Forts and Palaces of Jaipur
Travel to India > Jaipur > Forts and Palaces of JaipurThe city of Jaipur that is also known as the Pink City was established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a Kachwaha Rajput, in the year 1727. The capital of Jai Singh was at Amber that is 11 Km away from Jaipur and when he felt the need to relocate his capital, Jaipur was built. Jaipur is the first planned city in India and Maharaja Jai Singh took great care in planning and constructing the city. As he had keen interest in mathematics and science he consulted different books on architecture and also engaged Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a scholar from Bengal to plan the city. While designing the city the security and civic amenities of the city was given top most priority. After meticulous planning the construction of Jaipur was started in the year 1727 and it took four years to build the city. This is the reason that the forts and palaces of Jaipur are superior example of architectural excellence and fine craftsmanship.
Amber Fort - Amber fort is one of the most famous fort of Jaipur. The Amber fort which is located around Jaipur and Maotha Lake forms the foreground of the fort. The reflection of the fort, built with white marble and red sandstone, on the serene water of the lake makes a great sight. The construction of Amber fort was started during the period of Raja Man Singh in the year 1592 but the fort actually took its present form during the reign of Raja Jai Singh I. Subsequently the fort has gone through different phases of modification over a period of 150 years till the capital was shifted to Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal - This wonderful pink structure is supposedly the most celebrated landmark of Jaipur and the reason behind the name given to Jaipur - the pink city. The palace is located at the northern side of the city at the Badi Chaupad. This multi layered fanciful mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 and the architect of the palace was Lal Chand Usta. The palace is a five storeyed pyramid like structure built with pink sand stone. The main draw of the Hawa mahal is the honey comb shaped semi octagonal windows that are made with pink sand stone and have arched roofs.
Jaigarh Fort - The Jaigarh fort was built between 15th to 18th centuries, primary to strengthen the defense of Amber. That is the reason the fort is simple in its design and architecture if compared with the other forts and palaces of Rajasthan. The fort is still intact with the structures built within the fort including the palaces, gardens, reservoirs, granary, armoury, and foundry. There is a gigantic mounted canon at the fort Jai Ban which is the largest in the country.
Nahargarh Fort - Nahargarh Fort is the first among the three forts that were built by Maharaja Jai Sawai Singh to protect Jaipur and Amber. The fort was built at the ridge of the Aravali Hills and it forms a scenic backdrop at the Northern side of the city of Jaipur. The major construction of the fort was done in the year 1734 but modifications were done on the structure subsequently by other rulers during their reign.
City Palace - The city of Jaipur is the fine example of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. This vast palace that is a landmark of the Jaipur city occupies about one seventh of the city's space. The palace built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh and it is a fine example of art and unique craftsmanship.