Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace Of The Winds' located in the heart of the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a prominent landmark of the city that is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural history. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, this beautiful structure is predominantly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that facilitated royal women to get an eyeful of the street festivals and busy city life while remaining out of the view of public. This five-storey building in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows and a beautifully decorated façade resembling a honeycomb of a beehive that gives one a feel of the rich heritage of the Rajputs.
History of Hawa Mahal Jaipur -
Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who was the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. The story of the birth of the palace started when Pratap visited Jhunjhunu and saw Khetri Mahal.
Maharaj was impressed by the unique design of the Khetri Mahal, and that was when he decided to create a better version of it. Lal Chand Ustad designed this palace and ended up making one of the best monuments history has ever created.
The primary purpose for creating this palace was to give royal women a separate place. From Hawa Mahal, they could enjoy the everyday lives and celebrations of the festival through the windows without being seen as they weren’t allowed to go out in public without a veil.
The Hawa Mahal was a part of the main City Palace, and the royal family used to come here to escape the scorching heat as this palace was always cold and breezy due to the windows it has
Architecture of Hawa Mahal Jaipur -
Hawa Mahal is an excellent example of Hindu Rajput architecture finely blended with Islamic Mughal architecture giving it the face it is famous for.
It is made with red and pink sandstone along with white marble inside the palace.
The look of the palace observed from the street looks extremely beautiful, and people mistake it with the entrance of the palace.
Actually, it is the backside of the palace as it is an extended part of the main City Palace. It has five floors adorned with 953 jharokhas and latticework.
The technology of Venturi effect is utilised well to make the air coming inside the palace cool.
This effect always helped the Hawa Mahal stay serene and pleasant, so royal women never had a problem staying here in hot temperatures.
At several times, the entire royal family used to get together here and escape the summers together.
This honeycomb-like monument is a proud heritage left by the bygone era, which is an integral part of the history as well as architecture.
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.