The
city of Jaipur reflects a clever amalgamation of the Rajput and Mughal
styles, which has given this city a unique character. Being close to Delhi
and Agra, and the fact that its rulers were powerful members of the Mughal
durbar (court), ensured that its rulers kept the special Mughal touches of
filigreeing marble and sandstone alive. Fresco painting and inlaid mirror
work has also been used extensively to create a fantasy world of color and
richness in the midst of bleak surroundings. This love for decoration was
not confined to the royal houses but filtered down to the common man as
well. This is apparent when one takes a walk down the broad streets of this
delightful city.
Hawa Mahal is an enchanting monument built
centuaries ago and a believe me! a trip to Jaipur is not finished if you
don't explore this part of it. The Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Wind"
built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799 A.D. is characterised by
elaborate and fanciful architecture. The broad pyramidical facade comprises
five storeys of semi octagonal overhanging windows with perforated screens,
domes and spires. Built in 1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa
Mahal', Palace of the Wind, is one of the major landmarks of Jaipur.
The
entrance to Hawa Mahal is from the City Palace side, through a stately door
which opens into a spacious courtyard. The courtyard has a double storeyed
building on three sides. There is a small archeological museum here. Only
the eastern wing has three more storeys above, which are just a single room
thick. The building, standing on a high podium, is a fifty-foot high thin
shield, less than a foot in thickness, with small intimate chambers , which
give this palace its unique facade. There are no regular stairs to reach the
upper floors, but only ramps. Hawa Mahal which is currently under the
supervision of the State archeological department provides the visitor with
excellent views of the city. The best time to view Hawa Mahal is sunrise
when sunlight through the latticed windows gives it a wonderful glow.