|
Amber: The Kachhawahas
ruled form Amber, 1 1
km from Jaipur, for seven
centuries. With a history so
old, it is not unexpected that
there is a lot of the past that
can be traced in its
archaeological history. While
many of the very early
structures have either
disappeared or been ruined,
those dating from the 16th
century on are in a remarkable
state of preservation. Amber as
it exists now is the handiwork
of three of the kingdom's rulers
that include Man Singh and Jai
Singh I and II. Approached from
a steep ramp, visitors ride up
on elephant back, entering
through the grand Singh Pol
gateway and continuing to Jaleb
Chowk, the courtyard where they
disembark from the pachyderm.
From here, they are faced with
two flight of steps, one leading
to the Shila Mata complex with
its enshrined image of the
goddess, and the other to the
main palace complex. Within the
complex, Ganesh Pol, an imposing
gateway painted with images of
the elephant-headed God, Lord
Ganesha, takes pride of place.
Gaitore: Located off the
Jaipur-Amber road, Gaitors is
the final resting place for the
maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a
narrow valley, the cenotaphs of
the former rulers consist of the
somewhat typical chhatri or
umbrella-shaped memorials. Of
special mention is Jai Singh 2nd
chhatri because of the carvings
that have been used to embellish
it.
Nahargarh: The third of
the hilltop forts that guard
Jaipur, and in a state of
majestic ruin, it has some
lovely gardens and pavilions
added after the capital had
shifted to Jaipur. The members
of the royal family often used
it for summer excursions and
picnics. |
|
Jaigarh:
One of the few military
structures of medieval India,
retaining its ancient splendour
in palaces, garden, reservoirs,
a granary, an armoury, a well
planned cannon foundry, several
temples, a tall tower and a
giant mounted cannon the Jai
Ban, one of the largest in the
country are preserved here. The
extensive parkotas (walls),
watch tower and gateways of
Jaigarh dominate the western
skyline.
Jal Mahal: Jal Mahal was
built by Sawai Pratap Singh in
1799 AD in the midst of the Man
Sagar Lake as a pleasure spot.
The was formed by constructing
dam between the two hills by
Sawai Man Singh I. During winter
months once can see a large
number of migratory as well as
residents birds at the lake.
Hawa Mahal: Located to
one side, but a part of the City
Palace complex, Hawa Mahal is
best viewed from the street
outside. If is were not for the
bustling bazaar all around, it
would have been easy to mistake
it for a film set, so
exquisitely is it proportioned,
and so incongruous is its
delicacy.
Hawa Mahal consists of five
tiers of corridors on the
inside, with pierced screen
windows that overlook the street
below. It is believed the women
of the royal zenana would sit
concealed behind these screens
to see life in the city beyond
the walls of the palace.
City Palace: As may be
expected, the City Palace
complex lies at the heart of the
city. Getting in is simpler than
it once was. Though the
erstwhile maharaja and his
family and close friends use the
triple-arched Tripolia Gate to
enter their section of the
palace, most visitors are
ushered in through Atish Pol
which is located close to the
royal stables, cross from here
to Chandni Chowk or Moonlit
Square and then on to Gainda ki
Deorhi. At the heart of the
complex is seven-tiered Chandra
Mahal where the erstwhile royal
family is still in residence,
though only a small part of the
apartments are occupied.
Jantar
Mantar: A stone observatory,
part of the city palace complex,
Jantar Mantar is one of several
other astronomical observatories
created by Maharaja Sawai Jai
Singh 2nd (other are in Delhi,
Banaras, Ujjain). These concrete
masonry instruments were used to
measure everything from altitude
to time, and map the movement of
the planets and the stars. Jai
Singh 2nd had a passion for
astronomy and used astronomical
inventions from different of
these observatories, the largest
of which in is Jaipur.
Govind Dev Ji Temple: The
most popular spireless temple of
Jaipur dedicated to Lord
Krishna. It is located in the
central pavilion of the Jai
Niwas Garden to the north of
Chandra Mahal. The image of the
patron deity Govind Devji,
originally installed in a temple
of Vrindavan, was reinstalled
here by Sawai Jai Singh 2nd as
his family deity.
Sargasuli: Also known as
Isar Lat, this tower was erected
in the mid-18th century by
Maharaja Ishwari Singh to
commemorate a battle victory.
Ironically, Ishwari Singh was
ostracized for his lover of a
common girl, and he is the only
Kachhawaha Maharaja who has not
been commemorated at Gaitor.
Galtaji: An ancient
pilgrimage centre, lying beyond
the gardens amidst low hills.
Temples, pavilions and holy
kunds (natural spring and
reservoirs) along with lush
landscape make it a delightful
spot. The small temple of the
sun god, built by Diwan Kriparam
on the top of the highest peak
is visible from all parts of the
city.
Sisodia
Rani Ka Bagh: In the 18th
and 19th centuries, the royals
and the nobles laid out summer
gardens at Ghati ki guni, a
valley at beginning of the
Jaipur-Agra road which traps the
breezes and wafts it through
pleasantly. Sisodia Rani ka Bagh
was laid for one of the queens
from the lake city of Udaipur,
to cure her of her homesickness.
It consists of pavilions with
water channels that run down in
tiered gardens.
Vidyadharji ka Bagh: The
exquisite, tiered garden laid
for the private pleasure of the
architect of the city, it has
delicate pavilions bordered by
water channels, and a larger
pavilion overlooking the whole
complex. Located at Ghat ki
Guni, it is now let out for
private picnics.
Jain Temple: one of few
example of Jain architecture in
Jaipur, located on the Agra
Road, it has 19th century
frescos that are exquisite.
Ram Niwas Bagh: A lush
spacious garden with a zoo, an
aviary, a greenhouse, a
herbarium, a museum and popular
sports ground. It was built by
Sawai Ram Singh 2nd in 1868 A.D.
as a famine relief project. The
Albert hall, fine example of
Indo Sarcenic style of
architecture designed by Sir
Swinton Jecob, was opened later
with an exquisite collection of
sculptures, paintings,
decorative wares, natural
history specimen, an Egyptian
mummy & celebrated Persian
carpet. Recently, the Rabindra
Manch with an auditorium, a
modern art gallery and an open
air theatre, has been added to
promote cultural events.
Laxmi Narayan Temple: A
new temple, built entirely of
marble, this is a showcase of
the continuing skill of the
mason and the sculptor.
Moti Doongari: A small
palace, this is a replica of a
Scottish castle, and perched on
a hilltop. Once occupied by
Maharaja Madho Singh's son who
was confined here, it was also
for a while home to Maharani
Gayatri Devi.
Statue Circle: A busy
crossing, this has a life-size
statue in marble of Maharaja Jai
Singh 2nd. It is a recent
addition to the city's
attractions. |