About Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
The Hawa Mahal (literal meaning, palace of the winds) is an
important monument of the city of Jaipur, the pink city of India. It is an
interesting building, although it is actually little more than a façade.
This honeycombed building was originally built to facilitate the women of
the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city.
Jaipur's
signature building, the Hawa Mahal, a multi layered palace, was built by
Sawai Pratap Singh (grand son of Sawai Jai Singh and son of Sawai Madhoo
Singh) in 1799 AD and Mr. Lal Chand Usta was the architect.
» Architectural Brilliance : In Jaipur, the facades
seem to have become as ornate as the interiors and sometimes, as in the case
of the Hawa Mahal, Even more so. The Hawa Mahal, part of the Jaipur city
palace complex is a familiar landmark, and is ties of pierced windows
overlooking the street below.
In fact, the façade pretty much characterises what for, on the
inside the building is no more than a series of corridors with windows
overlooking the street. Its purpose was simply to allow the royal women a
view of ceremonial processions while seated behind the small windows.
Allowing them to look out without themselves being seen.
» An Unusual Past : There is no definite record as
to why Hawa Mahal was built, only conjecture. It certainly was not meant for
residential purposes. That becomes clear if one were to view this unusual
structure from the rear side. There is a total lack of ornamentation on the
inner face of the building. The chambers are plain and more mass of pillars
and passages leading to the top story. It does not seem to be part of the
same building.
Built at a time when royal ladies observed very strict purdah (covering the
faces), it is widely believed that this interesting palace, with its
screened balconies, provided the ladies of the zenana (royal household) an
opportunity to watch processions and other activities on the streets below
without being observed themselves. The openings here are almost like
peepholes, partially block by fine latticework in lime plaster, and some
with plain wooden windows. The Hawa Mahal lives up to its name as one climbs
up to the balconies and is almost swept away by the cool breeze. The royal
ladies not only enjoyed the view but also did so in great comfort and style.
Today, Hawa Mahal provides the visitor with some excellent views of the city
and a bird's eye view of the Jantar Mantar (a medieval observatory and an
important tourist place in Jaipur). The best time to view Hawa Mahal is
sunrise when it catches the early morning sun and is bathed in its golden
light making it glow like a gem. The entrance to this strange building is on
the rear side.
How to get there
» By Air : The city is directly connected to Delhi,
Bombay, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad through regular flights. All major
domestic airlines do have their services to Jaipur. The total distance of
the city from the airport is around 15 km. It takes around 25 minutes to
reach the city.
» By Rail : The Pink City Express leaves Delhi at 6
a.m. and reaches Jaipur at 11 a.m. Chetak Express, Jaipur-Delhi Services and
another late evening train leave for Jaipur form Old Delhi Railway Station.
If one has money and time than there is no other way better than Palace on
Wheels, which leaves Delhi every Saturday.
» By Road : Jaipur.Indianvisit.com would provide you
all india tourist permit vehicles for the local transportation and also for
the intercity drives too.
