology,
naturopathy, ayurveda and herbal treatment
of all kinds. Jaipur has given to the
world a number of poets and writers. There
is a separate school of Rajput style of
miniature paintings. The Gallery of Modern
Art at Ravindra Rangshala is also worth
a visit. The Jaipur Kathak Kendra or Centre
for classical dance and Sangeet Sansthan
or Institute of music, are important centres
which impart dance and music lessons.
Festivals
Fairs are marked by grand processions with
a strong local flavour, the most popular
being Gangaur and Teej.
Gangaur Festival
Held
in honour of goddess Parvati, this festival
is held a few days after Holi and is celebrated
in Jaipur on a grand scale. Primarily
a festival for women, at this time married
women pray for the welfare of their husbands
and unmarried girls pray for a good husband.
Festive processions are taken out, women
draw water from wells, pick flowers and
chant hymns to the goddess Parvati.
Teej Festival
A
major event in Jaipur, this festival is
celebrated during the months of July/August
and dedicated to goddess Parvati. The
festival celebrates the beginning of the
monsoon. Although every festival is celebrated
enthusiastically, three festivals - Holi,
Makar Sakranti and Diwali - stand out
for the unique style with which Jaipur
celebrates them.
Holi
Jaipur's Chauhan Stadium comes alive during
the Elephant Festival on Holi, the festival
of colours. Playing polo atop bedecked
elephants is an experience in itself.
Makar Sakranti
Kite
flying is a major event every Makar Sakranti
with the skies dotted with kites, and
people of all ages participating in the
youthful festivities.
Accommodation
General Information
The
Raj Vilas, run by the Oberoi group, is
one of the better known hotels of Jaipur.
The rooms are tastefully decorated. Tented
accommodation and villas are also available
inside the complex. The Trident hotel
is also part of the same group. Rambagh
Palace, a former residence of the Maharaja
of Jaipur, is a stylish complex and now
a part of the Taj chain of hotels. One
can visit The Polo Bar at the opulent
Rambagh Palace for cocktails. One of the
finest bars - it has a marble fountain
in the middle and lots of polo memorabilia
on the walls including the famous Tatler
cartoon. Samode Haveli, a 200 year old
building was the residence of the British
during the Raj. The large pool and restaurant
are worth visiting. Other top end hotels
include the Holiday Inn, and the Hotel
Jaipur Ashok. The Madhuban, run by a helpful
family offers free pick-ups from the bus
stand and the railway station. Hotel Meghniwas
is a mid range hotel and is in a well-kept
condition.
Hotel Bissau Palace with its roof top restaurant
and an interesting library, is another
place where you don't shell out exorbitantly
for the services offered. RTDC runs two
hotels in Jaipur, the Hotel Teej and the
Hotel Gangaur, named after the festivals
of the region. The Jaipur Inn, lets you
camp on its lawn. This budget accommodation
is ideally suited for groups of travellers.
Atithi Guest House, Hotel Diggi Palace
and RTDC's Hotel Swagatam also offer budget
solutions for your stay in Jaipur.
The
pre-paid autorickshaw stand is the best
place to go to venture into the city looking
for accommodation, or else one is nagged
by the auto rickshaw touts whom you land
up paying commission to for taking you
to a particular hotel. The tourist reception
Centre has details of Jaipur's paying
Guest Scheme.
Places to Eat
Niro's, which celebrated its Golden Jubilee
recently, offers a wide variety of food
ranging from Indian veg. and non-veg,
Chinese and Continental. American Ice
Cream Sodas are available here. The Golden
Dragon Restaurant specialises in Chinese
cuisine. The Copper Chimney, The Indian
Coffee House and the Chanakya Restaurant
are some budget places to eat. The Polo
Bar at the Rambagh Palace is a great place
to enjoy a drink.
