Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, is known as the "Pink City" because of the distinctive pink color of the buildings in the old part of the city. The tradition of painting the city pink began in 1876, when the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ordered that all buildings in the city be painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, who was visiting Jaipur on a tour of India.

 

The tradition has continued, and today, all buildings in the old part of Jaipur must be painted pink. The color pink is associated with hospitality in India, and the Pink City is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to its beautiful pink-colored buildings, Jaipur is also known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful gardens and parks, and a number of historical landmarks and tourist attractions.

 

FREE IAS COACHING AND TEST SERIES FROM IASINDEPTH. SIGN UP NOW

 

A few popular attractions in Jaipur

 

1. Hawa Mahal: A five-story pink sandstone palace with a unique honeycomb-like facade and 953 windows, built for the royal women to observe street festivals and everyday life.

 

2. City Palace: A complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards, featuring a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

 

3. Jal Mahal: A palace located in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, featuring Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.

 

4. Jantar Mantar: An astronomical observatory featuring a collection of structures and instruments used for observing the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.

 

5. Amber Fort: A stunning fort located on a hill overlooking the Maota Lake, featuring a blend of Hindu and Mughal architectural styles.

 

6. Nahargarh Fort: A hilltop fort offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape, built in the 18th century to protect the city from invaders.

 

7. Birla Mandir: A Hindu temple made of white marble, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort, Lakshmi.

 

8. Galtaji: A Hindu pilgrimage site featuring a series of temples, holy kunds (natural water tanks), and a monkey population.

 

9. Albert Hall Museum: A museum featuring a collection of art, artifacts, and natural history specimens from around the world.

 

10. Chand Baori: A 13th-century stepwell featuring thousands of narrow steps leading down to the water level, built to conserve and store water.

 

A brief history of Jaipur

 

The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of the princely state of Jaipur. Jai Singh was a talented military strategist and a patron of science and the arts, and he saw the need for a new capital city to accommodate the growing population and economic activities of his kingdom. He commissioned the construction of a new city, which he named after himself, and laid out the city according to a grid plan based on the principles of Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian science of architecture.

 

The city of Jaipur quickly became a hub of trade and commerce, and it was known for its beautiful gardens, palaces, and temples. The city was also home to a number of skilled craftsmen who produced high-quality textiles, jewelry, and other luxury goods. Jaipur was an important center of Hindu learning and culture, and it was known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene.

 

In the 19th century, Jaipur became a major center of the Indian independence movement, and it played a key role in the struggle for independence from British rule. Today, Jaipur is a thriving metropolis and an important cultural and economic hub of India. It is known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, and it is a popular tourist destination.