Place : Jaipur, Rajasthan
Highlight : Chandra Mahal
Best time to visit : October to February
Timings : Open 0930 - 1630 hrs.
Located in the capital of Rajasthan, the City Palace of Jaipur or the main palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthan and Mughal architecture. The vast palace complex occupies one seventh of the walled city of Jaipur. Originally built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan of Rajputs, additions have been made to the palace complex by many of his successors.
The complex is divided into a series of courtyards, sprawling gardens and buildings. It is home to several palatial structures like the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Badal Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
In the first courtyard is the 'Mubarak Mahal', built by Maharaja Madho Singh II in the late 19th century. The Mubarak Mahal, or the Auspicious Palace, contains the textile section of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. There is a magnificent gateway with a grand door in brass opening to a stately courtyard. There lies the Diwan-I-Khas or 'Hall of Private Audience'- an open hall with a double row of columns with scalloped arches. On display are the two largest silver vessels in the world figured in the Guinness Book of World Records. These were used for carrying water from the holy Ganges for personal use, by Madho Singh II on his journey to England. Across the paved square, with its intricate decorations in deep red and gold, Afghan and Persian carpets, miniature paintings, astronomical manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit lies the 'Diwan-E-Aam' or the 'Hall of Public Audience'. At the other corner is the gateway Ridhi Sidhi Pol, with four small doorways decorated with motifs depicting the four seasons.
To the north-west is the graceful seven storeyed 'Chandra Mahal', or the Moon Palace, home to the present Maharaja of Jaipur; Bhavani Singh, providing a fine view of the gardens and the city. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings in the traditional style adorn the palace. Each storey has a distinctive name and is a place of sheer beauty and luxury. The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal, form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The museum has an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and 15th century weapons. The paintings include miniatures of Rajasthani, Persian and Mughal schools. A section of museum also contains dresses and costumes of the former Maharajas and Maharanis of Jaipur.
'Sukh Nivas' or Hall of rest holds the drawing and dining room of the Maharaja, furnished with Mughal miniatures, European silver, glass dining tables and peep holes decorated with gold leafs, for ventilation. On the fourth floor of the 'Chandra Mahal' is the 'Shobha Nivas' or Hall of Beauty with mirror encrusted walls having exquisite blue tiled dadoes and glittering gold leaf and mica decoration. When the room was lit after dark the Maharajas could enjoy a breathtaking spectacle of the room bursting into a thousand flickering images. The Shobha Nivas and the Sukh Nivas is still occupied by the present Maharaja. The fifth floor is the 'Chhavi Nivas' or Hall of Images, the maharajas retreat in the rainy season, with a polished floor of eggshell stucco and blue and white painted walls. The sixth floor with its mirrored ceiling and stucco floor has rows of double columns through which one can have a magnificent view of the rugged hills. The uppermost storey is called the 'Mukut Mahal' or the Crown Building.
Opposite the Chandra Mahal lies the 'Badal Mahal'. The Govind Devji Temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. A delightful system of fountains is placed in the middle of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. Another integral part of the palace complex is the Hawa Mahal of unusual architecture, standing away from the main complex.
How to Get There
Air: Jaipur is connected to Delhi (300Km), Mumbai, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, Calcutta and Varanasi by domestic flights.
Rail: The train service to Jaipur is available from all the major parts of the country.
Road: Jaipur can be accessed from all the major places in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Mumbai by bus.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Folk Dance of Rajasthan
Folk dances forms have evolved over the centuries in the heart of India's desert land. These hypnotic dances performed by the men and women in the villages of Rajasthan, North India add color and brilliance to the festivals, fairs and other occasions marked by celebrations. These folk dances and folk arts are reflective of the vibrant culture of Rajasthan, North India.
Most of the folk art forms and folk dances of Rajasthan, North India have been passed down from one generation to the other and are specifically performed on several occasions, fairs and festivals. These folk dances interwoven with the traditions, festivals and fairs form an important part of Rajasthan's culture.
Some of the popular folk dances that are an important part of the traditions and culture of Rajasthan, North India are the Ghair dance, Ghoomar dance, Gauri dance, Raika dance and the Jhoria dance. The Ghair dance is performed by the ladies of a community on auspicious functions.
Another interesting folk dance that is performed by women during wedding ceremonies is the Chari dance. Women dance with an arrangement of pots and a lighted lamp balanced on their heads.
Another popular folk dance form of Rajasthan, North India is the Kalbelia dance that is specially performed by the men and women of the Kalbelia tribe who have been snake charmers for generations.
Other well-known folk dances of Rajasthan, North India are Terah Taali, Kathputli dance; drum dance, fire dance and the Matka-bhawai dance.
Most of the folk art forms and folk dances of Rajasthan, North India have been passed down from one generation to the other and are specifically performed on several occasions, fairs and festivals. These folk dances interwoven with the traditions, festivals and fairs form an important part of Rajasthan's culture.
Some of the popular folk dances that are an important part of the traditions and culture of Rajasthan, North India are the Ghair dance, Ghoomar dance, Gauri dance, Raika dance and the Jhoria dance. The Ghair dance is performed by the ladies of a community on auspicious functions.
Another interesting folk dance that is performed by women during wedding ceremonies is the Chari dance. Women dance with an arrangement of pots and a lighted lamp balanced on their heads.
Another popular folk dance form of Rajasthan, North India is the Kalbelia dance that is specially performed by the men and women of the Kalbelia tribe who have been snake charmers for generations.
Other well-known folk dances of Rajasthan, North India are Terah Taali, Kathputli dance; drum dance, fire dance and the Matka-bhawai dance.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar Jaipur
¤ Jantar Mantar- Colossal Observatory Jantar Mantar, built between 1728 and 1734, literally means the ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. Jai Singh, the brain behind the grand project, chose stone with marble facing. This was the biggest of all his observatories and the only one built of stone. He used it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each instrument is rather complex but serves a particular function where time plays the main theme.¤ Instruments Used in Jantar Mantar The instruments and their functions are given below in the order of their anti-clockwise position in the complex. The large Kranti Yantra was employed for the measurement of the longitude and latitude of the celestial bodies. The Diganta Yantra was deviced to measure the azimuth (arc of the celestial great circle from Zenith to horizon) of planetary bodies. Similarly, the Small Ram Yantra and the Large Ram Yantra are used to find the altitude and the azimuth. The Chakra Yantra gives the angular measurement of an object from the equator. The Jai Prakash Yantra determines the precise coordinates of celestial bodies and the small iron plate strung between the crosswires gives the sun’s longitude and latitude and the zodiacal sign that it is passing through. Its main function is to keep an eye on all the other instruments. ¤ Adequacy of Specific Yantras The Rashivalayas Yantra operates in the same manner as that of the Samrat Yantra and has one sundial for each of the zodiac signs. Five of them (Gemini, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo and Leo) are at the back from north to south. Aries and Libra face them followed by Aquarius, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio and Sagittarius from north to south. It helps in taking readings the moment each zodiacal sign crosses the meridian. The Large Samrat Yantra is based on the same principle as that of the small one but in size it is 10 times larger and more accurate by 2 secs. The sundial is 27.4m high and is still used on the Guru Purnima (full moon day in the month of Jul/Aug) to forecast the onset of monsoon. The Dakshina Yantra is a wall is aligned along the north-south meridian. It is mainly used to observe the position and movement of the celestial bodies when they pass over the meridian. The Disha Yantra has only one function and that is to point towards the north. The Unnathamsa Yantra is used to find the altitudes of the astral bodies. Observations can be made round the clock and the sunken steps help in taking readings from any portion of the dial. The Raj Yantra or the King of Instruments is used only once a year to calculate the Hindu calendar, the details of which are based on the Jaipur Standard. To do so a telescope is fixed over the central hole. A bar for sighting is then attached at the back of the instrument. The plain disk is used to record the sightings.The Observer’s Seat belonged to Maharaja Jai Singh and was used for observing the wonders of the sky and universe. The Narivalya Yantra is a sundial with two dials; one facing north when the sun is in the Northern Hemisphere (21 Mar-21 Sep) and the other facing south for the rest of the year. The Dhruva Yantra helps in finding the position of the Pole Star at night and also those of the 12 zodiac signs. It is based on an entirely different system to what is used today for the same purpose. Traditionally, human breath, approximately of 6 secs was used as the standard unit of measurement. The Small Samrat Yantra is a triangular structure and has a large sundial with quadrants at the borders given in hours and minutes. The arc on the left displays the time from sunrise to midday and the one on the right from midday to sunset. The sundials have been constructed on Latitude 27°N and the reading can be adjusted to the Indian Standard Time (84°N) but that must be done according to the month and the solar position.
Article is taken from http://www.indiasite.com/rajasthan/jaipur/jantarmantar.html
for more info you can visit at this link
¤ Jantar Mantar- Colossal Observatory Jantar Mantar, built between 1728 and 1734, literally means the ‘instruments for measuring the harmony of the heavens’. Jai Singh, the brain behind the grand project, chose stone with marble facing. This was the biggest of all his observatories and the only one built of stone. He used it daily, often with his astronomy gurus Pandit Jagannath and Kewal Ram. In all there are 17 instruments in the Jantar Mantar complex. The function of each instrument is rather complex but serves a particular function where time plays the main theme.¤ Instruments Used in Jantar Mantar The instruments and their functions are given below in the order of their anti-clockwise position in the complex. The large Kranti Yantra was employed for the measurement of the longitude and latitude of the celestial bodies. The Diganta Yantra was deviced to measure the azimuth (arc of the celestial great circle from Zenith to horizon) of planetary bodies. Similarly, the Small Ram Yantra and the Large Ram Yantra are used to find the altitude and the azimuth. The Chakra Yantra gives the angular measurement of an object from the equator. The Jai Prakash Yantra determines the precise coordinates of celestial bodies and the small iron plate strung between the crosswires gives the sun’s longitude and latitude and the zodiacal sign that it is passing through. Its main function is to keep an eye on all the other instruments. ¤ Adequacy of Specific Yantras The Rashivalayas Yantra operates in the same manner as that of the Samrat Yantra and has one sundial for each of the zodiac signs. Five of them (Gemini, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo and Leo) are at the back from north to south. Aries and Libra face them followed by Aquarius, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio and Sagittarius from north to south. It helps in taking readings the moment each zodiacal sign crosses the meridian. The Large Samrat Yantra is based on the same principle as that of the small one but in size it is 10 times larger and more accurate by 2 secs. The sundial is 27.4m high and is still used on the Guru Purnima (full moon day in the month of Jul/Aug) to forecast the onset of monsoon. The Dakshina Yantra is a wall is aligned along the north-south meridian. It is mainly used to observe the position and movement of the celestial bodies when they pass over the meridian. The Disha Yantra has only one function and that is to point towards the north. The Unnathamsa Yantra is used to find the altitudes of the astral bodies. Observations can be made round the clock and the sunken steps help in taking readings from any portion of the dial. The Raj Yantra or the King of Instruments is used only once a year to calculate the Hindu calendar, the details of which are based on the Jaipur Standard. To do so a telescope is fixed over the central hole. A bar for sighting is then attached at the back of the instrument. The plain disk is used to record the sightings.The Observer’s Seat belonged to Maharaja Jai Singh and was used for observing the wonders of the sky and universe. The Narivalya Yantra is a sundial with two dials; one facing north when the sun is in the Northern Hemisphere (21 Mar-21 Sep) and the other facing south for the rest of the year. The Dhruva Yantra helps in finding the position of the Pole Star at night and also those of the 12 zodiac signs. It is based on an entirely different system to what is used today for the same purpose. Traditionally, human breath, approximately of 6 secs was used as the standard unit of measurement. The Small Samrat Yantra is a triangular structure and has a large sundial with quadrants at the borders given in hours and minutes. The arc on the left displays the time from sunrise to midday and the one on the right from midday to sunset. The sundials have been constructed on Latitude 27°N and the reading can be adjusted to the Indian Standard Time (84°N) but that must be done according to the month and the solar position.
Article is taken from http://www.indiasite.com/rajasthan/jaipur/jantarmantar.html
for more info you can visit at this link
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal, which adjoins the famous City Palace wall, was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has now become one of the major landmarks of Jaipur. The palace is shaped like a pyramid and is a five-storied building, with number of small windows and screens, with arched roofs. As one looks at this building, one realizes that the rear side of the building is comparatively very plain and lacks much of ornamentation. One is rather surprised at the contrast, since in the front there is intricate carving and much attention has been paid to even minute details yet the backside is more a mass of pillars and passages.
Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. This does explain why Hawa Mahal has such tiny windows and many screened balconies. The royal ladies could look below at the people without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.
The Hawa Mahal is a great example of the Rajputana architecture, which was strongly influenced by Mughal style of architecture. This particular style of building that we observe in Hawa Mahal, uses the best features of Mughal architecture with other features that could better adapt to the inhospitable weather conditions of Rajasthan.
The Hawa Mahal is a popular place among visitors to Rajasthan because of the amazing view it offers of the city and particularly Jantar Mantar (another tourist attraction). Many insist that the best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning, right when the sun is rising. As the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun, it looks like a fantastic image conjured up by the mind in a trance. The palace glows like an impalpable dream, which makes you feel that even if you dare blink your eyes, it will quickly dissolve into thin air.
If you want to see this beautiful palace up close, then pack your bags and come to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and spend your holidays visiting Hawa Mahal and other numerous tourist attractions in an around the city.
Since the Hawa Mahal was built at a time when women of the royal families had to observe strict purdah, many believe that the Hawa Mahal was built, just so these ladies could watch the processions and various activities taking place on the streets. This does explain why Hawa Mahal has such tiny windows and many screened balconies. The royal ladies could look below at the people without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.
The Hawa Mahal is a great example of the Rajputana architecture, which was strongly influenced by Mughal style of architecture. This particular style of building that we observe in Hawa Mahal, uses the best features of Mughal architecture with other features that could better adapt to the inhospitable weather conditions of Rajasthan.
The Hawa Mahal is a popular place among visitors to Rajasthan because of the amazing view it offers of the city and particularly Jantar Mantar (another tourist attraction). Many insist that the best time to visit Hawa Mahal is in the early morning, right when the sun is rising. As the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun, it looks like a fantastic image conjured up by the mind in a trance. The palace glows like an impalpable dream, which makes you feel that even if you dare blink your eyes, it will quickly dissolve into thin air.
If you want to see this beautiful palace up close, then pack your bags and come to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and spend your holidays visiting Hawa Mahal and other numerous tourist attractions in an around the city.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Jaipur Kings
Jai Singh II was supremely talented - politically, intellectually and on the battlefield, he was known as the warrior-astronomer. In 1696 he had earned the title of 'Sawai' meaning 'One and a Quarter' (Intelligence) from emperor Aurangzeb after the emperor was impressed by his wit and pluck , a title which was proudly borne by all of Jai Singh's descendants.
The Kingdom of Kachhawahas spread a lot in all sphere, eventually encompassing a large area which abutted the kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur region) and Marwar (Jodhpur region). The history of Kachhawahas can be traced back to Duleh Rai , son of Sodh Dev, the Kachhawaha ruler of Narwar (Near Gwalior), migrated to Dausa.
Duleh Rai was a Kachhawahas who could trace his lineage to Rama, hero of the sun-born dynasty immortalised in Ramayana. He was married to the daughter of Chauhans of Ajmer. Duleh Rai's also known as 'Tej Karan' , his son Kabil Dev is known to have established dynastic rule in Amber which was the most important stronghold of the Minas.
Amber is situated 11 kms out of Jaipur on the Delhi to Jaipur road. The Kachhawahas originally hailed from Narwar (Near Gwalior) where they reigned for over 800 years. A martial alliance between a Kachhawahas prince, Tej Karan, and a rajput princess of Chauhans of Ajmer resulted in the capturing of the region of Dausa. Tej Karan was able to defeat the Bargujras who ruled half of Dausa, the other half being under the dominance of the Chauhans.
Tej Karan's descendants converted the hill top on which Amber Fort was later built, recognizing its Virtue as a potential military stronghold. The Site was eventually princed from its original inhabitants, the susawat Minas, and the Minas were granted guardship of the Kachhawahas treasury in return.
The Kachhawahas , despite being devout Hindu belonging to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, recognized the expediency of aligning themselves with the powerful Mughal Empire. They paid homage at the Mughal court, and cemented the relationship with marital alliances. They were handsomely rewarded for their bravery defending the mughals in their various skirmishes. With war loots they were able to finance construction of the fortress palace at Amber, which began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's Army. Man Singh was known to be a navratna (One of the Nine Jewels) in the court of Akbar.
The Kingdom of Kachhawahas spread a lot in all sphere, eventually encompassing a large area which abutted the kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur region) and Marwar (Jodhpur region). The history of Kachhawahas can be traced back to Duleh Rai , son of Sodh Dev, the Kachhawaha ruler of Narwar (Near Gwalior), migrated to Dausa.
Duleh Rai was a Kachhawahas who could trace his lineage to Rama, hero of the sun-born dynasty immortalised in Ramayana. He was married to the daughter of Chauhans of Ajmer. Duleh Rai's also known as 'Tej Karan' , his son Kabil Dev is known to have established dynastic rule in Amber which was the most important stronghold of the Minas.
Amber is situated 11 kms out of Jaipur on the Delhi to Jaipur road. The Kachhawahas originally hailed from Narwar (Near Gwalior) where they reigned for over 800 years. A martial alliance between a Kachhawahas prince, Tej Karan, and a rajput princess of Chauhans of Ajmer resulted in the capturing of the region of Dausa. Tej Karan was able to defeat the Bargujras who ruled half of Dausa, the other half being under the dominance of the Chauhans.
Tej Karan's descendants converted the hill top on which Amber Fort was later built, recognizing its Virtue as a potential military stronghold. The Site was eventually princed from its original inhabitants, the susawat Minas, and the Minas were granted guardship of the Kachhawahas treasury in return.
The Kachhawahas , despite being devout Hindu belonging to the Kshatriya (warrior) caste, recognized the expediency of aligning themselves with the powerful Mughal Empire. They paid homage at the Mughal court, and cemented the relationship with marital alliances. They were handsomely rewarded for their bravery defending the mughals in their various skirmishes. With war loots they were able to finance construction of the fortress palace at Amber, which began in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh, the Rajput commander of Akbar's Army. Man Singh was known to be a navratna (One of the Nine Jewels) in the court of Akbar.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Pink City
Jaipur, (City of Victory) was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II, a Kachhwaha Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. Being a brainchild of the maharaja, he took special interest in the designing planning and execution works of Jaipur. The city has been divided into nine blocks of which two are kept for the City Palace Complex and other state buildings, whereas the other seven blocks were earmarked for the public. The city was encircled by the city wall, which opened at seven gates or darwazas. In 1728 maharaja jai Singh II built the remarkable observatory, which is still one of Jaipur's main attractions. The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid-out avenues; all painted pink that gives a magical glow to the city, especially in the evenings. Jaipur therefore is blessed with the opulence of cultural and architectural beauty that surpasses most other regions of India. All of this can be easily seen in the various sites of historical and aesthetic significance that dot the city.
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