Jaipurites, we all have seen the City Palace from outside but has it intrigued you how would a walk around the home of the royals be like? Well, we decided to explore the sections of the charming palace and share it with you!
Jaipur narrates its history as a breathing capital of Rajasthan embraced by the illustrious patronage, culture, architecture, performing arts and craft. Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the new capital of Jaipur was unique for its urban planning & vision. With a perfect embodiment of the bygone era beautifully balancing with modern developments; magnificent palaces, special pink facades, vibrant markets, exquisite handicrafts, and colorful festivals, Jaipur continues to celebrate the splendor of its majestic past.
Poised in the middle of Jaipur, the world famous City Palace complex is an integral part of the walled city. Built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amer – Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II, the 18th century Palace glorifies the magnificence of Jaipur’s heritage with its courtyards, gateways, temples and gardens. Characterized by a series of dedicated galleries and museums that offer a grand view of Jaipur’s flamboyant heritage, the City Palace Complex reflects the magnitude of its historical importance and monarchy. A site of living tradition, the City Palace continues to be the home and pride of Jaipur’s Royal Family.
Take a walk around the opulent sections of the City Place with us!
- The Mubarak Mahal is one of the last princely additions to the City Palace, and was completed in 1900. The magnificent double-storeyed building was used to welcome special guests to the royal palace. Islamic, Rajput and European elements of architecture and ornamentation have been assimilated in this building. Today it houses a splendid textile gallery, and some offices of the Museum.
- The Sileh Khana building covers the story of the arms and armoury of the kingdom of Dhoondhar. Now a gallery, you can see a range of exquisite but deadly weapons, including swords, daggers, guns, and more on display here.
- The Sabha Niwas, also known as the Diwan-e-Aam, is a Public Hall of Audience that has been used by successive Maharajas. The Durbar and important official ceremonies would take place here. This was also where His Highness Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II took oath as the first Raj Pramukh of the newly constituted State of Rajasthan in 1949.
4. The Sarvato Bhadra, an airy pavilion, open on all four sides, except for small rooms at each corner, is a Rajput architectural innovation. Several rituals and celebrations, including the Dussehra Pooja, and Makar Sankranti festival, happen in this courtyard. On display in the Sarvato Bhadra structure are the world’s largest silver urns, the Ganga-jalis. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh the second took the Ganga-jalis with him to England in 1902, as a way to maintain his ritual purity, when he travelled across the seas to attend the coronation of King-Emperor Edward the seventh of Great Britain.
5. Pritam Niwas Chowk is the inner courtyard of the City Palace. It has four smaller gates, each themed around the four seasons and dedicated to a particular Hindu God.
Peacock Gate: The northeastern peacock gate represents autumn and has a small idol of Lord Vishnu on its lintel.
Lotus Gate: The southwestern gate is adorned with dramatic lotus petals and flower patterns. It represents summer and Lord Shiva.
Rose Gate: The winter season is showcased by this gate. Filled with repeating rose patterns, it is dedicated to Goddess Devi.
Leheriya Gate: The Leheriya (waves) gate is on the northwest side of the courtyard. It is green in color, indicating spring and dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
While exploring these landmarks, you will notice that many of their doorways are singular in character; be it the imposing gateways with intricate frescoes at the entrance or the smaller, nondescript doors inside the palaces. Each gate has a role to play and a story to tell. In City Palace, they reflect the influence of Mughal, European and Indian Shilpa Shastra styles.
6. Govind Dev Ji Temple is an epitome of pure devotion and exquisiteness. Surrounded by manicured gardens, spectacular chhatris and fountains, the marvelously textured temple is situated in the City Palace Complex.
Built-in 1735 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh II, the temple is amongst the seven temples of Vrindavan Thakur, who is one of Lord Krishna’s forms, Govind Dev ji. Swarmed by a great number of devotees and tourists each day, the calming temple of Govind Dev Ji allows the visitors to witness its tranquil surroundings and experience its powerful aura.
Hope you enjoyed this royal walk around the City Palace Jaipur!
PS- Jaipur Beat is thankful to MSMS II Museum Trust for giving us the access and permission to photograph and also for each and every detail shared in this blog.
