City Palace

Overview

City Palace is among the most imposing buildings of Jaipur. City Palace has deep historical significance as well as beauty. It can keep a visitor engrossed for hours in the rich cornucopia of objects of beauty stored in its premises. City Palace of Jaipur is very high on the list of visitors to the Pink City.

History

Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of the Kachhwaha clan, the City Palace is a massive complex occupying nearly one seventh of the area of the city of Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II ruled here from 1699 to 1744.

Interiors of City Palace

Numerous palaces, temples, courtyards, gardens, pavilions and other buildings can be found inside the palace complex. Built according to the tradition of those times, it had a separate zenana section for the ladies.

Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace, Mubarak Mahal meaning the Auspicious Palace, Badal Mahal or Palace of Clouds, Shri Govind Temple and City Palace Museum. The way to the famous Hawa Mahal is also through the City Palace.

Mubarak Mahal, built by Maharaja Madho Singh II is the first building as one enters the City Palace complex. A majestic gateway opens into the Public Audience Hall or Diwan-e-Aam. Two massive silver vessels can also be seen here. These vessels have a legend attached to them: they were made specifically to accompany the Maharaja on his journey to UK, filled with water of the holy Ganga River, as being a devout Hindu, the King could not drink the water of infidel England!

The first two levels of the palace have been converted into a huge museum displaying the weapons, carpets, garments, paintings and other objects of the erstwhile royal occupants. The Chandra Mahal or the Moon Palace is still occupied by the royal family. Sukh Niwas that used to contain the royal drawing and dining rooms still displays the glass dining table, European silver and gold leaf decorated peep holes that also provided ventilation!

Chavi Niwas or the Hall of Images was the place where the Maharajas chilled out on a rainy evening.