Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds is located in Badi Chaupad, Jaipur a.k.a. the Pink City. This is a truly splendid structure that speaks of the grand lifestyles of the kings of Rajasthan. It is from Hawal Mahal that one can enjoy the best view of the Jaipur city.
Hawa Mahal is one of the most famous monuments and tourist spots of the Jaipur city. The palace is known for its exquisite design and a great number of Jharokhas in it. This palace was made for the women of the royal family who had to abide by the Parda system. Since they were not allowed to show their faces to the public they were not allowed to participate in any party or event. This palace was constructed in order to let the ladies enjoy events like royal processions while following the rules.
Specially designed windows or Jharokhas of Hawa Mahal allowed one to look outside from inside but the person standing outside could not see inside, this allowed these women to enjoy events and activities happening outside while still following the protocol.
Hawa Mahal Overview :
Hawa Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. This beautiful five-story palace is built with red and pink sandstone. The facade of the structure is designed in the shape of the crown of Lord Krishna. The palace has as many as 953 Jharokhas that allow fresh air to come in to make the temperature inside the palace cooler than outside. The outer appearance of the structure resembles that of a honeycomb of a beehive.
Hawa Mahal is one of the most attractive and historically relevant places is taken care of by the Archaeological Survey of India.
History:
It was built as part of the extension of the Royal city palace. One door of the City Palace led to the Hawa Mahal where the king Maharaj Jai Singh loved spending time.
This beautiful palace was built by Maharaj Sawai Pratap Singh in the year 1799. It is said that the king thought of making this palace after he saw the Khetri Mahal of Maharaj Bhopal Singh in Jhunjunu.
The king chose a very talented architect called Lal Chand Ustad to make this beautiful palace. As the king was a devotee of Lord Krishna, the structure is designed like the crown of Lord Krishna.
The Architecture of Hawa Mahal:
This beautiful five storey building stands as a marvelous example of Rajput architecture and as a great example of the fine craftsmanship of the artists who built it. Tasteful amalgamation of various architectural styles is done in this structure. One can see the influence of Hindu, Muslim, and Rajput styles of architecture in the construction.
Hawa Mahal is adorned with fine lattice Jharokhas or windows. This allowed women to enjoy the view of the city without breaking any rules.
Every bit and piece of this structure speaks of hard work, creativity, and more that went into making this structure happen. You can sense all this in literally any part of this monument, for instance, beautiful floral patterns, skilfully crafted arches, stone inlay filigree work, fluted pillars, domed canopies etc
This structure is not just a work of art but also the work of intelligence. As Rajasthan remains extremely hot in summers it was important to make sure that inside of the palace remained cool somehow.
All 953 Jharokhas of the palace are built in a way that air circulates naturally through them. This passing of air from these Jharokhas created a venture effect hence the place remained air-conditioned in the summers.
Each of these windows or Jharokhas has a chamber to sit in. Each of these chambers has fountains that made the air cooler and created a perfect air conditioning effect.
There is a Museum in the courtyard of the palace. That houses many interesting Objects such as ceremonial armor, paintings, etc.
In contrast to heavy carvings, rich work, ornamentation etc on its facade the inner parts of the palace are comparatively much simple.
Sharad Mandir that is situated on the first floor used to be the venue of autumn celebrations. One of the most stunning spots of the palace is Ratan Mandir that is beautifully adorned with colorful glasswork.
The top three storey of the palace is a one-room structure. These are named Hawa Mandir, Vichitra Madir, and Prakash Mandir. Vichitra Mandir was the place where the king worshipped Lord Krishna. Prakash Mandir has an open terrace.
Interestingly there are no stairs leading to the top storey, one has to use ramps to reach there.
References:
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Must visit places of Rajasthan Also read about the other amazing places of Rajasthan Chittorgarh Fort, Jal Mahal , Amer Fort, Mehrangarh Fort , Jaislmer Fort, Ranthambore Fort. Bhangarh fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Junagarh Fort
