Jaipur
The palace in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India. The intricate latticed windows allowed the courtiers to look out on the city below unobserved from the street, and also allowed cooling breezes to enter their rooms.
The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the Winds, built in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, in 1799. A fine example of Rajput architecture, the five-storey palace is partly an ornate facade. From the lower of its 953 windows, the ladies of the harem could discreetly observe activities in the city's main street.
Part of the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur, Rajasthan, built by Maharajah Jai Singh II from 1728. Built of local stone and marble, the observatory consists of a number of geometrical instruments that were used to tell the time of day, predict eclipses, and track stars.
A street in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, India. Jaipur is a centre for trade in gems and the Gem Palace is one of India's leading exporters of jewellery.
The ancient Amber Fort is set high on the rugged hills outside Jaipur, India. The Jaipur royal house held court there for seven centuries. The magnificent gateways, courtyards, and pavilions, and the glittering chambers of inlaid mirrors, have been carefully preserved.
The interior of the Amber Fort outside Jaipur, India. Building was commenced in 1552 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Emperor Akbar's army. The fort is famed for the inlaid mirrors and rich golden decoration of its chambers.
Capital of Rajasthan, India, 240 km/150 mi southeast of Delhi; population (2001 est) 2,324,300. Products include textiles and metal products, as well as distilling and the manufacture of glass, carpets, blankets, and footwear. Founded by Jai Singh II in 1728, it was formerly the capital of the state of Jaipur, which was merged with Rajasthan in 1949.
Features include the Jantar Mantar observatory, built by Maharajah Jai Singh II in 1728; it contains the world's largest sundial. The five-storey Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds (1799) is a notable landmark. The city was painted pink, the traditional colour of welcome, in honour of the visit of Prince Albert, consort of Queen Victoria, in 1883. It is also noted for its blue pottery, jewellery, and ivory, marble and stone carving. The city is the site of the University of Rajasthan (1947).
| The city, laid out in a regular rectangular form, was founded to replace Amber as the capital of the princely state of Jaipur, which was established in the 12th century by the Rajputs. |
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