Learn about the foundation of Jaipur’s history, culture, legacy, and other aspects of the city that I visited.
Jaipur is one of the country’s oldest and most important cultural centres. Maharaja Jai Singh II was largely responsible for the city’s founding in 1727; it bears his name. He was the region’s Kachhwaha Rajput ruler between 1699 and 1744.
The Royalty that never ends.
After the Sawai Jai Singh era, the city was governed by a series of Rajput emperors. Sawai Pratap Singh was a significant monarch who helped to preserve the city’s history (1764–1803). Three other noteworthy kings who accomplished this were Sawai Ram Singh II (1835-1880), Madho Singh II (1861-1922), and Sawai Man Singh II (1911–1970).
The city was repeatedly invaded by nearby Marathas. Throughout the most of its history, Jaipur was nonetheless ruled by Rajputs.
One of the few areas of the nation that was never governed by the British after they left India in 1947 was this one.
The Heritage Monarchy
Amber, 11 kilometers outside of Jaipur, was Jai Singh’s former capital. He later relocated it to Jaipur due to Amber’s growing population and scarcity of water. Jaipur is India’s first completely planned city. Its market areas, canal system, parks, and residential areas have all been meticulously planned.
Maharaja Jai Singh oversaw the city’s construction and ensured that it followed traditional Rajput architectural design. Various ancient books and repositories were consulted when designing this city. Almost all of the buildings in Jaipur were built with a special sandstone found in abundance in Rajasthan.
The Name “Pink City” Derived From
To honour the Prince of Wales’s visit to the city, the ruling King Sawai Ram Singh painted all royal and governmental buildings in Jaipur the colour of sandstone in 1853, giving the city the nickname “Pink City.” The colour successfully captures the vitality of the city, which is known throughout the world for its amazing architecture.
As we all know that currently, Jaipur is one of India’s most visited tourist locations. For a glimpse of the country’s royal past, millions of domestic and foreign tourists swarm its majestic hotels and palaces. Heritage hotels have been created in a few of the old palaces.
Even while the majority of visitors travel to Jaipur to see the magnificent structures, many others do so to buy. Despite the seemingly unlimited array of commodities offered, jewellery, textiles, saris, and products made of marble, wood, stone, lac, clay, metal, and leather are the most sought-after items by tourists. Since Raja Man Singh introduced the practise of enamelling gold in the Mughals’ favourite colours of green, red, and white, the city has been known for producing the best jewellery adorned with both precious and semi-precious stones. The cutting of diamonds and emeralds in this city is renowned across the world.
If you are interested in Jewellery?
I’ll suggest,
Visit Maniharon Ka Rasta, where lac jewellery is created and sold, and Johari Bazaar, where jewellery is made and sold, if you’re looking for lac jewellery. There is a huge diversity. Table tops, mirror frames, betel nut boxes, and sindoor holders are a few of the purchases. Statuettes, picture frames, and pill boxes—all readily available on M.I. Road and in the silver shops at the Badi Chaupar crossing—are on the export list. The major road is joined by two lanes.
Numerous jewellery stores can be found in Gopalji ka Rasta and Haldiyon ka Rasta, and silversmiths may be seen working on the main route. The shop is closed on Sunday and Tuesday for a while. The Muslim-dominated neighbourhood of Pahar Ganj in the Surajpol Bazaar region is the focal point for the cutting, polishing, and sale of precious and semi-precious stones. There are also silver jewellery manufacturers. Between Zorawar Singh Gate and Holiday Inn, Amber Road is lined with several factories and showrooms. Hand block prints, blue pottery, carpets, and antiques are all available here.
In addition to jewellery, glazed blue pottery is a well-known form of imported Persia art. Ground quartz stone is used to create blue ceramics. Surahis, pots, earrings, soap dishes, door knobs, mugs, and jugs are all for sale. Another significant metal is brass, which is also used to make statues of various sizes and brass toys like animals. White metal products and stone sculptures, particularly those made of white marble and used to create statues of deities, animals, and people, are both excellent purchases. Marble bowls, vases, and other ornamental goods with carvings rank highly on the shopping list.
The mojaris juttis, bags, saddles, purses, toys, and dolls made of clay and fabric can all be found in the leatherware department. There are many carpet centres in the city, and the export business is strong. Namads, (Soft Woolen Druggets) decorated and embroidered as well as hand-woven cotton durries are specialties of the city artisans, with Tonk serving as the primary production hub. They are inspired by Afghan carpets.You may buy textiles, regional perfumes, sarees, pashmina, shawls, and shoes made of camel skin in the markets of Bapu Bazar and Nehru Bazar. On Sundays, Bapu Bazar is closed. The hand-block patterns, tie-dyes, and embroidered fabrics that have made Rajasthan famous worldwide are all types of textiles. The primary location for block-makers and printers is Sanganer, which is on the outskirts of the city. The predominant colours used are orange and red with floral prints in yellow and blue-black. They all work together to create a beautiful appearance.The best spot to buy a variety of things, from jewellery, brass work, and textiles, is on Mirza Ismail Road (M I Road), a broad and lengthy street with several emporia. Tourists love this area’s stores. because it is possible to purchase gifts, souvenirs, curios, and handmade goods. It would be worthwhile to try the distinctive thick ice-cold lassi while shopping or after. All credit cards and traveller’s checks are accepted at the emporia and stores.
Shops selling souvenirs, iron goods of various types, textiles, and utensils may be found at Tripolia Bazar and Chura Rasta.
Now, while you’re in Jaipur, why not try some of the unique foods that the city has to offer?
The Dal Batti Churma
Dal-batti-churma is a hearty Rajasthani dish that is known as a speciality of Rajasthan. Bhatti, a roundel of packed flour roasted over charcoal, goes well with Dal, or lentil dish. A sweet dish called choorma is created with flour, ghee, and either jaggery or sugar.
Additionally, there is an infinite variety in churma, the colour of which is determined by the components. Visit the dhabas close to Sindhi Camp (Central) Bus Stand to enjoy Dal-bhatti-churma for a reasonable price.
Mawa Kachori
This delicious treat is a kachori loaded with mawa and sugar syrup. It is offered in every sweet shop. Try renowned candy stores like Rawat Sweets and Kanji Sweets at LMB, Johri Bazar, and the bus stop in Jaipur.
Ghewar
Ghewar is a deep-fried sweet delicacy that is quite popular during holidays like Gangaur and Teej. It is available in simple, desi ghee, and mawa variations. The best stores for this are Rawat Sweets and LMB at Johri Bazar.
Bada Mirchi
Green chillies dipped in besan and deep-fried are known as Mirchi Badas, and they compete for top rank in the snack market alongside samosas and kachoris. On improvised handcarts at the side of the road, you can even find sellers selling these.
The typical subjis served here include Rajasthani Subji Gatte ki subji, Rajasthani curry, Mangori, Pakodi, and Ker Sangari. As is customary in Rajasthan, a papad, whether plain or masala, must be had to conclude meals.
So why don’t I share with you the places I saw that made me fall in love with Jaipur when you’re there?
The most famous landmark in Jaipur is Hawa Mahal, which was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. A beautiful example of Rajput architecture is the five-story spectacular semi-octagonal structure, which has 152 windows and overhanging latticed balconies. Originally built so that the royal ladies could see and take in the festivities taking place on the street below. Now it is home to a nicely organised museum. The unique aspect of this recently established museum is the display of Jaipur’s past and present.
Jantar Mantar was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Its enormous masonry devices were used to track the motion of stars and constellations in the sky. Despite frequent modifications, enormous sundials continue to produce precise time.
City Palace
Located in the centre of the old city, the CITY PALACE AND MUSEUM takes up about one-seventh of the space there. The palace, which combines Rajput and Mughal styles, has a seven-story Chandra Mahal in the middle, from which visitors may enjoy beautiful views of the city and the surrounding gardens. A marble-floored gallery can be seen in Diwan-E-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), while Diwan-E-Am (Hall of Public Audience) features exquisite décor and a collection of manuscripts. Costumes and fabrics can be found in abundance at Mubarak Mahal. Near Mubarak Mahal, there is a clock tower. Sileh Khana possesses an arsenal and a collection of weaponry.
Central Museum
The Ram Niwas Garden is home to the CENTRAL MUSEUM. Prince Albert established this elegant structure in 1876. (also known as Albert Hall). It has a unique collection of historical and handmade objects.
Jalmahal
This tiny mansion is located in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, six kilometres from Amer. The area around the lake is undergoing renovation.
Amer Fort
A group of rugged hills support the former Kachhwahas capital. Along with its strong battlements and stunning palaces, the fort is renowned for the majestic grandeur of its surrounds. The architecture is a lovely fusion of Hindu and Muslim styles. A sight to behold is the solemn dignity of its red sandstone and white marble pavilions as they are reflected in the lake at the foothill. Raja Man Singh constructed the initial palace; Maharaja Mirja Raja Jai Singh and Sawai Jai Singh, the final Maharaja of Amer, who founded the city of Jaipur and moved his capital there in 1727, constructed the further additions.
