The Magnificent City Palace of Jaipur

Jaipur has become the city of Weekend Respite for most of us Delhi-ites, and so it was for us too...
Our Family drove down to Japiur on a pleasant Friday morning to enjoy the extended weekend.
The trip was essentially planned to attend my sis-in-law's convocation at Jaipur National University on 30th March and it turned out to be a wonderful family trip!!

I've been to Jaipur twice before and have explored the city in phases...However, both the times I missed out on the 'City Palace'....and it has been a while that this Beautiful Royal Palace was on my Bucket list....So happy to have crossed out this one now!!

To give a very brief history, the palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729-1732, as the official seat of Maharaja of Jaipur. Sawai Man Singh II (along with the beautiful Maharani Gayatri Devi) was the last ruler of the palace until the princely state was merged with the new state of Rajasthan (after India's Independence, 1947). Although the Indian princes had relinquished their ruling powers, they remained entitled to their titles, and other privileges until the adoption of the 26th amendment to the Constitution of India on 28 December 1971. Accordingly, Man Singh II remained Maharaja of Jaipur until his death.

A blend of Indian, Mughal and European styles of Architecture, the City Palace captures this royal heritage and leaves its visitors with awe and admiration.

Leaving you with the below clicks of this magnificent Palace....Enjoy!!

Richly decorated entrance gate

'Diwan-i-Khas' (Hall of private audience) - Charmingly done in Sandstone and Marble adorned with chandeliers

'Chandra Mahal' 

'Mubarak Mahal'

Delicate Engravings on the Mubarak Mahal

I spent good 15-20 minutes soaking in the architectural beauty of the 'Pritam Niwas Chowk' or the Peacock courtyard. The courtyard consists of intricately painted doorways/gateways in the four directions said to be depicting the four seasons - Autumn, Summer, Spring and Winter

Peacock gate representing Autumn

Lotus gate shows flower pattern and is said to depict the Summer season

Rose Gate depicting Winter

Rose flower pattern

Green Leheriya Gate representing Spring

The flamboyant construction provides us an insight into the life and times of the royalty. Apart from these structure there are many museums which show various textile/costumes worn during the era; Armoury of the Princes; exhibits of miniature paintings of those times; ancient texts etc.

This is definitely a must visit if you are in Jaipur. The history of Jaipur is incomplete without understanding the history of the City Palace....it gives the visitor a pleasant view of the bygone era...