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Amber: The
Kachhawahas ruled form Amber, 1 1 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.
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. |
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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.
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. |