Hawa Mahal , Jaipur
Built in
1799, by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh the 'Hawa Mahal',
Palace of the Wind, is one of the major landmarks of
Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace, an
extension of the Zenana (women's chambers) standing away
from the main complex. This 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. The monument with a
spectacular view of Jaipur city with road avenues,
intersections and colourful crowds in the market, was
originally conceived with the aim of enabling ladies of
the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal
processions in the city without being seen by others.
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. These small
windows circulate cool air (Hawa) even in hot months. The
pyramidal outline is even throughout by cramming and
multiplying casements; and uses repetition of motifs to
enhance its beauty.
The
entrance to Hawa Mahal is from the City Palace side,
through a stately door which opens into a spacious
courtyard. The courtyard has a double storeyed building on
three sides. There is a small archeological museum here.
Only the eastern wing has three more storeys above, which
are just a single room thick. The building, standing on a
high podium, is a fifty-foot high thin shield, less than a
foot in thickness, with small intimate chambers , which
give this palace its unique facade. There are no regular
stairs to reach the upper floors, but only ramps.
Hawa Mahal which is currently under the supervision of the
State archeological department provides the visitor with
excellent views of the city. The best time to view Hawa
Mahal is sunrise when sunlight through the latticed
windows gives it a wonderful glow.
The
Impressive Architecture - Hawa Mahal
In
Jaipur, the facades seem to have become as ornate as
the interiors and sometimes, as in the case of the Hawa
Mahal, Even more so. The Hawa Mahal, part of the Jaipur
city palace complex is a familiar landmark, and is ties of
pierced windows overlooking the street below.
In fact, the façade pretty much characterises what for, on
the inside the building is no more than a series of
corridors with windows overlooking the street. Its purpose
was simply to allow the royal women a view of ceremonial
processions while seated behind the small windows.
Allowing them to look out without themselves being seen.
Famous for it's beehive like structure, the Hava Mahal is
interplay of red and pink sand stone, carefully and
painstakingly outlined with white borders and motifs. The
palaces and forts of yesteryears, which were witness to
the royal processions and splendours are now living
monuments, accepted quite naturally into the lifestyle of
the people of Jaipur.
