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The old city of Jaipur that was built in the 18th Century, by the Maharaja Jai Singh, is now commonly known as the Pink City, but this was not an original feature. It became pink in the 19th century when Prince Albert was visiting. The reigning Maharaja painted the city pink in honour of the Prince and Queen Victoria and the scheme stuck with the city still being repainted every 25 years.
When the city was built the city was planned in blocks with the Royal Palaces in the central area. It is surrounded by a twenty foot high and nine foot thick, crenulated wall which has seven gates around the perimeter. As some planning was involved the State gave directions and guidelines for the building of commercial and residential buildings, many of which are still evident today.
Jai Singh was a very learned man and took great care and advise in selecting the location for Jaipur to make it resistant to earthquakes. He and his successors also worked hard to make the city of national importance and it became an important centre of trade and banking which ensured its continuing growth. In independent India it is now the state capital of Rajasthan maintaining its prominent position in the country.
One
of the city's gateways. It has three archways, the two side ones take one
way traffic and two way traffic is allowed through the larger central
arch. However it is not actually wide enough for two vehicles so its a
case of first come first served.
This is the Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds and is perhaps the most famous image of the Pink City. It was built in 1799 for the royal ladies to be able to enjoy watching the day to day activities of the city and more formal processions from within the building. The upper storeys are only a few feet deep, enough space to sit and watch. There are apparently 152 windows which have intricate lace like screens. It was designed to also resemble the crown of Lord Krishna.
This
gateway is one of the few not painted in Pink, the colour distinguishes it as
the entrance to the City Palace that only the Royal family was allowed to use.
By the side of the gate are some typical shops, shop signs are still painted in the traditional black script on a white panel, use of a coloured sign results in a 500 rupee fine per day (£6).
There is also a covered walk way which gives protection from the hot summer sun and monsoon rains. The shop owners' residences are behind the shops.
These shops have started to encroach more into the street.
Some
areas of the city are not now in such good repair.
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