Going on a historical expedition? Here’s why Hawa Mahal in Jaipur should be on top of your list
Referred to as the Pink City for its blushing red hues, Jaipur is a wonderland of culture and heritage. Amongst the many historical marvels such as Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort, Jaipur is also home to the five-storey Hawa Mahal.
The facade boasts a charming fountain, which will welcome you inside the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, and from the top floor you can embrace a brilliant view of the City Palace and the ever-busy Siredeori Bazar.
The Hawa Mahal was built ONLY for Rajput women
Taking inspiration from Khetri Mahal in Jhunjhunu, the Hawa Mahal was commissioned by Sawai Pratap Singh in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This five-storied structure that was designed by Lal Chand Ustad, begins at the City Palace’s edge, and extends till the women’s chambers aka ‘zenana’.
In 1799, the purdah pratha was strictly followed, and the royal Rajput women were not allowed to show their faces to strangers or even appear in public. The palace comprises 953 windows (also known as 'Jharokhas') built from pink and red sandstones. These enabled women to get a glimpse of the day-to-day festivities happening on the street below, without appearing in public.
The restrictions were so firm that there are no entry gates at the front of the structure. One had to go via the side road to enter inside the palace.
Here’s why Hawa Mahal should be on top of your itinerary
The Hawa Mahal, also referred to as the Palace of Winds, is a historical marvel in Jaipur’s bag of architectural stones. Giving the palace a unique façade, each porthole is adorned with a miniature window and sand stone grill, making the front look like an eye-catching honeycomb.
The windows allow free movement of breeze through the palace, giving it a cooling effect and it’s name ‘Hawa Mahal’. Even though the Mahal tour is brief, a visit here is mandatory as one can witness light streaming through the glass windows illuminating the chambers with a beautiful spectrum of colours. It is quite extraordinary what the architects achieved then, which we find nearly impossible, even today.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for Foreigners
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