Jaipur

A symphony in pink color which is a symbol of hospitality of the culture of the city, Jaipur is the most chosen destination by the tourists visiting India.

The city was founded by a Kachhwaha Rajput, Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727. He ruled the city from 1699-1744 and was also considered a great astronomer. He built Amber fort and made it as his capital initially. As the population of the city increased and paucity of water occurred, he had to shift his capital from Amber to the planes.

The city is dotted with some of the most wonderful palaces and is nestled in Aravali hills surrounded by the rugged fortresses on the hilltop. Full of legends, lore and love, the bustling city is the capital of Rajasthan state and is situated at a distance of 265 kms from the national capital of Delhi. The age old charm of Jaipur always inspires and surprises its visitors.

Architectural wonders of Jaipur city grip visitors with admiration and experience in itself is unique with synthesis of culture. Glorious past and regal splendor is strewn across with stunning backdrop of glorious monuments such as Amer, Jaigarh, Nahargarh, Moti Dungri and historic pink-painted sandstone architecture of the old part of Jaipur.

The sites in Jaipur can grip any visitor with admiration for its reflection of desert heritage. The aroma of romance and chivalry is demonstrated through the lively spirit and wonderful planning which took place during the establishment of the city. Modernity and tradition live hand-in-hand in Jaipur and fascinates the people with its true charisma.

The first planned city of India, Jaipur is a great example of Indian architecture, Shilpa Shastra. Maharaja Jai Singh II consulted several books on architecture before preparing the lay out of the city. The security aspect was on the top priority in planning the city and he centered his planning on his scientific and cultural interests to pay way for this impressive city. A great lover of science and mathematics, he consulted Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, one of the best scholars of Bengal to design the architecture of city. A thorough research was done based on astronomy and books of Ptolemy and Euclid were also taken into consideration in construction of city.

It took four years to complete the major buildings such as palaces, roads and square along with nine blocks, two of them were kept by the ruler himself to built state buildings and palaces. The seven blocks were offered to the people for living. The seven gates were designed all around to enter the city and the city was surrounded by huge fortified walls to ensure safety.

Jaipur is enriched with heritage and culture and offers many great sites to the tourists.

Some of the sites are:

• Amber Fort
• Jaigarh Fort
• Nahargarh fort
• Central Museum
• Hawa Mahal
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Sisodia Rani Garden

Cuisine

A Real taste of the royalty of Jaipur, cuisine offered in Jaipur is ultimate which gratifies the appetite of every taste offering many delicacies.

Some of the famous delicacies of Jaipur are Dal-Bati Churma, Dahi Vada, Mawa Kachori, Besan Ka Gatta, Ker Sangri, Pyaaz Ki Kachauri, Chakke Ki Sabji and Jodhpur Ki Rabri.

However Rajasthani Food is usually vegetarian, pure and nutritious but lot of ghee and butter is used in cooking the food.

 

People

Rugged, the word is used to describe the people of Jaipur. Untouched by swiftness of modernity, the locals prefer to wear bright colored clothes and usually are well built, cheerful and simple of every aspect.

Red, yellow, green and orange are the famous colors to prepare the attires of women adding the traditional work of gold, silver, zari and gota.

Men are spotted wearing bright colored turbans of tie and die work and earrings everywhere and loads of silver jewelry is worn by the tribal women.

 

Languages

Rajasthani language, changing little bit with every region is the biggest medium for communication in Rajasthan.

The prevalence of Hindi and English make it easier for people from other states of India and foreign national to communicate.

 

Religion

Hinduism is spread and followed all over the Jaipur city. However, other religions which exist in Jaipur are Jainism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity.

 

Folk Dance and Music

Mixing joy, liveliness and unity in the environment of the city, Jaipur is famous all over the world for its folk dances and music. Folk dances and music are deep rooted in the people of desert lands of Rajasthan.

Ghoomar is the famed dance of Jaipur flaunted by ladies wearing huge skirts called ghagras while dancing. Music is a big part of everyone’s life and royal interest of Rajputs is reflected through Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many other instruments.