Jaipur architectural heritage is a rich testimony to India?s treasure trove of culture and tradition enriched with forts, palaces, temples and modern architecture.

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is also dubbed the ‘Pink City of India’. Being the stronghold of Rajputs, Mughals and Indo-Islamic architectural styles, it boasts unique buildings that are beautiful and historically valuable at the same time.

This guide is here to take you through those timeless historical landmarks in Jaipur. Enjoy the visual ride!

1. Amber Fort

Amber Fort situated on the outskirts of Jaipur, on the hilltop, was designed in both Hindu as well as Mughal style of architecture. This was built by Raja Man Singh of Gwalior in 1592.

Key Architectural Features:

• Ganesh Pol Gate: The front door of Amber Fort has beautiful artwork and the dazzling stucco work windows are geometric in design.
• Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace): The Sheesh Mahal is famous for mirror work and its glittering reflective surfaces can certainly brighten up anyone?s day. The walls and ceilings are adorned with thin metallic structures that reflect even the least luminous source of light.
• Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khas: These public and private audience halls present good arches and pillars with aristocratic Persian touches.

Amber Fort?s strategic location on the hills made it a formidable defence structure, but its artistic detailing reveals the luxurious lifestyle of the royal family.

2. City Palace

City Palace located in the heart of the Pink City is undoubtedly the main addition to Jaipur heritage walks. It is the official residence of the royals. Built in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, this palace is a combination of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Key Architectural Features:

• Mubarak Mahal: It features different architectural styles like Islamic, Rajput, and European.
• Chandra Mahal: It is a building with seven floors, each of which looks different to the rest of the building.
• Peacock Gate: This gate was beautifully carved in four seasons and consists of the motifs and peacock in all its glory with this gate.

The City Palace is not only a representation of royal life but also a museum with numerous art pieces, clothing, arms and ammunition, adding to the list of most famous palaces of Jaipur.

3. Hawa Mahal

One of the most remarkable representations of the Rajasthan architecture style, Hawa Mahal was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. It is an innovative five-storied palace built of pink sandstone with a unique design and ornamental latticework.

Key Architectural Features:

• Facade with 953 Jharokhas (Windows): The honeycomb design of the palace has many small windows known as jharokhas through which the royal women could watch street celebrations without being noticed.
• Ventilation and Airflow: As the name suggests, the architecture of Hawa Mahal has been designed to let in air thus making it cool even in summer months.
• Rajasthani Architecture: The small windows and arches are bordered by subtle engravings that illustrate the elegance of Rajasthan?s traditional architecture.

Through a combination of artistic vision and pragmatism, Hawa Mahal is not only an ornament of Jaipur but a true masterpiece.

4. Birla Mandir

Compared to the other heritage of Jaipur, Birla Mandir is a relatively modern addition to the city. It was constructed in 1988 by the Birla family and this temple featuring the deities of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi is an ideological blend of contemporary architecture and traditional style.

Key Architectural Features:

• White Marble Structure: While most of the structures of Jaipur are made of sandstones, Birla Mandir is built of white marble, thus creating a very pious impression.
• Intricate Carvings: The outer walls of the temple depict Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon and prominent figures of other religions like Socratic, Zarathushtra and Buddha which depict unity of religion.
• Stained Glass Windows: For added ambience, the temple features stained glass windows that illustrate some episodes in the Hindu pantheon.

Elevated Location: Located on the lower ground level at the foot of Moti Dungri Hill, the temple has a breathtaking view of the city mainly at nighttime.

5. Jal Mahal

Situated in the middle of the artificial Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a sixteen-century palace that provides a feeling of a royal abode away from the noise of Jaipur.

Key Architectural Features:

• Submerged Structure: Although the palace now stands with just one exposed floor above the waters of the lake, four floors lie hidden beneath.
• Symmetrical Design: The construction of the palace has a square shape and four chhatris (domed pavilions) on the corners, which also reflects the features of Rajasthani architecture.
• Water Conservation: The palace was built to be a part of this grand water management project of the kingdom to form the Man Sagar Lake, which is a testimony of the engineering skills of ancient times.

Unfortunately, visitors cannot enter the palace but Jal Mahal remains an exemplary example of the architectural feature of the Pink City of Jaipur.

6. Nahargarh Fort

Nahargarh Fort lying on the edge of Jaipur overlooks the city from the mighty Aravalli Hills; it was the royal?s hunting retreat. It was constructed in 1734 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and is said to have been strategically located to oversee Jaipur city from the top.

Key Architectural Features:

• Stepwell (Baori): The complex embodies Rajasthani architecture that includes a marvellous stepped well which has both artistic and utilitarian importance.
• Madhavendra Bhawan: It formed part of the royal section of the fort and housed the king and queen?s suites. The walls painted with frescoes and murals give an impression of Rajasthani folklore.
• Terraced Design: The fort?s terraced structure, combined with its defensive walls and bastions, reflects the fortification techniques of the time.

Conclusion

Jaipur has a considerable architectural legacy as a modern Indian City interlinked with history, art and design ideology. Right from the morphology of Amber Fort to the beauty of Jal Mahal and from the architectural grandeur of Birla Mandir, each building has a lot to say about the city. 

These Jaipur cultural sites are a combination of the Mughal, Rajput, and modern architectures along with pure Rajasthani designs. And these places are not just tourist spots but real living historic monuments.

If you are on a Rajasthan architectural tour, then these sites are a must on your list. 

Sources

• https://www.makemytrip.com/tripideas/heritage-jaipur?srsltid=AfmBOops5Cb01onNbquQxkxOtmwobd4qHERtvE9O16c62tZYZPwuP5lp
• http://pinkcity.jaipurmcheritage.org/Presentation/ExploreJaipur/Monuments.aspx#:~:text=City%20Palace%2C%20Jaipur,Chandra%20Mahal%20and%20Mubarak%20Mahal.
• https://www.thrillophilia.com/forts-in-jaipur
• http://pinkcity.jaipurmcheritage.org/Presentation/ExploreJaipur/Monuments.aspx
• https://lionsinthepiazza.com/architecture-jaipur/
• https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/city-and-architecture/a3981-architecture-of-indian-cities-jaipur-the-pink-city-of-india/
• https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g304555-Activities-c47-t3-Jaipur_Jaipur_District_Rajasthan.html