One of the most popular landmarks in Jaipur, Hawa Mahal is also known as
the Palace of the Wind, Hawa Mahal is the most photographed monument
in Jaipur.
Maharaja
Sawai Pratap Singh built the Hawa Mahal in 1799. Built in red and
pink stone, the Hawa Mahal is the masterpiece of Rajput
architecture. The five-story structure-Hawa Mahal-was designed by
Lal Chand Usta. The Hawa Mahal was built to enable women of the
royal household to watch the everyday activity of the Pink City
without being noticed by others.
Famous for it's Beehive
like structure, the entrance to the Hawa Mahal is in the rear side
of the main building, the front portion of the building having no
entry at all, unlike conventional buildings. The Hawa Mahal is made
of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders
and motif's painted with quick lime.
The entrance to
the Hawa Mahal is through the City Palace and there is an imposing
gateway that opens into the courtyard. The Hawa Mahal, true to its name
is amazingly windy. As you step on the balconies you will surely have a
feeling of being swept away. Here you will find an archeological museum
that will provide you with the glimpse of the art and craft of the
place.
The monument provides a panoramic view of the city of
Jaipur. The inside of the building is simple and lacks ornamentation.
The building is five storied, pyramid shaped structure and is made up of
953 casements. The openings in windows look almost like peep holes and
it is specially designed for the women folks of the palace to watch the
goings on out side without being seen by the people. Each casement has a
tiny lattice worked (Jali) pink window, small balconies and curved roofs
with hanging cornices. The windows are delicately sculptured and carved.
ArchitectureThis five storey building of unusual
architecture designed by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput
artistry made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with
white borders and motif's painted with quick lime. Its facade from the
road side makes Hawa Mahal look more like a delicate screen than a
palace. This five-story, pyramid-shaped structure has tier after tier of
953 small casements, each with tiny lattice worked (Jali) pink windows,
small balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices, exquisitely
modeled and carved.
