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 City Palace is one of the most beautiful monuments in the city of Jaipur, also known as India’s Pink city. The beautiful palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh between 1729 and 1732. He planned and built the outer walls and later additions were made by successive rulers up to the twentieth century.
The credit for the urban layout of the city and its structure is attributed to two architects, Vidyadar Bhattacharya, the chief architect in the royal court and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architects achieved a fusion of the Shilpa shastra of Indian architecture with Rajput, Mughal and European styles of architecture.
Architecture & Design:
The premise consists of several buildings like Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, City Palace Museum, etc.
Gates: Virendra Pol, Udai Pol and the Tripolia Gate are the entry gates to the City Palace. The Tripolia gate is reserved for entry into the palace by the royal family. Common people and visitors can enter only through Virendra Pol and Udai Pol.
There are four smaller gates inside known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol, adorned with themes representing the four seasons. The Peacock Gate represents autumn, the Lotus Gate is suggestive of summer season, the Leheriya gate, which is green in colour, represents spring and the Rose Gate with repeated flower pattern symbolizes winter season.
Mubarak Mahal: It is the first building that one comes across while entering the palace. Built initially as a reception centre, it has been converted into a costume gallery, displaying royal attires of the Kings.
Diwan-e-Khaas: A beautiful gateway welcomes one to a private audience hall of the Maharajas. It has two sterling silver vessels on display and they are acclaimed to be the world's largest silver vessel. These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II to carry water from River Ganga to drink on his trip to England.
Diwan-e-Aam: It is an enchanting chamber; the ceiling is painted in rich red and gold colours. It is a major attraction in the Mubarak Mahal courtyard. Presently it is an art gallery showcasing painted ceilings and rare ancient handwritten original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures.
Maharani's Palace: It was originally the residence of the royal queens, now it has been converted into a museum, displaying weapons used by the royalty during war campaigns.
Chandra Mahal: It is considered the best part of the City Palace. It has seven stories, each known by a different name.
The ground and the first floor of the Chandra Mahal are a part of the Sawai Man Singh II Museum and houses weapons, carpets and rarities.
The third floor is the Sukh Niwas, the drawing and dining area meant for relaxation and rest.
Shobha Niwas occupies the fourth floor and radiates an extraordinary beauty because of its remarkable decoration of mirrors, gold leaf and mica all over. It is also known as the ‘Hall of Beauty’.
The fifth floor is the Chavi Niwas and the top most floor is known as the Mukut Mahal.
Hawa Mahal: It is also a part of the City Palace complex, though it stands apart from the main complex and has a distinctive identity of its own.
The palace, which was originally used for official purpose, today serves as a museum attracting thousands of tourists to India.
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