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Amber: The Kachhawahas ruled
form Amber, 11 km from Jaipur, for seven centuries. With a history
so old, it is not unexpected that there is a lot of the past that
can be traced in its archaeological history. While many of the
very early structures have either disappeared or been ruined,
those dating from the 16th century on are in a remarkable state of
preservation. Amber as it exists now is the handiwork of three of
the kingdom's rulers that include Man Singh and Jai Singh I and
II. Approached from a steep ramp, visitors ride up on elephant
back, entering through the grand Singh Pol gateway and continuing
to Jaleb Chowk, the courtyard where they disembark from the
pachyderm. From here, they are faced with two flight of steps, one
leading to the Shila Mata complex with its enshrined image of the
goddess, and the other to the main palace complex. Within the
complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing gateway painted with images of
the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha, takes pride of place. Also
a part of the complex is the Diwan-I-Am or hall of public audience
with its spectacular display of pillars. The typical merging of
Rajput and Mughal architectural styles is captured in the Sukh
Niwas and Jas Mandir Apartments, and the Charbagh garden with its
perfectly proportioned landscaping. A highlight is the pierced
screen windows which offer views from points of vantage, as well
as the shimmering mirrors encrusting the wall of the Sheesh Mahal.
Several other gardens and pavilions within the sprawling spread of
the ramparts offer enough scope for investigating medieval
lifestyles at leisure. Beyond the ramparts, the old city, once the
abode of the aristocracy, has a wonderfully medieval flavour,
though it has few buildings of majestic proportion that are still
extinct. However, a walk though the rambling lanes will reap rich
reward for the curious. Besides a large number of temples, there
are also stepwells, memorials and townhouses.
Gaitore: Located off the Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitors is the
final resting place for the maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a narrow
valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers consist of the somewhat
typical chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Of special mention
is Jai Singh 2nd chhatri because of the carvings that have been
used to embellish it.
Nahargarh: The third of the hilltop forts that guard
Jaipur, and in a state of majestic ruin, it has some lovely
gardens and pavilions added after the capital had shifted to
Jaipur. The members of the royal family often used it for summer
excursions and picnics.
Jaigarh: One of the few
military structures of medieval India, retaining its ancient
splendour in palaces, garden, reservoirs, a granary, an armoury, a
well planned cannon foundry, several temples, a tall tower and a
giant mounted cannon the Jai Ban, one of the largest in the
country are preserved here. The extensive parkotas (walls), watch
tower and gateways of Jaigarh dominate the western skyline.
Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal was
built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 AD in the midst of the Man
Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot. The was formed by constructing dam
between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh I. During winter months
once can see a large number of migratory as well as residents
birds at the lake.
Hawa Mahal: Located to one side, but a part of the City
Palace complex, Hawa Mahal is best viewed from the street outside.
If is were not for the bustling bazaar all around, it would have
been easy to mistake it for a film set, so exquisitely is it
proportioned, and so incongruous is its delicacy.
Hawa Mahal consists of five tiers of
corridors on the inside, with pierced screen windows that overlook
the street below. It is believed the women of the royal zenana
would sit concealed behind these screens to see life in the city
beyond the walls of the palace.
City Palace: As may be
expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of the city.
Getting in is simpler than it once was. Though the erstwhile
maharaja and his family and close friends use the triple-arched
Tripolia Gate to enter their section of the palace, most visitors
are ushered in through Atish Pol which is located close to the
royal stables, cross from here to Chandni Chowk or Moonlit Square
and then on to Gainda ki Deorhi. At the heart of the complex is
seven-tiered Chandra Mahal where the erstwhile royal family is
still in residence, though only a small part of the apartments are
occupied.
However, it is only the buildings around Chandra Mahal that are
open to the public, and these also form part of a museum which
includes everything from Grand outfits (including one with 18
kilos of golden thread woven into it) to swords and two silver
urns that are believed to be the largest silver objects in the
world. These are housed in the Mubarak Mahal, and the Diwan-i-am
respectively. Through Singh Pol, visitors can approach the
Diwan-i-am, where the maharaja's private and public courts would
be held. The architecture seems to consist of a number of arched,
pillared halls, while courtyards with painted doorways are
prominent feature.
Jantar Mantar: A stone observatory, part of the city palace
complex, Jantar Mantar is one of several other astronomical
observatories created by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh 2nd (other are
in Delhi, Banaras, Ujjain). These concrete masonry instruments
were used to measure everything from altitude to time, and map the
movement of the planets and the stars. Jai Singh 2nd had a passion
for astronomy and used astronomical inventions from different of
these observatories, the largest of which in is Jaipur.
Govind Dev Ji Temple: The
most popular spireless temple of Jaipur 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, originally installed in a temple of Vrindavan, was
reinstalled here by Sawai Jai Singh 2nd as his family deity.
Sargasuli: Also known as Isar Lat, this tower was erected
in the mid-18th century by Maharaja Ishwari Singh to commemorate a
battle victory. Ironically, Ishwari Singh was ostracized for his
lover of a common girl, and he is the only Kachhawaha Maharaja who
has not been commemorated at Gaitor.
Galtaji: An ancient pilgrimage centre, lying beyond the
gardens amidst low hills. Temples, pavilions and holy kunds
(natural spring and reservoirs) along with lush landscape make it
a delightful spot. 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.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh: In the 18th and 19th centuries, the
royals and the nobles laid out summer gardens at Ghati ki guni, a
valley at beginning of the Jaipur-Agra road which traps the
breezes and wafts it through pleasantly. Sisodia Rani ka Bagh was
laid for one of the queens from the lake city of Udaipur, to cure
her of her homesickness. It consists of pavilions with water
channels that run down in tiered gardens.
Vidyadharji ka Bagh: The exquisite, tiered garden laid for
the private pleasure of the architect of the city, it has delicate
pavilions bordered by water channels, and a larger pavilion
overlooking the whole complex. Located at Ghat ki Guni, it is now
let out for private picnics.
Jain Temple: one of few example of Jain architecture in
Jaipur, located on the Agra Road, it has 19th century frescos that
are exquisite.
Ram Niwas Bagh: A lush
spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a greenhouse, a herbarium,
a museum and popular sports ground. It was built by Sawai Ram
Singh 2nd in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project. The Albert
hall, fine example of Indo Sarcenic style of architecture designed
by Sir Swinton Jecob, was opened later with an exquisite
collection of sculptures, paintings, decorative wares, natural
history specimen, an Egyptian mummy & celebrated Persian carpet.
Recently, the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art
gallery and an open air theatre, has been added to promote
cultural events.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: A new temple, built entirely of
marble, this is a showcase of the continuing skill of the mason
and the sculptor.
Moti Doongari: A small palace, this is a replica of a
Scottish castle, and perched on a hilltop. Once occupied by
Maharaja Madho Singh's son who was confined here, it was also for
a while home to Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Statue Circle: A busy crossing, this has a life-size statue
in marble of Maharaja Jai Singh 2nd. It is a recent addition to
the city's attractions. |