Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur



Hawa Mahal, Jaipur is one of the popular landmarks of the city. The Hawa Mahal which is also popularly known as the palace of wind was the built by the famous poetic king Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal which is one of the most important landmarks of Jaipur.the was built in the year 1799 A.

The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind is shaped like a pyramid .the Hawa Mahal is a five-storied building. These buildings have numerous small wonderful windows and screens, with amazing arched roofs. the pink beautifully honeycombed 953 sandstone windows of the palace is known as the 'jharokhas'.As one glances at this magnificent building, one realizes that the back side of the building is very simple without much ornamentation. But in the front side of the Hawa Mahal much importance is given on even intricate carvings.

It is believed that the Hawa Mahal was constructed during the period when women of the royal families were kept under strict purdah rules. So it is said that the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Wind was constructed to allow the ladies of the royal families to watch the processions and other various activities of the city through its windows and many screened windows. The royal ladies could have a glance at the people from its windows without showing themselves. These gave them a sense of liberty.

The Hawa Mahal is a remarkable example of the marvelous Rajputana architecture. The Rajputana architecture was influenced by Mughal architecture. The architecture style which we get to view in Hawa Mahal is the best use of Mughal architecture with other styles. From The Hawa Mahal the visitors can have amazing view of the pink city and also of the Jantar Manta which is another tourists attraction.




Hawa Mahal Access

Palace of winds, also called “specimen of the fanciful architecture” is located on the intersection of Badi Chaupad, south of the city. You have rickshaws, local buses, and autos for communication.

Hawa Mahal Architecture


Lal Chand Usta built Hawa Mahal in pink sand stones keeping in mind the pink color of the other monuments in the city. Doomed canopies and the pyramid line of structure resemble that of Rajputana while the floral patterns are that of Mughal. Many tourists find it having a striking similarity with the Fatehpur Sikri. The main attraction in making of the Hawa Mahal is cooling chambers.

You can enter the massive building through an imperial door also connecting the City Palace premises. There is also an archaeological museum lodged in here.

Hawa Mahal travelling

The royal elegance is still persistent and the monument reminds you that after the restoration work, Hawa Mahal is on the way of getting a facelift. Tourists come here throughout the day and the fun lies in climbing up to view Jaipur through the multiple small windows. Yet, early morning is the best time to go Hawa Mahal. The place is easily accessible by local city buses and rickshaws. The sun gives brings out the original color of the monument facing the eastern side of the royal city gates. The fantastic image that you have conjured up in your mind immediately gets a hint of the true charm of the place.


The windows are locally called “jharokas”. You have the tourists peeping in from them to see the beautiful city of Jaipur. These jharokas are integral in allowing the free circulation of air. The same form of style in architecture is seen in the monuments built by the Mughals. The look of the Hawa Mahal, Jaipur resembles a honeycomb with the windows. Looking at “Palace of winds”, you have the feeling of a screen with holes that resembles the moon when lit at night. You begin to appreciate the marvelous structuring and designs that still reflect the glory of the Rajputana. This Mahal adjacent to the City Palace was for the royal women and girls of the palace. Sitting here, they could enjoy the air and have a city view.

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