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Hawa Mahal
Location: Jaipur in the state of RajasthanFamous As: The Pink City of India
Built in: 1799 A.D by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
Ideal Time to Visit: October- March
» Hawa Mahal an Architectural Splendor
Hawa Mahal is a magnum opus of Rajput artistry and stands as one of the most stylish example of Rajasthan’s monuments. It was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799 AD. The Hawa Mahal literally implies the ‘Palace of the Wind’. This five story arresting architectural splendor is remarkably embellished in red and pink sandstone with leitmotif painted in quick lime.
Hawa Mahal is a indispensable portion of the City Palace, an extension of the Zenana Mahal a women's house lying slightly away from the main complex. Hawa Mahal presents a splendid panorama of the city of Jaipur coupled with a multicolored spectacle of vivacious bazaars and eventful lifestyle of the people. The Hawa Mahal was primarily contrived with the purpose of letting the ladies of the royal court watch the imperial cavalcade and other activities on road without being spotted by others.
» Constructor of Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal is a 5 story, pyramid-shaped structure having 953 small chambers with lovely latticework on its pink elegant windows, stunning balconies and curvilinear roofs. The pyramidal outline is flat from top to bottom, the several compacted casements and motifs are used repeatedly to enhance its grace by preserving equilibrium. These numerous small delicate windows were built with an idea of keeping the chambers cool by circulating cool air in the hot summer days.
The Hawa Mahal attributed as an unparalleled sampling of Rajputana architectural grandeur is a fantastically decorated and intricately carved monument designed by Lal Chand Usta. The mahal is camouflage from people on the road giving the feel of a dainty cabinet rather than a palace.
A study of Rajput monuments reveals that the Rajputs were greatly influenced by Mughal architecture and adopted the Mughal mode of construction so sincerely that it introduced a different and unique architectural style. The fusion of Rajput and Mughal style was inspired by excellent sophistication and creative fabrication. The Rajput architecture is dominated by traditional Hindu style of making the chhatris- a small spherical covering canopy supported by pillars, lotus and flowering designs. At the same time, it also has interesting factors like stone inlay work and arches, so very representative of the Islamic style of architecture.
» Entrance/ CourtyardFamed for its beehive like structure, the Hawa Mahal entrance unwraps at the rear side of the main building, as such there is no entryway at the front portion of the palace.
The Hawa Mahal also has a small archaeological museum in its courtyard encircled by a double story building on three sides. The building stands over a high platform which is a 50ft high, thin shield, less than a foot in width, with small intimate chambers, which contribute to the unique exterior of the structure. The upper floors can only be accessed by a ramp, as there are no regular stairs. Therefore, previously a gadget was used to assist the movement of palanquins carried by servants.
Hawa Mahal comes under the administration of the State archeological department. The best time to view Hawa Mahal is sunrise when sunlight through the latticed windows unfurls a breathtaking luminescence.
» How to Reach
By Air: Jaipur can easily be accessed as there are regular flights connecting Jaipur to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Varanasi.
By Rail: Trains to Jaipur are available from all the major parts of the country. There are also special trains from Delhi such as the Palace on Wheels and Royal Orient Express, which makes a royal ride for the travelers.
By Road: There are excellent bus services from all the major places in Rajasthan, Delhi and Mumbai. To reach Hawa Mahal tourists' taxis, horse carts, rickshaws are also easily available.
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