Some informations on the Jal Mahal from Jaipur.org!
In 1596 A.D., there was an acute shortage of water because of severe famine in the region. Then, the ruler of Ajmer, was motivated to build a dam to overcome the problems of shortage of water caused by severe famine and to provide relief to people from severe hardships. Initially the dam was built with earth and quartzite in the eastern side of Amer hills. Then, later in the 17th century, the dam was renovated in a masonry structure. The dam which is standing today is 300 meters long and 28.5- 34.5 meters wide. There are three gates in the dam to release water for irrigation in the nearby agricultural fields. The dam has undergone several modes of restoration and renovation by various rulers, but the final renovation is credited to Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer. In the 18th century, other religious and historical places like Amer fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh fort, Kanak Vrindawan Valley were built in the nearby areas of this lake and now these all are linked through a tourist corridor of road network. Jal Mahal is also known as Water palace, which is situated in the Middle of Man Sagar Lake in Pink City.
Earlier in place of lake there was a natural depression where water used to accumulate. Jal Mahal was built in the year 1799. This historical palace was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The Man Sagar Lake was formed by constructing a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh. This is the best example of Rajput architecture. This Mahal attracts lots of tourist because of its beauty and architecture. Jal Mahal is a romantic place as it is built in red sandstone. This Mahal is located 6 kms before Amber fort on Amber fort Road outside Jaipur. This is a 5 storey palace, out of which the first four floors are located under water, only the top floor of this palace enjoys the sunshine and rain. Even after the 200 years of construction, still its architectural beauty is the same as it was before. This palace looks fabulous from the Nahargarh fort.
The shrines of the Royal family are opposite to this palace. Jai Singh II in landscaped garden built these shrines. The shrine monuments were built to honor Pratap Singh, Madho Singh II and Jai Singh I. The shrines are made of marble and carvings are done on them. It consists of a dome which has 20 carved pillars. The shadow of Jal Mahal in the water of Man Sagar Lake looks amazing. The destiny doesn’t give every person a chance to explore out of the world creations. Jal Mahal is surrounded by Nahargarh hills and is known for its sophisticated architecture as well as design. This palace was also used for Royal duck shooting parties. It is well maintained and provides a scenic view of Nahargarh fort. Eco system of Man Sagar Lake is a favorite home for many resident and migratory birds. The Man Sagar dam is located on the eastern side of lake and it also provides a good scenic beauty to the lake and the valley. Other royal dignitaries were invited by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh to this palace at leisure time. There are some beautiful gardens and Rajput architectural style walls situated to the south of the Man Sagar Lake, which are waiting for enthusiastic travelers.
It is one of the best examples of Rajput architectural beauty and technical excellence. The palace seems very beautiful in the evening as the entire complex looks like bathed in flood lights. Hundreds of migratory birds can be seen swimming in winters in the Man Sagar Lake. The view of the Jal Mahal is eye catching. Rajput styled wooden boats have been created by the traditional boat makers of Vrindavan. The view of the Aravalli hills which has many temples and forts on it, can be seen the across the lake.
This was an example of hand blocked cotton fabric.
After this we went upstairs to the fabric store. They had a lot of gorgeous fabrics. I bought three pieces. An indigo colored blue silk with embroidery, a hand blocked cotton pint in reds, and an embroidered chiffon with sequins! The irritating part of the buying process was that Mark had to approve all my fabric choices and yardages before they would cut it.
This little hole in the wall place was very good. I had another butter chicken, and a lime soda.
The kitchen for the Grand Peacock
From Jaipur.org
The renowned 'Palace Of The Winds', or Hawa Mahal, is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-storey palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty. The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone, is Lal Chand Ustad and the palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs. The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows, as they never appeared in public. Read further to know more about Hawa Mahal, its history, architecture and its visiting hours.
History
It was in 1799 that the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed Hawa Mahal as a continuation of the Royal City Palace. Sawai Pratap Singh's devotion to Lord Krishna is evident in the palace's construction as it resembles the lord's crown. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. However, they were keen to follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.
Architecture
Hawa Mahal, designed as a beehive castle with small windows, has a height of 50 feet from its base. This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet high, has walls less than a foot thick. Constructed of red and pink sandstones by Lal Chand Ustad, Hawa Mahal is famous for its windows or 'Jharokhas' which enable free circulation of air within the structure. Its entrance is a door which leads to a spacious courtyard surrounded by two-storey buildings on three sides. Of the five storeys of the Mahal, the top three storeys have the thickness of a single room while the bottom storeys have courtyards. The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars reaching to the top storey. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper floors; the storeys are connected by slopes. From Hawa Mahal, you have an excellent view of the city. The monument also has an archeological museum.
They were preparing for a festival called Jaipur After Dark. The tickets were already all sold out.
But the store was not what we were looking for. The jewelry store in the Trident Jaipur Hotel was a tiny spot that was wonderful and I had a lot of fun with friends looking and trying on some amazing things.
Two love pigeons at the hotel.
Goodnight from Jaipur.
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