THE PINK CITY

JAIPUR - FEBRUARY 2008

Jaipur, the first planned city in Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who moved his capital from Amber. In 1853, when the Prince of Wales visited the city, it was painted pink to welcome him. Hence the nickname!



"NEW GATE - There are seven gates in Jaipur. I didn't arrive at Jaipur by the New Gate, but it seems the best way to approach the city, with the view ot Nahargarh Fort crowning the hill behind it!"






"GATES - Pink (or salmon)"

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JANTAR MANTAR

Jantar Mantar (Magical Device), the largest stone observatory in the world, is one of the five astronomical observatories built by Maharaja Jai Singh. Jantar Mantar took its form and structure between 1727 and 1733. Initially named as Yantra Mantra, which means instruments and formulae, it has changed to the new name. The observatory consists of fourteen geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses and to ascertain other astronomical events.



"SAMRAT YANTRA (The Supreme Instrument) - The Giant Sundial is the world's largest, standing at 27 meters. It consists of a massive triangle with a curved structure on both sides. The arc at the left shows the time from sunrise to midday while the arc at the right side shows the time from midday to sunset. The time is read by observing where the shadow is sharpest at the time"


"RAM YANTRA - An instrument used to indicate the altitude and the azimuth or declination of celestial bodies"


"CHAKRA YANTRA - It gives the angle of an object from the equator"


"NAHARGARH on the top of the hill"

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STREETS

The city is remarkable for the width and regularity of its streets, which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad 34m-wide avenues.


"JAMA MASJID"


"NEAR BADI CHAUPAR - On the way to the palace of Winds"


"MAHARAJA'S HIGH SCHOOL"

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HAWA MAHAL

The Palace of Winds, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, was designed in the form of the crown of Krishna. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.


"PALACE OF WINDS - It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone"


"WINDOWS - The side facing the street has 953 small windows, commonly known as «Jharokhas», allowing the breeze to circulate and keeping it cool"



"HAWA MAHAL - Early morning is considered the best time to visit, with the golden light of the Sun on its façade. It is said that «the pyramidal outline of the structure has one characteristic feature of architecture - symmetry, and, as in Jain temples, uses repetition of motifs to great enhancement of beauty». Probably so!"


"JAL MAHAL - Located amidst the Mansagar Lake and near Nahargarh hills, the Jal Mahal Palace is noted for its intricate architecture. Built in 1799 as a pleasure spot - it seems to have been used for the royal duck shooting parties - the palace is now under renovation. Its first floors are under water and only the top is visible outside. There is a wonderful view from Nahargarh Fort"

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Dana from "Chic Banana» was so kind to pass this award to me.


Thanks Dana