Jaipur history

The history of Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan in India, is relatively short compared to the country's ancient cities, yet it is unique due to its thoughtful planning and rich heritage. The city was founded in an era when many Indian principalities were reaching their zenith.

Foundation and Unique Planning

The city was laid out in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer. The primary reason for building a new capital was the growing scarcity of water and space in the old capital, Amer Fort, located in hilly terrain. Unlike most cities of that time, which grew chaotically, Jaipur was designed from scratch according to a unified plan. Its structure is based on ancient Indian architectural treatises, such as "Vastu Shastra". The city was divided into nine rectangular sectors, surrounded by a fortress wall with gates, and its wide straight streets became its hallmark.

Key Factors of Development

Several factors contributed to the rapid development of Jaipur:

• Political Significance: Becoming the new capital of the powerful Kachwaha Rajput clan, the city immediately acquired high status and became a centre of power in the region.
• Trade and Crafts: Thanks to its strategic location and convenient layout, Jaipur quickly turned into a major trading hub. Merchants and artisans flocked here, and the city remains famous to this day for its jewellery, gemstone processing, textiles, and pottery art.
• Science and Culture: The city's founder, Jai Singh II, was not only a warrior and politician but also a keen astronomer. By his order, one of the largest observatories of that time — Jantar Mantar — was built in the city, which attracted scholars and thinkers to Jaipur.

Origin of the Nickname "The Pink City"

Jaipur received its famous nickname — "The Pink City" — significantly later, in 1876. In anticipation of the visit of the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, Maharaja Ram Singh ordered all buildings in the old city to be painted pink (or terracotta), a colour traditionally associated with hospitality in Indian culture. This tradition has been preserved to this day, giving the historic city centre a unique appearance.

Chronology of Jaipur's History

From its foundation by an enlightened Maharaja to its recognition on the world stage — here are the key milestones in the history of "The Pink City".

• 1727 — Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II founds the city of Jaipur as the new, carefully planned capital of his principality, moving it from Amber Fort.
• 1734 — Construction is completed on Jantar Mantar, one of the largest and best-preserved ancient observatories in the world.
• 1749 — The city's tallest tower, Sargasuli (Isar Lat), is erected to commemorate a victory in battle.
• 1799 — By order of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the famous Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds") is built, becoming the symbol of Jaipur.
• 1818 — The Princely State of Jaipur signs a treaty with the British East India Company, formally coming under British protectorate while retaining internal autonomy.
• 1876 — In honour of the visit of the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII), buildings in the old city are painted pink, a colour symbolising hospitality, which forever cements Jaipur's nickname as "The Pink City".
• 1887 — Construction of the Albert Hall Museum, a magnificent example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, is completed.
• 1949 — Following India's independence, Jaipur officially becomes the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan.
• 2010 — The Jantar Mantar astronomical observatory is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• 2019 — The historic walled city of Jaipur is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list, confirming its unique cultural and architectural value.

Key Stages of Jaipur's Development

The history of Jaipur is a journey from a carefully planned princely capital to one of the most important tourist and economic centres of modern India. The city has passed through several key stages that defined its current appearance and status.

• Foundation according to canons (1727): Unlike many medieval cities, Jaipur was built according to a unified urban plan based on the ancient Indian treatises of "Vastu Shastra". This ensured the city had wide straight streets and clear zoning, which contributed to its rapid growth as a commercial centre.
• Becoming "The Pink City" (1876): For the visit of the Prince of Wales, buildings in the old city were painted in a terracotta (pink) colour, symbolising hospitality. This initiative not only created a unique architectural look but also secured the city's famous nickname, which became a brand.
• Capital of Rajasthan (1949): After India gained independence and the principalities were unified, Jaipur became the administrative centre of the new state of Rajasthan. This strengthened its political and economic significance on a national scale.
• Centre of the "Golden Triangle" (20th Century): In the 20th century, Jaipur became an integral part of India's main tourist route, the "Golden Triangle" (Delhi — Agra — Jaipur). This status transformed the city into one of the most visited in the country and gave a powerful boost to the development of tourism infrastructure.
• Development of Industry and Crafts: Historically, the city is a major centre for gemstone processing, textile production, carpets, and ceramics. In the 20th and 21st centuries, these traditional crafts entered the global market, strengthening the city's economy.
• Infrastructure Modernisation (2015): The launch of the metro in 2015 became an important symbol of Jaipur's modernisation. The new transport system helped cope with the growing load on the urban environment and connected historic districts with modern ones.
• UNESCO Recognition (2019): The inclusion of the historic centre of Jaipur in the UNESCO World Heritage list officially confirmed its exceptional cultural and architectural value. This status promotes the preservation of the city's unique heritage and attracts even more history enthusiasts from around the world.

The architecture of Jaipur is a unique phenomenon based on a strict urban planning concept and the harmonious fusion of several cultural traditions. Unlike many medieval cities that grew spontaneously, Jaipur was initially built according to a unified plan based on the ancient Indian treatise "Vastu Shastra". The city was divided into nine rectangular sectors, which was a pioneering solution for 18th-century India.

Synthesis of Rajput and Mughal Styles (18th Century)

The initial stage of the city's development defined its main architectural appearance — majestic yet elegant. It combined traditional Rajput architecture with elements borrowed from the Great Mughals. From the Rajputs, the style inherited carved balconies (jharokhas), domed pavilions (chhatris), and courtyards. Mughal influence was evident in the use of arches, massive portals, and intricate stone lattice carvings (jalis). This synthesis is particularly visible in the iconic structures of the era.

• City Palace: A complex that still serves as the residence of the descendants of the Maharajas, it is a textbook example of the fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles. It includes numerous courtyards, gardens, and buildings that demonstrate the richness of decor and thoughtful planning.
• Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"): Built in 1799, this famous pink sandstone facade with 953 windows is the quintessence of Rajput architecture. Its primary purpose was to allow the women of the royal court to observe street life while remaining unseen.
• Jantar Mantar: This observatory consists of a complex of giant architectural astronomical instruments built by the city's founder. Here, form is completely subordinate to scientific function, making it a unique monument of engineering and architectural thought.

Indo-Saracenic Style (Late 19th Century)

During the period of British influence, a new direction appeared in Jaipur's architecture — the Indo-Saracenic style. It represents an eclectic combination of Indian (Hindu and Mughal) and European (mainly Neo-Gothic and Neoclassical) elements. British architects sought to create a style that would symbolise the continuity of power, uniting local traditions with imperial ambitions.

• Albert Hall Museum: This building is the most striking example of the Indo-Saracenic style in Jaipur. Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, the museum combines arcades, chhatri domes, and turrets characteristic of Rajasthan with a general structure reminiscent of European public buildings of that era.

Modern Development

Modern architecture in Jaipur strives to preserve historical identity. New buildings, especially near the historic centre, are often painted in terracotta and pink shades, mimicking "The Pink City". Although modern residential and commercial complexes are being actively built outside the old walls, their design often features stylised elements of traditional Rajput architecture, such as jalis and small decorative balconies, helping to maintain the city's unique atmosphere.

Notable Figures in the History of Jaipur

The history of Jaipur is rich with the names of rulers, architects, artists, and modern celebrities who have left an indelible mark on the city's development and culture.

Founders and Rulers

• Sawai Jai Singh II (1688–1743) — The founder of Jaipur, an enlightened monarch, warrior, astronomer, and urban planner. It was by his decree in 1727 that the city was laid out with a grid layout unique for its time. He also founded the famous Jantar Mantar observatory, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Sawai Pratap Singh (1764–1803) — The grandson of the city's founder, who went down in history as the creator of one of Jaipur's main symbols — the Hawa Mahal ("Palace of Winds"). This Maharaja was also a poet and a patron of the arts.
• Sawai Ram Singh II (1835–1880) — A reformist Maharaja and amateur photographer. It was during his reign, in 1876, that the city was painted pink in honour of the Prince of Wales's visit, which gave Jaipur its famous nickname "The Pink City". He also promoted the development of education and infrastructure.
• Gayatri Devi (1919–2009) — The last Maharani of Jaipur, wife of Maharaja Man Singh II. Recognised as a style icon of her time, she was also a successful politician, elected to the Indian parliament three times. Gayatri Devi made a huge contribution to the development of education for girls in Rajasthan.

Architects and Artists

• Vidyadhar Bhattacharya — The chief architect and urban planner of Jaipur. It was he who, following the instructions of Sawai Jai Singh II and the principles of ancient Indian treatises, developed the unique city plan that still commands admiration for its logic and harmony.
• Kripal Singh Shekhawat (1922–2008) — An outstanding artist and master credited with reviving the traditional art of Jaipur Blue Pottery in the 20th century. His works helped this craft gain global recognition.

Modern Celebrities

• Irrfan Khan (1967–2020) — A world-renowned Indian actor, born and raised in Jaipur. Starring in Hollywood and Bollywood hits such as "Slumdog Millionaire", "Life of Pi", and "Inferno", he became one of the most recognisable faces of modern Indian cinema on the global stage.