Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, showcases an excellent blend of
tradition, culture and modern attitude. Despite having evolved into a city
that is the heart of modern commercial activity in the region, Jaipur still
holds a magical old world enamour; an aroma of glory and romance.
Jaipur is known for its outstanding architecture and town planning as it is
for its lively spirit of the people who inhabit it. The city presents a
unique synthesis of culture that has to be tried in order to be appreciated.
» First planned City : Designed by a brilliant architect
Vidyadhar Bhattacharya from Bengal, Jaipur is the first planned city. He
planned it in accordance with ancient Hindu treatise on architecture, the
Shilpa Shastra (Vaastu). Jaipur was planned in a restrained system with wide
straight boulevard, streets and lanes and uniform rows of shops on either
side of the main roads, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors
(chokdis). To protect the city from invading armies and wild animals the
city was surrounded by walls having seven gates
» Street Craft : Measured as a marvel of town planning, Jaipur
drew merchants and craftsmen to its streets and rewarded them with colonies
earmarked for them. Traditional crafts like jewellery, metal work,
enamelling, tie and dye, pottery, leather work, stone carving and miniature
painting, patronised by the rulers in the 18th century, continue to thrive
in this day and age.
Tourist Attraction
in Jaipur
» City
Palace : The City Palace of Jaipur is exquisite blend of
Traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. Initially the work on the
fort was started by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Kacchwaha clan of Rajput, and
later on addition was made to the Palace complex by his successors. The
complex is a home to several ornamented building like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak
Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace museums.
Interesting Feature
The complex houses a museum that showcases the grand collection of 2000
weapons that date back to 1580. It is also a good collection of Various
types of Rajasthani dresses a fascinating armoury of Mughal and Rajput
weapons, swords of all shapes and sizes, with chased handles, some of them
inlaid, enamelled, encrusted with jewels and encased in bold and magnificent
scabbards.
» Hawa Mahal
: Built in 1799 by Rajput Sawai Pratap Singh,this five story building is
a major tourist spot and an important landmark in Jaipur. The building is an
astonishing example of Rajput artistryas it overlooks the old city. The
building was built to allow royal ladies to look at the processions and the
city from the Zenana Women Quarters. This mahal enabled them to climb on the
top and get the good view of the city. It is part of the City Palace complex
and has a small archaeological museum on the same site.
Excursion From Jaipur
» Samod : (40 km) A fine example of Rajput Havelis architecture
and has been recently rebuilt and renovated and provides an ideal spot for
outings.
» Sanganer : (12 km) Located on the Tonk Road. In addition to
its ruined palaces, Sanganer has exquisitely carved Jain temples. The town
is entered through the ruins of two tripolias (Triple gateways). The town is
an important centre for crafts industry and produces some of the finest hand
printed textiles from units of block and screen printer. This textile is
popular all over the country and abroad
»
