Royal Capital
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state, it
is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's
multifaceted attractions. For visitors unfamiliar with its history, a little
explanation may be necessary, since it will aid their understanding of one
of the most fascinating cities of India.
As a city, Jaipur is fairly young, less than three centuries old. It was
laid out by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from
Amber which, less than 10-km away, was the former capital of the state.
Markets and residential areas have bridged this gap so that, for all
practical purposes, Jaipur includes Amber within its sway.
A Planned City
Jaipur has been laid according to the conventional nine-grid pattern that
astrologers believe to be lucky, and which has been recommended in the
ancient Indian treatise on architecture. Each grid consists of a square, and
these have been planned so that, at the heart of the city is the City
Palace. Spread around it, in rows, are public buildings, the residences of
noblemen, the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans.
Jaipur
was color washed pink to create an impression of red sandstone buildings of
mughal cities. The current color which is more red than pink was painted in
1876, during the visit of Prince of Wales. The city is best explored on foot
and only the adventurous visitor willing to go into the Rastaas and Galis
(inner lanes) can feel the spirit of the city. There's an amazing appeal to
Jaipur's colorful bazaars, beautifully laid out gardens, parks & the
monuments.
Straight, wide roads run through the city, while a high, crenellated wall
that forms its defense is pierced with seven gateways that serve as entry
points. Today, these walls may be more difficult to spot since the city has
grown far beyond its original plan, but they are still there, proof that
though Jaipur saw no great siege, it was more than adequately prepared for
it.
Hawa Mahal
Located at one side, but very much a part of the City Palace Complex, Hawa
Mahal is best viewed from the street outside. If it were not for the
bustling bazaar all round, it would have been easy to mistake it for a film
set, so exquisitely is it propotioned, and co incongruous is its delicacy.
City Palace
As may be expected, the City Palace complex lies at the heart of the
Jaipur city. Getting in this palace is simpler noe then it once was. Though
the erstwhile Maharaja and his family friends use the the triple-arched
Tripola Gate to enter their section of the palace, most visitors are ushered
through Atish Pol, which is located close to the royal stables.
Jantar Mantar
A stone observatory, part of the City Palace complex, Jantar Mantar is one
of the several other astronomical observatories created by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh II. Other observatories are situated in Delhi, Banaras an Ujjain.
These concrete masonary instruments were used to measure everything from
altitude to time, an map the movement of the planets and the stars.
Amber
Fort
The Kachchawahas ruled drom 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.
Nahargarh Fort
Located on the rugged Aravali Hills, Nahargarh means "the Abode of the
Tigers" was built by Jai Singh to bolster the defense of Amer. The fort
has uniquely a cluster of 12 suits for queens and at the head is a suit for
the Jai Singh himself.
Udaipur
In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the
city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is
situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the
mood of a bygone era.
Jaisalmer
The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has and ancient history
linked with its development as a trading centre. Parts of its "Golden"
fort continue to be inhabited, and its cobbled streets head through a
journey of medieval enchantment. Jaisalmer is celebrated for the exquisite
stone-carved Havelis or mansions of the merchants who held the reins of its
destiny.
Bikaner
This Royal walled city is a part of the desert tourist triangle and lies on
the northern tip of the triangle. The city was founded in 1486 AD by the
Rathore prince, Rao Bikaji, hence the name Bikaner. Bikaji was son of Rao
Jodhaji who had asked his son to establish a kingdom of his own. The
challenge was accepted and Bikaji choose the wild country 'Jangaldesh' as
his territory and thus the city of Bikaner came into existence.
Jodhpur
The 16th century capital of the Rathore Rajputs, Jodhpur's history is
evident in the hilltop Eyrie, Mehrangarh, from where its destiny was
written. Narrow paths wind up the steep path, leading to the innards of the
Mehrangarh fort. Once within, the architecture is less formidable, with
delicate windows and painted chambers. From its ramparts one has a view of
the 20th century artdeco Umaid Bhawan Palace.
Khajuraho
Khajuraho's rather isolated location makes it an ideal retreat. The main
attraction for tourists is the group of temples, the origin of these temples
as well as the history of the Chandela dynasty, during whose era they were
built are not fully documented. However it is generally agreed that they
were built between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D and that they numbered no fewer
than 85.
