Hawa Mahal Jaipur
Hawa Mahal Jaipur is a disguise of five storey of pinkstone, adorned and formed like Lord Krishna’s crown, touching the acme of dexterously carved designs with pure notions which stands firmly over-viewing the noisy din of street bazaar. This is a beautiful monument with almost 953 windows which beckons the tourist to its glistening aura. These remarkable features makes it ‘must visit’ sight of Jaipur.
History and Architecture of Hawa Mahal Jaipur :
Hawa Mahal was built under the sovereignty Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as a prolongation of the Royal City Palace in the year 1799 and was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. The king of Jaipur was very peculiar about the culture of the Jaipur city which is filled with rich heritage of the state of Rajasthan. The edifice is an epitome of crusted jali work on pink grit which is an exquisite mix of Rajasthani and Mughal artistry and flairs.
It is not only its charisma which lures, nor the carvings and not even the artistry, it’s just the greed to encounter the logics behind its construction which tunes to know about things. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. The main entrance to The Hawa Mahal Palace is from the City Palace side, through a door that gives a view of a courtyard which is not only airy and spacious but also has a double storied building on its peninsular sides The jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework was designed to allow the royal ladies to observe day to day life, events and royal processions on the streets without overriding their ordeals. The palkis and carriages were designed for the royal women to move around in, without being seen by regular folk.
The design of Hawa Mahal Jaipur also serves the purpose of freezing winds and thereby air conditions the whole area. The best time to enthral into its beauty is when the netted sunbeams pierces from the dainty windows early in the dawn allows the sheer, quiet and cosy entrance. The warmth of the sunlight activates the soul like that adobe.
Each nook and cranny of these windows has tiny lattice work which is pink in color and white bordered, small balconies to peep in and manifested arched roofs added with hanging cornices, not only modelled but the history was adorned, engraved and carved. A spectacular vista of the city can be seen from this palace. Hawa Mahal Jaipur is located to the south of the Jaipur city, at the main road intersection called the Badi Chaupad (big four square). When one enters the nearby area to visit this heritage he can find plenty of shops selling tourist items, such as textiles and clothes.
Though one can see a sight of Mughal architecture, the impressive Rajputana architecture with beautiful outline and white borders and motifs done (painted) with quick lime beautifully adorns the palace.
Image Credits : blog.chaukhat.com
Renovation of Hawa Mahal :
After a long span of 50 years, restoration and renovation works on the Mahal were undertaken in 2005. It gives a face lift to the monument at an estimated cost of Rs 45679 lakhs. The design has helped the structure to survive over these centuries because it successfully helped the structure to withstand the natural hazards. The corporate sector is also lending a hand to preserve the historical monuments of Jaipur and the Unit Trust of India has adopted Hawa Mahal to maintain it. The palace is now maintained by the Archaeological Department.
Hawa Mahal Museum:
There is a small museum located in the premises of Hawa Mahal built in 1983 houses ancient artifacts related to the Rajput lifestyle. It is located behind the enchanting Hawa Mahal, adjoining with Pratap Mandir. This converted museum’s collections include paintings, handicrafts coins, and sculptures. It showcases the special feature for Jaipur past and present difference. It also includes items of terracotta, antiquities, arrow heads, fish hooks, swords, helmets and belongings of the Maharajas of Jaipur. A big storage yacht of 2nd century AD is also present there and it draws the attention of visitors, it was obtained during archaeology at Naliasar (Sambhar) .
The museum includes:
Manuscripts Gallery
It has the manuscripts and sculptures from the bygone days, placed here for display and it draws the attention of tourists.
Hawa Mahal Timings and Fee:
Opening Time is 09:20 am Closing Time is 04:30 pm. It is open daily and is not closed on public holidays. Entry fee for Indians is Rs.10 and for foreigner is Rs. 50.
Hawa Mahal Jaipur is registered as one epitome portraying dignity and honour of the city in the history pages of Rajasthan. The palace of winds plays a imperative role in stirring the social and legendary responsibilities which is running from more than a decade ago by the kings of the city.
