Jared A Martin

Navigating the vibrant streets of Jaipur, the “Pink City,” with my wife has been a truly special experience. We’ve been fortunate enough to visit her hometown twice, both times to celebrate family weddings. These multi-day affairs were filled with preparations, and we spent a good deal of time in the bustling markets, searching for the perfect attire. Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations and endless shopping trips for exquisite sarees and lehengas, I would often find myself wandering off to explore the nearby historic architecture. This photo set is a small glimpse into the beautiful chaos of those trips, capturing both the timeless elegance of Jaipur’s palaces and the energy of its old-city markets.

Jaipur’s founding in 1727 was a masterclass in urban planning, with its layout designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya according to the principles of Vastu Shastra which is a traditional Hindu system of architecture that translates to “science of architecture.” Based on ancient texts, its principles guide design, layout, and spatial geometry to integrate structures with nature. By utilizing geometric patterns, symmetry, and directional alignments, this system aims to foster harmony between people and their surroundings by aligning spaces with natural forces like sunlight, wind, and gravity.

Rajput architecture is a style of building associated with the forts and palaces of Rajput rulers in India. It encompasses a wide variety of religious and military structures, including temples, palaces, and forts built for defense. While distinctly Indian, this style was also heavily influenced by both Mughal and European architecture, eventually leading to the Indo-Saracenic style. Notable examples include the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, as well as palaces like the Hawa Mahal and Jal Mahal in Jaipur.

The Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of Winds,” is a distinctive five-story palace in Jaipur, built in 1799 from red and pink sandstone. Its most famous feature is its facade, which resembles a honeycomb with 953 small, intricately carved windows called jharokhas. This unique design allowed royal women to observe street life below without being seen and also created a Venturi effect, allowing cool breezes to circulate through the palace during hot summers. Designed by Lal Chand Ustad, the Hawa Mahal is an impressive blend of Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal architectural styles.

The Jal Mahal, or “Water Palace,” is a stunning example of Rajput architecture located in the middle of Jaipur’s Man Sagar Lake. Originally built around 1699, it was later renovated and expanded by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The palace, constructed from local sandstone, appears to be a two-story building, but it is actually a five-story structure with its lower levels submerged in the lake. The King built this palace to spend time with the Queen and to celebrate special occasions in a cool, serene environment. Its design includes traditional Bengal-style roofs and four octagonal chhatris on the terrace, which once featured a lush garden. The palace is an architectural marvel and a testament to the region’s rich history.

Rulers of the princely states of British India continued to commission vast palaces and other buildings in the Rajput style, like the Albert Hall Museum, well into the 20th and 21st centuries.