Why Is Jaipur Known as the Pink City of India? Know the History Behind It

Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan, an Indian state. It refers to the royal family that once ruled the region and founded what is now known as the Old City, also known as "Pink City" due to its distinctive building color. 

Source- Jaipur Images

The opulent, colonnaded City Palace complex stands at the heart of its stately street grid, unique in India. Part of it is still a royal palace with gardens, courtyards, and museums.

Jaipur is named after Sawai Jai Singh (1693-1744), the ruler of Amer, who established the city in 1727. In Sanskrit the the word “pur” symbolizes a city or town and the rest of “Jai” is named after Raja Jai Singh.

The Pink City History

Jaipur is an architectural wonder of India, with honeycomb-inspired palaces and towering forts. But it's not just the size and shape of the buildings that make it a standout destination for fans of the brick-and-mortar medium, the color scheme is also noteworthy. There's a reason Jaipur is known as the Pink City. 

Jaipur became known as "The Pink City" in 1876 when Maharaja Ram Singh had most of the buildings painted pink, the color of hospitality, in preparation for a visit by Queen Victoria of Britain. 

Today, the city is famous for its bazaars, forts, temples, palaces, and wildlife refuges. In this Expedition, we will visit some of the city's landmarks and see how religion, culture, and science intersected to shape the city's development.

Jaipur is India's first planned city. This is evident in the well-designed intersections and the straight, wide main streets. Jaipur, located 260 kilometers (162 miles) from the capital New Delhi, is a bustling city of over 3 million people. Tourism, gemstone cutting, jewelry manufacturing, and information technology drive the city's economy. 

The Geographic Locations and Township

Badi Chaupad ("Big Four Square") is Jaipur's large, centrally located intersection and public square. Many temples and bazaars (markets) line these streets, including the well-known Tripolia Bazaar, making it a popular tourist destination. Despite the desert climate, Jaipur's streets are tree-lined, and public and private gardens abound. 

Jaipur has a hot climate for the majority of the year, with summer temperatures frequently exceeding 110° F (43°C). Sleeping indoors without air conditioning is nearly impossible, so most homes feature flat, walled rooftops where people sleep on the hottest nights. 

The hills in the distance are the Aravalli Hills, which stretch northeast from Rajasthan to Delhi. The pale, low-lying structure at the top is Nahargarh Fort, which was built in 1734 as part of the city's defenses. 

The Famous Heritage Buildings

Hawa Mahal- The Hawa Mahal (also known as the Palace of Winds or Palace of Breezes) is one of Jaipur's most popular attractions. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Jaipur's founder, built it in 1799. 

Architect Lal Chand Ustad designed the five-story palace to resemble Krishna's crown, one of Hinduism's most important deities. The palace has no stairs, just a series of ramps.

Jantar Mantar- The park contains a collection of scientific instruments used to determine the positions and movements of stars and planets. Jantar Mantar translates as "instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens". 

It was built by Maharajah Sawai Jai Singh II and represents the merging of scientific, religious, and political power. The instruments are built out of masonry. Their large size allows them to be extremely precise. 

Amer Fort- Raja Man Singh built Amer Fort, about 7 miles outside of Jaipur, to protect the capital of Rajasthan, Amer. Other kings later expanded the fort, resulting in a structure that combines Muslim and Hindu architecture. 

The fort, constructed of sandstone and marble, is divided into four sections, each with its entrance and courtyard. 

The Mirror Palace or The Sheesh Mahal- At some point in the fort's history, the resident queen was unable to sleep outside and desired to see the stars instead. So, the hall's walls and ceiling were covered in glass images. When the candles were lit, the room was filled with thousands of "stars." 

The Mughal Garden- This garden is an illustration of Islamic design. It includes a centrally located star-shaped pool and fountain. Four paths connect the garden to various parts of the fort. Each geometric section contains a different variety of plants and flowers. 

Jaigarh Fort- This fort, built in the early 1700s to strengthen Amer Fort's defenses, was considered Jaipur's strongest. Its walls are thick sandstone, it houses a massive cannon, and it is connected to Amer Fort via underground passages. 

Other than these places, there are still numerous options to explore around the city such as Maota Lake, Amer Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Ganesh Pol, and the vibrant streets and markets.

Conclusion

Jaipur is a vibrant representation of India's rich cultural heritage and historical legacy. The Pink City's majestic forts, palaces, and intricate architecture continue to captivate visitors from all over the world. 

Beyond its historical significance, Jaipur embraces modernity while retaining its traditional charm, resulting in a distinct blend of old and new. The city's bustling markets, colorful festivals, and warm hospitality make for an unforgettable experience for those who are lucky enough to visit its streets. 

Written By- Archi Goldi

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