Sawai Jai Singh established the City Palace, which is also recognized as Jaipur City’s founder. The honor of construction of Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar also goes to him. Though the principal architects behind the magnificent City Palace were Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh also contributed to the architectural design of the palace.
Two of the chief palaces in the collection are the Chandra Mahal and the Mubarak Mahal. The architecture is an amalgamation of Indian, Mughal, Rajput, and European styles, and you can observe the grandeur of the blending in every nook and corner of the place. The red and pink sandstone in which it is established combines extraordinary beauty with the palace. The decorated gateways add sophistication and grandeur to the structure. The City Palace of Jaipur is an excellent example of how design, art, and creativity can blend into an exquisite symbol.
Facts
- Tripolia Gate, Virendra Pol, and Udai Pol are the three main gates to the palace, with four smaller gates in the third courtyard representing four seasons.
- The Peacock Gate represents the autumn season with 3D models of peacocks at the gate, giving it a magical view.
- The Lotus Gate symbolizes the summer season.
- The Leheriya Gate stands for the spring season.
- The Rose Gate celebrates is the winter season.
- Nowadays, it is divided into two parts of the palace, one which is opened for the public and has a museum, and the other for the royal family’s residence the descendants who live here even now.
- One of the favorite items in the City Palace is two silver jars which have gained a Guinness Book of World Records spot as the largest silver vessels in the world.
- Mubarak Mahal and the Chandra Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk, Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Bhaggi Khana, Maharani Palace, and the Govind Dev Ji Temple are 18th-century structures inside the periphery of the palace.
- The Chandra Mahal, the Bhaggi Khana, and Maharani Palace have been transformed into archives.
- Mubarak Mahal is a gallery dedicated to royal textiles. You can view the dresses donned by queens and kings. The clothes carried by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I is quite a treat to the eyes. He is believed to have scaled 250 kgs.
- Baggi Khana is a section assigned to chariots and coaches. The two principal attractions are a chariot used to take the royal deity and a European Cab gifted to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II by Queen Victoria herself.
- Sileh Khana has a tremendous and refined collection of weapons and handguns used during the time. Swords, knives, arrows, axes, and various personal weapons of the kings are on display.
Tips
It is a large complex, and you will have to tour a lot. So, prepare accordingly. Suitable walking footwear or flat sandals are preferred with a drinking water facility is available. The City Palace complex is disabled-friendly. You can book guides at the entrance for a nominal fee.
Things to Do
- Visit Museum.
- Shop at the Museum souvenir shops or outside in the local markets.
- Interactive learning shows for children.
Final Thoughts
The City Palace in Jaipur was once the seat of kings as it was from here they ruled the region. One of the select tourist spots in the city, the City Palace is a vast complex and includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. The best time to tour the City Palace is September to March when the sun is not too rude in the desert state.
