Places to explore in Jaipur

City Palace, Jaipur – History and Facts

May 31, 2017

A palace with the beautiful architecture and cultural artwork was once the seat of the Kings during their reign. City Palace is a complex of courtyards, gardens, and buildings situated right at the centre of the Old city. One of the ideal places for the tourists and a must visit because of its impressive history, architecture, gardens, an array of courtyards, and houses several other buildings in it. Blessed with the beauty of urban layout, City Palace is more than just a tourist destination; it is an excellent example of design, art, and creativity that can be elaborated as an exquisite symbol.

Historical Presence of City Palace, Jaipur

City Palace was built in the era of 1729 and 1732, initially by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. He ruled from his residential city Amber and then shifted to Jaipur because of increase in population and overhauling problem of water shortage. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh is accredited with the beginning of the City Palace. Later on, successive rulers continuing up to the 20th century made the additions. The credit of the modern layout of the royal palace is attributed to two architectures namely, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, the chief architect in the royal court and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. And, with the roll of time, the palace has been enlarged and adapted over the centuries.

Architectural Influence of Jaipur City Palace

The City Palace is laid in a grid pattern with wide avenues in the central-northeast part of Jaipur City. The architecture is a fusion of Indian, Mughal-Rajput, and somewhat European styles that you can witness in every corner of the palace. The complex of city palace houses the most prominent structures often visited are Pritam Niwas Chowk, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Maharani’s Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and Museum. The entrance gates of the Palace are Virendra Pol, Udai Pol near Jaleb Chowk and the Tripolia Gate (triple gate). Out of which, Tripolia gate is reserved for the entrance of royal family and other for the casual visitors. And, all the gateways are richly decorated.

Inside Details of City Palace

It’s not just beautiful from the outside it has the story of inner detailing too in its designed soul. Let’s begin from the start:

Mubarak Mahal

A Welcome place or we can also call it reception centre of the City Palace, which was built by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century. Its multi-arched and collonaded construction were plotted up in an Islamic; Rajput and European stylistic stew by the architect Sir Swinton Jacob. It now forms a part of the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum, containing a collection of royal costumes and premium shawls, including Kashmiri pashmina.

The Armoury

The Anand Mahal Sileg Khana – the Maharani’s Palace – includes the Armoury, which has one of the best clusters of weapons in the country. Many of the ceremonial items are elegantly engraved and inlaid, belying their grisly purpose.

Diwan-i-Khas

Placed between the Armoury and the Diwan-i-Am art gallery is an open courtyard known as Sarvatobhadra. In its centre is a pink-and-white, marble-paved gallery used as the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), where the maharajas would consult their ministers. Here you can see two large silver vessels, each 1.6m tall and reputedly the largest silver objects in the world.

City palace jaipur — Chandra Mahal – Verandah

Diwan-i-Am Art Gallery

Within the opulent Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) is an art gallery. Exhibits house a copy of the entire Bhagavad Gita handwritten in tiny script, and miniature copies of other holy Hindu gospels, which were small enough to be easily hidden if zealot Mughal armies tried to destroy the sacred texts.

Pitam Niwas Chowk & Chandra Mahal

Located towards the inner courtyard of City Palace, Pitam Niwas Chowk is the elegant touch over here. It has four glorious gates that represent the seasons – the Peacock Gate depicts autumn, the Lotus Gate signs to summer, the Green Gate represents spring, and lastly, the Rose Gate renders winter season.

Beyond this chowk, there is a private palace called Chandra Mahal, which is the residence of the present descendants of the royal family. And, here you can take a 45-minute Royal Grandeur guided tour of select areas.

Baggi Khana

This is a place dedicated to chariots and coaches. The two prime attractions are the chariot, which was used to carry the supreme deity and a European Cab that was gifted to Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II by Queen Victoria herself.

If you also want to visit the beautiful heritage of Pink City then, you can visit in the Opening Hours of 9.30 to 5.00 pm, with the following charges.