Oberoi Rajvilas - Jaipur Guide

Jaipur - termed "The City of Victory", was originally to be called "Sawai Jaipur", after the boy Prince who commissioned its construction - Maharaja Jai Singh II - a warrior, astronomer and politician who reigned over the Mughals from 1699 to 1743.

Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a grand visionary and architect, helped Jai Singh II design and develop his striking vision. The two started work on the city during the second half of the Prince's reign in 1727. Jai Singh's ambition was to make Jaipur one of the greatest cities of his time by shaping his creative pursuits and passions. In this he was clearly successful, ensuring that within five years a walled city of unparalleled splendour was created.

Jaipur was built with the glittering City Palace in the centre. Form this, spread around in tiers, were public buildings, noblemen's homes, and the living and trading quarters of merchants and artisans. The plan of Jaipur was centred on seven blocks of buildings, subdivided by straight, wide roads. All of it surrounded, by a high wall for defence into which were set seven gates, as was common for cities of that time.

Jaipur, today, is pink, described as the city shaded with the autumn colours of a sunset. Although originally the walls were render set and pigmented the colour of red sandstone, Jaipur's universal coat of pinkwas applied in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name "The Pink City".

Places of Tourist Interest

The City Palace

The breathtaking City Palace was originally the residence of the former ruling family of Jaipur. Occupying the centre of the city, it covers one-seventh of its area and is surrounded by a high wall - the Sarahad. The architecture unites elements of Rajput beauty with Mughal spaciousness and English linear planning. The Jaipur royal family resided in what is known as the Peacock Courtyard, however this is no longer open to the public. 12 km away.

Hawa Mahal

This imposing confection is a trompe l'oeil in masonry. In truth the Hawa Mahal is only a façade, an elaborate palace exterior complete with nine hundred and fifty three windows and nooks of inconceivable delicacy. Yet behind this facade are no buildings, as it is a maze of corridors and resting points. From here the royal women of the zenana could peep out and see the city, or watch processions passing down below. The clever façade also trapped the breeze, earning it the name "Palace of Breezes". 12 km away.

Jantar Mantar

Literally translated as"instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens", the Jantar Mantar Observatory was built between 1728-1734. Jai Singh II was determined to construct on a grand scale and choosing stone with a marble facing on the important faces. Each instrument delivers a particular function and gives an accurate reading.

It is said that Indian kings saw themselves as “Universal Emperors wielding the wheel”. Consequently the correct time had to be fixed for each event. Astrologers regulated actions within the palace and, consequently, the entire kingdom. Astronomy was closely associated with astrology, and so Jai Singh II constructed the Observatory inside his palace. 12 km away.

The Amber Fort

Known as "The Fortress Palace" Amber was one of the most important of all Rajput cities. Until the foundation of Jaipur in the early 18th century Amber was, from the 12th century, the ancient capital of the Kacchwaha Rajputs. The fort complex, built on a steep hillside in the 17th century, dominates the pass. This strategic pass formed the entrance to the kingdom of the Kacchwaha Maharajas from the Mughal territories to the north.

An imposing 18-km defence wall encircles the fort. From this curtain wall, which measures 21 feet at its lowest the visitor can see the Jagat Shiromani Temple in Amber village, just near the parade ground. This very old temple was built in 16 A.D and is famous for its sculptures. 18 km away.

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh fort dominates Amber like a watchful bird of prey. Constructed in 1726 by Jaisingh II , Jaigarh safeguarded the legendary Kacchwaha Treasury. The loyal Mina tribe, once rulers of Amber, protected the fort as skilful archers and mountain fighters. The imposing bastions, gateways and watchtowers demonstrate the power of the Jaipur Rulers.

This menacing medieval fort evaded capture and has consequently remained virtually intact. Its armoury contains an impressive collection of swords and small arms. 16 km away.

Nahargarh

This small fort stands as a sentinel over Jaipur. Perched on a sheer rock face about 2 km from the city centre, Nahargarh dominates the skyline. The immense walls and bulwarks are well preserved. Built by the Maharaja Jai Singh II, this fort acted as his military base. 16 km away.

Nahargarh

This small fort stands as a sentinel over Jaipur. Perched on a sheer rock face about 2 km from the city centre, Nahargarh dominates the skyline. The immense walls and bulwarks are well preserved. Built by the Maharaja Jai Singh II,over a period of approximately 15 years, this fort acted as his military base.

For visitors the main attraction is the Hawa Mandir and Madhuvendra Bhawan where Jai Singh II housed his nine wives. Famous for its painting and artwork, Madhuvendra Bhawan is sub-divided into nine different Bhawans of the same size, each housed one of the Maharaja's queens. 22 km away.