Jal Mahal

Overview

Jal Mahal is a stunning historical palace in the middle of Man Sagar Lake. Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber remodeled this whole Mahal in the 18th century. Only one story appears above the lake's water level, and four stories are submerged in the lake.

Jal Mahal is in the center of the Man Sagar Lake on the Amer – Jaipur main road. This masterful creation borders the Nahargarh Hills. Jal Mahal has turned into a real tourist delight with its laid-back ambiance and mesmerizing view.

Tourists cannot enter the precincts of the fort. However, boating in a lake is your chance to admire its beauty. In the evening, the fort glimmers in the light and cast reflection in the lake. It is a fascinating sight for onlookers.

The palace stands out as one of India's most photographed monuments because it is gifted with a picturesque view of surrounding lake waters and the Nahargarh mountain ridge.

History

It is a moot point among historians as to who constructed the palace. Most historians opine that Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built Jal Mahal in 1799 because he needed a hunting lodge for duck shooting trips.

The kings organized royal birds and duck hunting parties of yore because the lake abounds in local and migratory birds. Maharajah Sawai Madho Singh hobnobbed with foreign dignitaries of the British Raj and other elite class at this pleasure palace. 

Some historians deduce that Maharaja Madho Singh I constructed Jal Mahal in 1750, and he had no intent to use it as a royal palace. 

Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber renovated and added some structures to enhance its appearance. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built the Man Sagar Lake. Talented artisans constructed these structures.

Architecture

This low rise symmetrical palace is a fusion of the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. It has four floors beneath the water surface, and only the fifth floor is above the surface.

Red sandstone was the primary building material, and the palace houses four octagon-shaped chhatris at the corners. Maharaja Jai Singh II remodeled it in the 18^th century and developed twenty-one intricately carved pillars as the royal family's cenotaphs.

Chameli Bagh, a garden on the roof, staged dance performances and recitals on the center's platform. The old garden fell into disrepair; it was renovated again.

The Rajasthan Government used organic construction materials such as herbs, sand, and lime to renovate the Jal Mahal.

Traditional Rajasthani Blue Pottery is the highlight of the central dome Chini Burj. Shoba Burj portrays impressive Rajasthani jewels and designs. Paintings and artistry of Lord Krishna are visible in the hallway of Raas Niwas Tibari.

The Gulab Tibari hall features rose pink creations, and its name synchronizes with the title of Jaipur 'Pink City'. Four halls depict real Rajput art and designs. You will witness intricate patterns of blue and gold décor in the Anand Mahal Tibari.

You will see patterns and paintings of heavy clouds in the skies across the hallway of the Badal Mahal.

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