Credit: Avani Ojha
Overview and History
The city palace in Rajasthan is one of the most popular places in Rajasthan. At a distance of 5.5 km from Jaipur Railway Station, the palace is situated in the heart of Jaipur City.
The city palace was constructed between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He was the head of the Kachhwa Rajput clan in Rajasthan. Successive rulers made additions to the palace until the 20th century. There is a museum inside the palace, though the majority of it is still a royal residence.
Architecture of City Palace
The city palace is a remarkable structure that consists of several palaces, gardens, pavilions, and temples. Surrounded by a large wall on all sides, the complex consists of many prominent structures, among which Sri Govind Temple, Mubarak Mahal, Mahrani’s Palace, and Chandra Mahal are the most prominent. Tripoli Gate and Virendra Polo are the entry gates to the city palace. The whole palace lies in a grid pattern with wide avenues.
Ranga Mahal, Pritam Niwas, Chhavi Niwas, Shri Niwas, Sukh Niwas, and Mukut Mahal are the names of each floor of a seven-story building. Each floor is decorated with unique paintings, mirrorwork, and floral decorations. Chandra Mahal is the most commanding building in the city palace complex. Shobha Niwas is on the fourth floor of the Chandra Mahal. Shoba Niwas is decorated with mirror walls and blue tiles. Sukh Niwas is decorated with Wedgewood blue with white lining. The 5th floor is called Chhavi Niwas, and it has an elegant blue floor.
The Maharaja Man Singh II Museum is located on the ground floor. It has a vast collection of carpets, manuscripts, and other belongings of the royal family. Royal formal costumes, Sanganeri block prints, Kashmiri pashminas, and embroidered shawls are a part of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II. Entry to the Mahal is through a peacock gate.
Mubarak MahMahal, built as a reception center by Maharaja Madho Singh II in the 19th century, is a perfect example of a fusion of the Islamic, European, and Rajput architectural styles. Diwan-i-am and Diwan-i-Khas are chambered for the common and private audience halls of the Maharajas. Diwan-i-Am is painted in rich gold and red. This chamber now functions as part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.
Diwan-I-khas, located between the armory and art gallery, is a private hall of the Maharajas with a marble-floored chamber. It has two huge sterling silver vessels of 1.6 meters in height, weighing 340 kg, and a capacity of 4000 liters. It was made from melting 14000 silver coins. Silver vessels hold the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest sterling silver vessels.
The official residence of the royal queen, Maharani’s Palace, is a great place inside the city palace. It has now been converted into a museum that displays weapons used by the royals during the exhibit’s war. It exhibits pistons, chain mail, ivory handles, a cannon, and a sword. Jewel dust made of semiprecious stones is used to preserve unique frescoes on the ceilings.
Four small gates provide access to the Chandra Mahal from the inner courtyard of Pritam Niwas Chowk. The four gates represent the four seasons of Hindu gods, Located in the northeast, the peacock represents autumn and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The summer season is represented by the Southwest gate and is dedicated to Shiva-Parvati. Lehriya Gate is in the northwest and is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. In the Southeast, the rose gate represents the winter season and dedicated to Goddess Devi.
There are two temples inside the City Palace complex that is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Govind Dev Ji temple. The ceilings of the temple are made from gold and it has a painting of Indian art and European Chandeliers.
Timing and Entry fees
The city palace is open for visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, An entry fee of Rs 300 is for Indians and Rs 700 for foreigners.
Location of City Palace
Faqs
Q: What is the City palace in Rajasthan?
A: It’s a historical landmark that is located in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan. Construction of the city palace began in 1729 and continued over several generations.
Q: Is there any entry fee to visit the City Palace?
A: Yes, Rs 300 for Indians, Rs 150 for students, Rs 500+ with a guide, and Rs 700 for foreigners.
Q: What is the best time to visit the City Palace?
A: The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
Q: Is photography allowed inside the City palace?
A: Photography is restricted in some parts of the City palace.
Q: Is the City Palace wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes
Q: Can the City Palace be rented for special events or weddings?
A: Yes, it can be book. It’s advisable to contact authorities well in advance before book and availability.