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Forts and Palaces in
Jaipur
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The
royal city of Jaipur has the honor of being a seat of power
for a long period of time. The Kachhwahas during their long
period of illustrious rule build several forts and palaces
in Jaipur. The Forts and Palaces in Jaipur were built at different
period of time under the patronage of different rulers for
various purposes. The prevailing architectural trend is always
reflected on the construction style of the Forts and Palaces
in Jaipur.
The following are the forts and palaces in Jaipur:
Amber Fort
Raja Man Singh built the Amber Fort and Palace in 16th century
using the architectural elements of both Rajput and Mughal
architecture. The fort was inhabited since its construction
up to 1727 AD when the foundation of the new city of Jaipur
was laid down. Within the strong walls of the fort is the
beautiful palace in the midst of well-laid gardens. The Amber
Palace is made of marble and exquisitely embellished with
precious stones, stonemason works and paintings. Amber Fort
is surrounded by a lake, which presents the mirror image of
the fort. The important buildings within the fort are the
Jai Mandir, Sheesh Mahal, Sukh Niwas and Ganesh Pol.
Jai Garh Fort
Raja Sawai Jai Singh built another fort close to the Amber
Fort and named it Jaigarh Fort or the fort of Conquest. Built
in 1726 AD, the fort is in a well-preserved condition even
today. It was built as a strong fort to serve military purposes
and is considered to be one of the three strongest forts of
India. Standing on a cliff and fortified by a massive defensive
walls, the fort provides amazing views of the Amber Fort and
the Jaipur City from the Watch Tower, Diwa Burj. The intricate
water supply and storage system is indicative of the imaginative
planning before the construction of the fort. The fort is
open for the public where you can see the palaces, gardens,
granaries and temples within the fort. Have a look at the
arsenal to get a view of the amazing collection of arms and
weapons. You can also have a look at the Jaivan, the largest
cannon on wheel in the world.
City Palace
Maharaja Jai Singh designed and patronized the construction
of the City Palace, which is a healthy blend of the typical
Rajput and evolving Mughal architectural styles and decorated
with floral motifs, paintings, mirror and colored ceilings.
The subsequent rulers did several additions and renovations
in the palace. Occupying one-seventh of the total area of
the walled city, the palace still serves as imperial residence
of the present Maharaja. The important buildings within the
palace are the Mubarak Mahal or Palace of Reception built
by Maharaja Madho Singh II; Maharani Palace or Queen's Palace;
Diwan-I-Aam or Hall of Public Audience; Diwan-I-Khas or Hall
of Private Audience; Chandra Mahal or Moon Palace; Badal Mahal
and Shri Govind Dev Temple. The Chandra Mahal is portion,
which is still occupied by the present royal family. The City
Palace now houses a museum with rich collection of the royalty
for exhibition. Mubarak Mahal is named as the Maharaja Sawai
Singh II Museum where you can see the royal dresses on display
like the Folk Embroidery, Banarasi Silk Saris, Pashmina Shawls
and Sanganeri Prints. The Rajput Weapons used by the Royalty
are displayed at the Maharani Palace. Have a look at the original
handwritten manuscripts of Hindu scriptures, and miniature
paintings of Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian Schools of Paintings
at Diwan-I-Aam, which has been converted into the Art Gallery.
Nahargarh Fort
Embraced in the Nahargarh Hills, the Nahargarh Fort of Jaipur
was erected by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in 1734 AD. Jaipur was
the capital of Raja Jai Singh II and Nahargarh was an appropriate
stand guard, rightly called the Tiger Fort. It was the first
of the three forts built by the rulers of Jaipur. Though in
ruins, there are pretty buildings that the fort holds, added
by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th
century, which have been well preserved.The fort is almost in ruins in the present times but some of the structures added by Sawai Ram Singh II and Sawai Madho Singh II in the 19th century AD are in good state of preservation. Catch some breathtaking sights of the Man Sagar Lake and the city below from Nahargarh Fort. The fort was also used as a private treasury for number of years and a royal getaway for the queens of Jaipur. .
Jal Mahal
Jal Mahal Palace or the Water Palace was built as the pleasure
palace for the imperial family. Built in 1799 AD, Jal Mahal
Palace looks marvelous in red sandstone with its manifestation
on the Man Sagar Lake. Located in the beautiful environs of
the Nahargarh Hills, Jal Mahal is noteworthy for its architecture
and plan. Once used for the regal duck shooting parties, it
was also the residence of one of the prime ministers of Jaipur.
The Jal Mahal is submerged in water up to the first floors
with only the top floor at a level above the waters of the
lake. The fort is built opposite to the cenotaphs of the royal
family.
Rambagh Palace
Ram
Bagh was initially a simple building with a few pleasure pavilions
outside the walled city of Jaipur but was renovated or altered
by the rulers of Jaipur according to their requirements. It
was transformed it into a hunting lodge by Maharaja Sawai
Ram Singh II and gave it the name, Ram Bagh or the Garden
of Ram. It was altered it into a luxurious 26 rooms mansion
by adding more rooms in 1887 AD by Maharaja Madho Singh to
put up his royal guests. Maharaja Man Singh carried out extensive
additions and redecoration in 1931 to make it bigger and to
provide contemporary amenities in the palace. He again renovated
the royal suites of the palace when he married Princess Gayatri
Devi in 1940. Finally, the Rambagh Palace was renewed as a
heritage hotel and its formal inauguration was on 8th December
1957. The hotel was further expanded from 26 rooms to 80 rooms
in 1968. In 1972, the Taj Group of Hotels took over the management
of the Rambagh Palace and today Rambagh Palace is a flourishing
hotel with 106 rooms including 4 special suites.
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