A Walk Through The Royal Abode | Jaipur Beat

October 31, 2020October 31, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

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.

SABHA NIWAS ( Photo Courtesy : Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum Trust II )

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.

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Sawai Jaipur Awards 2020: Awards, Winners & Book Launch

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

On the occasion of the Commemoration of Late H.H. Brigadier Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC of Jaipur, the prestigious annual awards ceremony Sawai Jaipur Awards which is held every year was organized virtually this time on the evening of 22 October.

On this occasion, the book “Bubbles: A Biography of Brigadier H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh MVC, of Jaipur” was launched by Rajmata Sahiba Padmini Devi and Princess Diya Kumari.

The Royals have also embraced the new normal amid the pandemic by bringing the awards to social media for the first time. It was no less than a virtual extravaganza! It was worthwhile to hear again about the glorious tales of our rulers and their exceptional qualities on which the categories of the Awards were based on. People from around the world got a glimpse of the royalty and grandeur of Jaipur with The Sawai Jaipur Awards.

The Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum Trust gave awards in 24 categories. These awards recognized and felicitated those who demonstrated exceptional skills in various fields like preservation of heritage, medical science, sports, traditional crafts, literature & education, among others.
Each awardee received a replica of the silver urn placed at the Sarvatobhadra Chowk of the City Palace, citation, a shawl, and cash.

The awards given for outstanding work in various fields along with the winners:

Raja Dulha Rai Award for Social Work
Akshaya Patra Foundation
Raja Kakil Dev Award for Excellence in Preservation of Heritage and Architecture
Dr. Shikha Jain
Raja Pajvan Dev Award for Excellence in the Field of Medicine
Dr. Subrata Banerjee
Raja Bhagwant Das Award for Excellence in Traditional Crafts
Mr. Gopal Saini
Raja Mansingh I Award for Bravery
Martyr Col Ashutosh Sharma
Mirza Raja Jai Singh I Award for Distinguished Service in the Armed Forces
Major Gen R S Shekhawat
Mirza Raja Ram Singh I Award for Excellence in Ecological Balance and Improvement in Environment
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
Maharaja Vishan Singh Award for Excellence in Travel & Tourism
Mr. Upendra Singh Shekhawat
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II Award for Excellence in the Field of Astronomy and Related Sciences
Pandit Dr. Kedar Sharma
Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh Award for Excellence in the Field of Journalism
Rashtradoot Newspaper (Arbit)
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I Award for Outstanding Contribution in Development and Enhancing the Image of Rajasthan in India & Abroad
Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA)
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh Award for Excellence in the Field of Literature and Education
Mr. Bhanwar ji Bhanwar
Maharaja Sawai Jagat Singh Award for Excellence in Art, Painting & Sculpture
Mr. Bajrang Lal Suthar
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II Award for Excellence in the Field of Photography
Mr. Surendra Singh Chouhan
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II Award for Excellence in the Field of Theatre, Film & Television
Mr. Pramod Bhasin
Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Award for Excellence in the Field of Sports
Mr. Anantjeet Singh Naruka
Marudhar Kanwar Award for Distinguished Services in MSMS II Museum Trust & JPC Trust
Mr. Sheodana Ram Kumawat
Mr. Rohitashw Singh Tanwar
Kishore Kanwar Award for Excellence in Performing Arts
Pandit Krishna Mohan Bhatt
Rajmata Gayatri Devi Award for Women’s Excellence
Ms. Laila Tyabji
Sawai Bhawani Singh Award for Excellence in the Field of Business and Industry
Shree Cement Limited
Rajmata Padmini Devi Award for Excellence in Loyal & Disciplined Services to the Royal Family of Jaipur
Smt. Saraswati
Smt. Madan Kanwar
Shri Ashok Kumar
Princess Diya Kumari Award for Achiever in any Field
Shri Moti Singh Rawat
Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh Award for Young Achiever in Sports
Ms. Avani Lekhara
Princess Gauravi Kumari Award for exemplary achievement in start-up/ innovation/invention with social impact
Dr Sunita Bundas

If you have missed the Sawai Jaipur Awards 2020, watch it here:

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Travel Local: World Class Places in Jaipur to visit!

May 16, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

While Jaipur is always filled with number of places that are world-class, it is time to travel local and appreciate the value of our home now.

The closed country borders, lockdown, and the safety reasons are now making us appreciate the treasure of our city Jaipur.

Here are our top picks-

Amer Fort

The famous Amer Fort is one of the most visited forts in Rajasthan and is a marvellous blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. The fascinating beauty of Amer Fort at night is definitely an attraction.

Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar is considered to be one of the largest astronomical observatories out of all the 5 in the entire nation. Recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Jantar Mantar is a treat for people who have a lot of interest in astronomy and architecture.

Hawa Mahal

Carved out of red and pink sandstone, this marvelous piece of architecture is recognized as the tallest building in the world built without a foundation. It is our own Taj Mahal that is in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is a five storied structure built with stones and walls thick enough that no water seeps in. You can watch, behold the sight and, capture its beauty only from a distance.

Albert Hall

Opened as a concert hall in 1876, Albert Hall was then turned into a Museum to promote the local artisans’ work. Soon after that, the museum gained its popularity not only for its exquisite collection but also for its splendid architecture.

Walled City

No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement because the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.

City Palace

Based on a fusion of the Vastu Shastra of the Indian architecture, combining Mughal, Rajput and European styles, City Palace was built by the founder of Jaipur- Sawai Jai Singh II. The most attractive part of the Palace is its four gates that represents the four seasons of the year.

World Trade Park

World Trade Park gives us a moment of pride for being one of the largest malls in the country with 11 floors. This place looks no less than an English house, or a cathedral from inside.

Nahargarh

A blend of Indian and European style of architecture, Nahargarh Fort was built as a retreat on the hilltop at that time. Providing a stupendous view of the city, Nahargarh Fort was built strategically to provide protection to the royal family of Jaipur.

Jaigarh Fort

Providing a great view of the entire Aravalli range, Jaigarh Fort is known for holding the largest canon on wheels in the world. It is situated at a distance of 15 km from the main Jaipur city and is popularly known for not being conquered by anyone in the battles that it has witnessed.

Galta Kund

Within the unfolding lanes of Jaipur you’ll find the most fascinating and intriguing among them all is Galta Ji- the magnificent campus of temples. It’s not just one temple but a marvelous cluster of numerous beautiful temples spread amid the boundaries of Aravali Hills.

Birla Mandir

Situated on the foothills of Moti Doongri Fort, Birla Mandir also known as Lakshmi Narayan Temple is a proud architectural landmark of Jaipur. Unlike other traditional Hindu temples, Birla Mandir is built with a modern approach in pure white marble.

ISKCON Temple

ISKCON Sri Giridhari Dauji Temple is situated in Dholai village, south of Jaipur City. It is one of the famous & most visited temples in Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram which are very beautifully decorated.

Raj Mandir

Lesser of a movie theatre and more of a tourist destination, this is the most beautiful theatre of Asia and we have all taken our relatives from far off cities to this place during vacations.

Jawahar Kala Kendra

Like the rest of Jaipur’ wisely chalked out architecture and planning, Jawahar Kala Kendra boasts of an architecture that spellbinds a beholder at just one glance.

Jawahar Circle

A tall pink structure surrounded by a gamut of trees and lush gardens, that structure is Jawahar Circle – the biggest circular park in Asia. The entrance of Jawahar Circle is through the Patrika gate, which has been designed beautifully.

Nahargarh Biological Park

lion-safari1 — *For reference: Nature Wanderers*

Who would have thought that Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan will offer you a lion safari? But this edition in adventure activities is the Nahargarh Biological Park exclusively for Lion Safari. The zone of the lion safari lies in the Aravali foothills with hillocks that offer panoramic landscape.

Birla Planetarium

Birla Planetarium in Jaipur is one of the main attractions in the itinerary of travellers and was inaugurated by the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Birla Planetarium takes you to the lesser known world of galaxy and stars.

Amrapali Museum

Amrapali is a globally renowned, coveted luxury jewellery brand. The heritage jewellery house launched its very own museum in Jaipur. It displays traditional silver jewelled arts of India reflecting the ‘everyday’ life of the people of India.

We are sure some of you must have not visited to any one of the above listed places. But as everyone says better late than ever so do visit these treasures of our very own Pink City once the lockdown ends.

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The Things that happened in Jaipur in 2019 and we can never forget

December 28, 2019December 28, 2019 AdminLeave a comment

The wonderful year 2019 is soon going to get over in a few days. But, before we all step into another eventful year, which will have its own bag of challenges and goodies, let’s have a quick look into the past and take on this ride to cherish so many changes that Jaipur went through in 2019. Hop on..

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Jaipur is a smart city now with all the techno advances in traffic, residences and public places. But what keeps it among the top-notch cities to travel is its heritage character! In the year 2019, the Pink City received its much-deserved title of the “World Heritage Site! Yes, if you missed it let us let you, not just a few monuments but the entire Jaipur is UNESCO World Heritage Site!

2. Congress Government

Although the swap of government is nothing new to us Jaipurites, this year with the commencement of Lok Sabha elections, the Congress candidate, Mr Ashok Gehlot became the Chief Minister of Jaipur.

3. All-women Gandhi Nagar Railway Station

This became the moment of honour for all of us. In a step towards women empowerment, the Indian Railways have handed over the Gandhi Nagar railway station to an all–women crew. And, Jaipur’s Gandhi Nagar became the country’s first all–women railway station. Couldn’t be more proud!

4. Cleanest Railway Station

Jaipur Municipal Corporation’s response to Swach Bharat Abhiyaan is not limited to residential, commercial areas or streets but the Railway Stations too took it seriously. To treat single-use plastic, bottle crushing machines have been planted at Jaipur Junction and Gandhinagar Jaipur stations and the staff on duty is always on their toes to keep the railway stations clean. As a result of the management’s hard work and travellers’ co-operation, Jaipur Junction has topped the tally among 720 stations covered all over the country.

5. Friendliest Cities in the World

“Padharo Mhare Des”- we Jaipurites not only say this metaphor but figuratively, live it! With welcoming gestures and warm hospitality, Jaipur wins the hearts of travellers from across the globe. In an international survey, which took place early in the year, the ‘pink city’ has been ranked 35^thin the list of 50 cities from all over the world, for being welcoming, “student-friendly”, and “popular on the tourist trail”. Hence, giving you more reasons to travel to Jaipur doubt free 🙂

6. Jaipur rated as most Instagrammed UNESCO World Heritage Site

Our city is known for its old-world charm – usually referred to as ‘pink city’ owing to its iconic colour of buildings. In the year 2019, a new study from The Latin America Travel Company has analyzed that Jaipur is the most popular UNESCO Sites according to Instagram. We were not surprised. With a gamut of mesmerizing monuments, spellbinding palaces and intriguing streets, Jaipur would always be on the insta feeds of many!

7. City Palace opens Gudliya Suite for tourists

For the first time, Jaipur’s City Palace- the abode of the Royals, opened the doors of its exclusive suite for the connoisseurs of luxury in 2019! The palatial one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite—located in one of the private sections of the 300 years old palace can now make your dream of living in a royal palace come true.

8. Dravyavati River Front

Jaipur got its long lost artificial river, Dravyavati river that was inaugurated in October with three mega parks which gave Jaipurites a new hub for adventure and fitness activities. 2019 bought another feather in Jaipur’s cap when Dravyavati River Front was felicitated with the ‘Best Smart Wastewater Project Award’ at Smart City Empowering India Awards.

9. The wave of Clubbing Culture

Until last year, Jaipur did not have a very sound and vibrant nightlife like Berlin or Barcelona but the year 2019 gave us party hoppers all the good reasons to rejoice! With the entry of sensational nightlife check-ins like Playboy and Club Trove, Jaipurites have got more reasons to don their swanky clothes and hit the dance floor!

10. Forever 21

The month of Love, “February” showered us with Los Angeles’ high street fashion through the launch of Forever 21 store at WTP! Although Jaipur is the Paris of India when it comes to shopping, but hey, Forever 21 is not just another brand, it is a statement. After the launch, we can think the colours of spring in Los Angeles California, think pastels, high waist trousers coupled with linen shirts and dresses with palm leaves printed on them. Yayy!!

11. Nykaa

Nykaa has definitely made our lives easier with amazing discounts on different cosmetic brands, at one place. And when Jaipur got its very own Nykaa outlet, the girls in here couldn’t resist being super excited. So, the year 2019 has been a landmark year for all the fashion and style enthusiasts when the girls can stop tapping their phones and get the real feel of shopping cosmetics from Nykaa!

12. Sephora

Adding another destination to purchase premium make-up and skincare products, the revolutionary French make-up brand took the flight to Jaipur in 2019! Did you miss the launch when attractive Sephora dance troops, awe-struck the spectators with their amazing moves? The world’s largest and best beauty retailer’s flagship store was inaugurated by Rajsamand MP, Princess Diya Kumari at World Trade Park. Now in our own Pink City, we can now experience the magic of Sephora, which features make-up, skin-care, fragrances, bath and body categories, beauty accessories and hair care products and much more.

13. House of 64Facets

To render an all-new definition to jewellery shopping, a premier jewellery boutique, ‘House of 64 Facets’ launched their flagship boutique in Jaipur, this year. All the modern women of Jaipur, who love to adorn themselves with light, delicate and feminine designer jewellery can now head to this diamond jewellery boutique because ‘64 Facets’ is a premier destination for versatile and delicate diamond jewellery in Jaipur.

14. Zomaland

November brought a food and fun bonanza for the Jaipurites with theexciting carnival called, ‘Zomaland’. Combining the best of food and entertainment, with unique food zones, sumptuous cuisines and a carnival-themed play zone, larger than life installations, fun-filled activities, was a great hit and left the Jaipurites raving.

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A Day Through Jaipur’s Walled City Market

December 20, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

No matter what transport you choose to reach the walled city market, but once you step out of it, a gush of local air filters through you and gives you the major feels of the city. From the street vendors all around trying to sell you ethnic jewellery, clothes, toys, bed sheets, handkerchiefs, edibles and what not, to the truly colourful shops loaded with Jaipuri jootis, block print and leather handbags, wedding outfits, vibrant Jaipuri lehengas and much more- the markets of Jaipur are truly engaging.

Stroll through with a heart full of patience and excitement and you’ll surely find yourself drooling over the local delicacies including the famous Kachoris, Samosas, Mirchi vadas retrieved from the piping hot oil and put on little paper serving plates.

Moreover, after you have had a long day of discovering the lanes of the walled city market, you can finally binge on the Rajasthani delicacies for dinner like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki sabzi, Laal Maas, and Ker Sangri.

Further, while you stand right in front of the Palace of Winds, the legendary Hawa Mahal, you’ll realise that there actually are 953 windows in it. Located in the midst of the market and surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, the place has an enchanting significance to it, which would surely lure you into seeing it inside out.

You can further explore the local culture and the colours of Jaipur with the local market that offers Jaipuri leather items, junk jewellery, Jaipuri block print dresses and bedsheets, quilts, handicrafts including blue pottery items and traditional kathputlis, mirror work items, and much more.

On the other hand, you may dive into Hindu spirituality with temples like the renowned Hanuman temple, the Govind Dev Ji temple and Garbh Griha.

Next, when you have crossed through the booming traffic, the metro construction taking place at Badi Chaupad and the loud yet prismatic market, you are finally ready to enter the gates of the truly magnificent City Palace of Jaipur, which was once the abode of the royal Rajput rulers. For years and years, Jaipur has celebrated its legacy of having inherited this beautiful monument that presents itself as Jaipur’s crown.

Witnessing the grandeur of living and lifestyle of Jaipur’s royals at the City Palace Museum, you’ll be taken back in time with the treasures of the bygone era. From the enticing Chandra Mahal to the mesmerizing Peacock Gate, Lotus Gate, Green Gate and Rose Gate; City Palace just never fail to bewitch you with its beauty.

While you take away Jaipuri clothes, quilts, jooties and jewellery as souvenirs for your loved ones away with you, the most beautiful things you take along would still be the sights of the vivid liveliness of the city.

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Gates of Jaipur: The Reflection of Opulence and Grandeur

September 6, 2018 AdminLeave a comment

Jaipur, the capital city of the land of Maharajas: Rajasthan. A city with so much to narrate about the culture and traditions, a city that reflects the royalty of Rajputs; a city with a splendid history. The foundation of the city was laid in the 16^th Century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The Maharaja did everything to make it a spectacle for the entire world and to keep it safe from intruders. He built a city so grand and so beautiful that we can’t help but admire even today. Everything in Jaipur was built according to Vastu Shastra. With its magnificent forts and palaces, the unrivalled historic architecture of Jaipur narrates a story of grandeur and opulence.

When it comes to the architecture we often talk about palaces and forts and other monuments. But what we often forget is one of the most important parts of our city’s history, the Gates of Jaipur. The popular 7-8 gates of the city are said to be the original entrance into the walled city.

Suraj Pol

Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate is situated at the east of the walled city, in the direction of the rising sun. The gate can easily be identified by the two sun painted on it.

Chand Pol

Chand Pol or the Moon Gate is situated at the western side of the city near Chand Pol Bazaar and Gangauri Bazar. It lies on the same axis as the Suraj Pole Gate.

Ram Pol

Popular as Ghat Gate, it leads its passersby to Ramganj.

Shiv Pol

Now known as the Sanganeri Gate, it leads to the Sanganer. Shiv Pol stands to guard the entry of Johari Bazaar.

Ajmeri Gate

Situated near Choti Chaupad, the gate was built to guard the southern entrance of the walled city and leads on the roads to Ajmer.

Ganga Pol

Situated at the north-east section of the walled city, it is not known to many.

Dhruv Pol

Commonly known as the Zorawar Singh Gate, Dhruv Pol is the northernmost gate of the walled city. It is named after the Pole Star or the Dhruv Tara, a star that marks the North direction. It is also the widest of all the gates.

Naya pol

Now known as the New Gate, it opens at the Chaura Rasta while you travel through the ever-bustling MI Road. The gate showcases a blend of European architecture with local style.

After these 8 gates were built, every evening at dusk a cannon was fired to alarm the citizens of the closing time and the gates remained closed until dawn to keep the city clean of intruders crawling inside the city in dark. This practice continued till the 1940s, thereafter development outside these gates started and the gates remained open.

We went a little further and did some digging only to find that the list of gates is much greater than just 7 or 8.

Sireh Deori Gate

The gate that leads you to the Jaleb Chowk and further to Govind Dev Ji temple and City Palace.

Tripolia Gate

The beautiful white gate near Govind Dev Ji Temple is one of its kinds. The gate is not open to the general public. It is still used only by the erstwhile Royal family, a tradition accepted by the locals without any opposition.

Naqqarkahne ka Darwaza

It might not be of much importance anymore, but the gate during the reign of Maharajas was used to announce their arrival by eulogizing their works.

The magnificent City Palace is known to the world as the residence of the royal family also has a number of awe-striking gates.

Rajendra Pol

Right outside the Mubarak Mahal is a gate that portrays the flamboyant Hindu gatehouse architecture. The Rajendra Pol is flanked by two elephants both of which are carved out of a single marble.

Ganesh Pol

The gate at the exit of the City Palace that leads you out to the Jaleb Chowk.

Ridhisidhi pol

The gate that on exiting the Rajendra Pol, leads you to the Pritam Niwas Chowk.

The Pritam Niwas Chowk is known to have four gates each representing a different season:

Peacock Gate

It is the most alluring gate with paintings of peacocks signifying autumn.

Lotus Gate

With continual flower and petal patterns, it stands as a symbol of summer.

Green Gate

Also called the Leheriya gate, signifies spring.

Rose Gate

With repeated flower patterns, the gate is seen as a symbol of winter.

Today, these gates are merely symbolic; part of city’s history, nostalgia and built heritage. However, they are an important element of Jaipur’s rich architectural legacy for which the city is famous across the world.

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5 Must Know Facts about City Palace

April 6, 2018April 6, 2018 Admin1 Comment

The City Palace, Jaipur is one of the most admired and finest attractions among the places to visit in the Pink City. With an organized layout of large courtyards, perfectly manicured gardens, and magnificent mahals, the palace is still a home to the royal family of Jaipur.

It houses beautiful amalgamation of Mughal and Rajput architecture and narrates the city’s glorious historical past which can be seen at the major attractions of the City Palace, thus making it a perfect sight for every history enthusiast and photographers.

While making a trip to Jaipur, make sure you reserve a day to visit the corridors of the City Palace and live a day like the royals!

Royal History

Located in the heart of the Pink City, the City Palace has been the official residence of rulers of Jaipur. It was built in accordance with the Vastu Shastra, under the guidance of Sawai Jai Singh II by two renowned architects- Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, depicting the fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles.

Story Behind The Gates

Inside the City Palace, the Pritam Niwas Chowk houses 4 gates where each has a different role to play and a story to tell. These gates represent four seasons and Hindu gods and goddesses. The Peacock Gate with motifs of peacocks represents autumn and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Lotus Gate have continual flower and petal pattern representing summer season and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Green Gate is suggestive of spring and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Lastly, the Rose Gate with repeated petal pattern represents winter season and is dedicated to Goddess Devi.

Magnificent Structures inside the City Palace

The legendary City Palace is said to comprise one-seventh of the walled city of Jaipur with temples, edifices, courtyards, gardens and a museum. Some major attractions include Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Mubarak Mahal, and Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. Diwan-I-Khas, decorated with plush chandeliers was once a private audience hall of the royals is now an art gallery. Interestingly, the hall also features two huge sterling silver vessels which are officially recorded as the world’s largest sterling silver vessels.

The City Palace Museum

The City Palace Museum which is now called Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum houses largest and finest collection of arms in India. It includes- swords, double-edged cutters, daggers, knives, axes and arrows of various shapes and sizes. The sword of Maharaja Man Singh that weighs about 5 kilograms is one of the attractive exhibits. It also has a vintage collection of baggis. One of the major attractions is Victoria Baggi which was gifted by Prince of Wales to the Maharaja in 1876. Also on display are the mahadol, a palanquin with a single bamboo bar that was used for carrying the idols of Hindu gods during festive processions.

A Royal Abode to the Royal family

The Chandra Mahal is a seven-storied cream-white structure, sumptuously adorned with unique paintings and floral decorations with mirrored walls and ceilings. It has screened balconies and a pavilion at the roof from where a panoramic view of the city can be seen. It is set amidst well laid out gardens and a decorative lake in the foreground. At present, the royal family resides in the Chandra Mahal.

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4 Events In Jaipur To Get Inspired From In September

September 8, 2017September 8, 2017 AdminLeave a comment

September is filled with events that will leave Jaipurites engaged throughout the month. Along with fashion fiestas, this month also brings food fests for the foodies of the city. Hold on, Jaipur Beat has listed them for you!

Jaipur by Nite

A blend of the rich architectural heritage, culture and unique art forms, Jaipur by Nite, is a three day event. The 5^th edition of Jaipur by Nite, an initiative by City Palace to promote night tourism covers the following:

Women’s Car Rally

For all the passionate women-riders of Pink City, gear yourself up for the first ever Women’s Car Rally at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. This marks the start of the 3 day event i.e. on 9^th September at 10:00 p.m. Don’t miss this one Pink Riders.

The Bite Fest

Food lovers, this 2 day event is for you. Relish the culinary specialities of the renowned restaurants and cafes of Jaipur, while standing by the grandeur of City Palace in Jaipur’s first ever food festival. The Bite Fest starts at 5:00 p.m. on 15^th and 16^th September.

Concert

Book yourself on 15^th September as a musical treat from the POP-PROs of Indian Pop Music ‘The Indian Ocean & Mame Khan’ to remember for a lifetime. You will enjoy a plethora of awe-inspiring performances, including cultural dance and music at the City Palace commencing from 5:00 p.m. onwards.

Jaipur By Nite Marathon

A fun-filled night marathon is waiting for all the Jaipurites. Mingle yourself with the fellow Jaipurites and compete with them at the same time under the sparkling stars of Pink City as the marathon starts at 10:00 p.m. from City Palace.

Date– 9^th,15^th,16^th September

The Story Live- Travel café with Vimal Geethanandan

The Story Live is an exciting travel café session with an enthusiastic traveller- Vimal Geethanandan who has travelled across 11 Indian states without spending a penny. All the youngsters of the city, get inspired from his travel experiences to follow your dreams while breaking all kinds of barriers. Just get going.

Digital Media and Outreach Partner– Jaipur Beat
Registration link– http://bit.ly/2wNiXP7
Venue– Waylay Café & Restaurant
Time– 4:00 p.m. onwards
Date– 17^th September

Jaipur Design Show

The second edition of Jaipur Design Show organised by Nine Dot Squares is a three day interior and architectural trade show. For all the craft lovers this event is a must as it also encompasses various design extravaganza showcasing live artisans, workshops, Installations, chai & chat sessions, musical evenings, trade shows, craft trails, etc.

Venue– Diggi Palace
Date– 22^nd-24^th September

MRF Rally of Rajasthan

Thar Motorsport organizes MRF Rally of Rajasthan, for its members to keep their passion blazing and to break the monotony and stress from everyday life. If you think you share the same enthusiasm for driving, book your tickets now.

Venue– 39, Behind Mr. Beans Café, Sardar Patel Marg
Time– 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Date– 22^nd-24^th September

Have fun 🙂

Jaipur

9 Photographs giving Bird’s Eye View of Jaipur City in Monsoon!

July 21, 2017July 22, 2017 AdminLeave a comment

No you don’t have to always fly in a helicopter, or airplane to get a bird’s eye view of anything. Why? Because we live in a city like Jaipur where you can always drive up on Nahargarh or Jaigarh Forts set on the Aravali Hills to witness the city’s true beauty.

You might have been there at some or the other time of the year but there is no season like monsoon when you can see fresh green landscape of Jaipur breathing with new life from the top.

Here’s, presenting ‘Pictorial Melodies of Monsoon’

View of Amer Fort covered in cloud

2. Lake ‘Sagar’, Jaigarh Fort and the fresh green landscape

3. Like a wondrous dream clouds looming over Jal Mahal at Mansagar Lake

4. View of Rajasthan Legislative Assembly or Vidhaan Sabha

5. Rain washed Wall City, Jantar Mantar, City Palace in one frame

6. Green cover on otherwise Barren hills of Jhalana and the Pink Houses

7. The City doesn’t stop even when it rains. View of Tripolia Bazaar and Choti Chaupar

8. Monsoon spell on Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort

9. Believe us!! We are still in Jaipur 🙂

If you are a photographer and you intend to photograph the true beauty of rain drenched Pink City, there is no other time better than the monsoons.

So, why wait? Take out your photography gears but remember to protect them in weather-proof camera bags and don’t forget to share your images with Jaipur Beat 🙂

Happy Rains ☔☔☔