The City Palace is a palace complex, situated in the core of the Pink City Jaipur. The beautiful complex comprising numerous edifices, vast courtyards and attractive gardens, is a souvenir of the majestic history. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal are some of the significant structures in the complex. To preserve the valuable items of the bygone era, many compartments of the palace have been converted into museums and art galleries. To witness the beauty of the palace, thousands of visitors from across the world visit the City Palace every year.
The City Palace housed the throne of the Maharaja of Jaipur who headed the Kachwaha Rajput clan. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, who ruled Amber from 1699 to 1744, initiated the construction of the city complex that spreads over several acres. He first ordered to erect the outer wall of the palace complex. The construction that was started in 1729, took three years to be completed. The palace complex was completely built in 1732.
The palace and its structures have been designed, combining the architectural elements of the Mughal, Europe and the Shilpa Shastra of India. A perfect blend of colours, designs, art and culture can be seen in every nook and corner of the palace.
History of City Palace -
Jaipur is considered to be the first-ever city from medieval times, which was planned well. The City Palace is the one-seventh part of the entire old Jaipur.
The idea of constructing this beautiful palace erupted in the mind of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He called the Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob to design the Jaipur city.
They infused Mughal and European style of architecture with the traditional Rajputi architecture. The construction began in the year 1729 and lasted till 1732.
The entire palace has small palaces, well-maintained gardens, beautifully carved courtyards, open terraces and more.
Further Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar were added in the premises along with the outer walls of the palace. The complete structure represented the rich culture and heritage of the ancient state.
Though this palace was completed, the process of making it more beautiful lasted until the early 20th century. It is still preserved carefully along with all the belongings inside the palace put on display.
Architecture of City Palace
The original structure of City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II who started with the outer wall. Over the decades since then, buildings and courtyards were added to the premises and so all the structures inside the palace date bear a different timestamp.
The architectural style of City Place is a beautiful mélange of Rajput, European and Mughal style. Built out of red and pink sandstone, this palace has vast courtyards surrounded by several arched smaller palaces. These small palaces have now been converted into museums and tourists can move around the palace either on their own or take a guided tour.
At several places inside City Palace, especially as you move from one courtyard to the other, you will see relics of the past like cannons and tall sculptures that catch your eye and make you stop to capture the image. Do not forget to admire the breathtaking structure of the palace as soon as you enter the main gate.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Hawa Mahal
- Jal Mahal
- Government Central Museum
- Jantar Mantar
- Vidhyadhar's Garden
The City Palace is a landmark in Jaipur and is also a very popular tourist hotspot. Apart from the regal architecture, the palace offers a stunning view of the Pink City and also an insight into the rich heritage of a bygone era. The City Palace is a must-see while sightseeing in Jaipur.
Jaipur Tourism the capital of Rajasthan state, is often addressed as Pink City and is a part of the Popular Golden Triangle Tour of India. Vivacity and grandeur are two words that are very close to defining Jaipur. Forts and palaces built by erstwhile rulers of the area are a testimony of their power and their architectural intellect. Nooks and streets sparkle with traditional and vivid handloom, costume, jewelry and other Knicks and knacks. Owing to its splendor, Jaipur has emerged as a hotspot for wedding destination,/ in India and some of India’s best luxury and heritage hotels.