City Palace, Jaipur

Overview

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II built City Palace within a walled city. King Jai Singh founded the city of Jaipur. Palace represents a fusion of Mughal and Rajput architecture and exudes the royalty and elegance of Jaipur's pink city.

You can capture spectacular views of courtyards, palaces, gardens, and forts at this big palace in the middle of the city. It seems to be an exact embodiment of authentic culture and the glorious past of Jaipur.

The royal family still lives in the palace's private section, which is not open to visitors. Renowned architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Shilpa Shastra made the walls of the city.

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum in Mubarak Mahal portrays an exclusive collection of Benaras silk sarees, royal costumes, Pashmina(Kashmiri) shawls, and other attires with folk embroidery and Sanganeri prints.

History

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh I built City Palace in 1729-1732. Due to population increase and scarcity of water, Maharaja Jai Singh decided to relocate to Amber. He summoned Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, a famous Bengali Architect, to craft the palace in compliance with Vaastu Shastra.

Architecture

City Palace reflects a combination of European, Mughal, and Shilpa Shastra of Indian style. It has been designed in 'Grid Style.' Udai Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Virendra Pol, and Tripolia Gate are the four entrance gates to get in and exit. 

The palace includes patios, balconies, gardens, palaces, and temples. Jali work, inlaid ornamentations, carved marbles, and latticework decorate the palace. Distinct murals and mirrors deck up the palace. The taste of authentic Mughal style inspires this.

Attractions in the City Palace

Here is a round-up of the prominent structures of the City Palace of Jaipur:

Entry Gates

Three grand entry gates greet everyone. Visitors can access Udai Pol and Virendra Pol, whereas Tripolia Gate is confined to the royal family members.

Mubarak Mahal

It was a reception center in the palace. It is now being transformed into a museum that showcases attires worn by queens and kings of the state.

Chandra Mahal

The seven-story Chandra Mahal encompasses museums, Sukh Niwas, Ranga Mandir, Shri Niwas, and Mukut Mahal. It preserves many articles and artifacts like ornamental clothes, embroidered shawls, Sanganeri block prints, silk saris, Kashmiri pashminas, and formal royal costumes. 

The complex features floral adornments, exclusive paintings, and works of the mirror. Walls, ceilings, and pillars of Rang Mandir have mirrors embedded in them. White lining bedecks Sukh Nivas, which is painted in blue. Shobha Nivas features embroidery with gold leaf, mirror walls, blue tiles, and mica.

Maharani Palace

Gems and semi-precious stones adorn the royal palace, which served as the residence of the queens. You will find the weapon collections and ceremonial items in the armory of Maharani Palace.

The ceiling consists of beautiful precious stones. Diwan-i-Khas(Hall of Private Audience), Diwan-i-Am(Hall of Public Audience), and Baggi Khana are other attractions to visit. Beautiful motifs decorate the inner courtyard of Pritam Niwas Chowk.

Baggi Khana:

This legendary museum has a magnificent collection of European cabs, carriages, and Palanquins. Prince of Wales gifted an ancient Victorian Baggi in 1876. It came along with a Mahadol made using simple bamboo to carry Hindu Gods and priests during festivals.

GovindDev Ji Temple:

This 18^th-century temple is dedicated to Krishna. European chandeliers and Indian art paintings adorn it. The ceilings are made using gold.

Diwan-I-Khas:

This private hall for the Maharajas is full of marble. It also has the crystal chandeliers. Two silver vessels have been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest silver vessels. These vessels can contain 4000 liters, and 14000 silver coins have gone into making them without soldering. 

Madho Singh II went to England in 1900, and he was reluctant to drink water there, so he carried Ganga Jal in these vessels.

Diwan-I-Aam:

Sabha Niwas or the public hall has a golden throne, Takth-e-Rawal carrying palanquin bearers, and marble rock elephants. This art gallery displays shawls, carpets, ancient texts, embroidered rugs, and miniature Rajasthani, Mughal, and Persian paintings.

Guides

Licensed guides are available in different languages apart from audio guides.

Address