History of Jaipur: The Pink Jewel of Rajasthan
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is famously known as the “Pink City” and stands as a remarkable testament to India’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Founded in the 18th century, the city is renowned for its palaces, forts, and cultural vibrancy, blending the influences of Rajput, Mughal, and British eras. Jaipur’s history is a fascinating tale of strategic planning, royal legacy, and its rise as one of India’s most prominent cities.
Founding of Jaipur: Vision of a Maharaja
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. Before Jaipur, the Kachwaha dynasty ruled from Amber, a hilltop city located about 11 kilometers away. Amber, with its forts and rugged terrain, had been the capital for several centuries, but by the early 1700s, it faced challenges due to its limited water supply and inability to support the growing population. The need for a new city became pressing.
Maharaja Jai Singh II, a visionary ruler, decided to establish a new capital that would be strategically located, well-planned, and able to accommodate future growth. Unlike the haphazardly developed medieval cities of the time, Jaipur was meticulously planned from its inception. Jai Singh consulted several architects, and the most notable of them was Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a talented Bengali architect who designed the city based on ancient Indian treatises on architecture, particularly Vastu Shastra.
Jaipur: India’s First Planned City
Jaipur is often regarded as one of India’s earliest planned cities. It was designed using a grid pattern, with wide streets and defined sectors. The city was divided into nine rectangular blocks, representing the nine divisions of the universe, in alignment with the principles of Shilpa Shastra (ancient Hindu architectural texts).
Each block had specific purposes—some were for residences, while others were for markets, temples, and administrative functions. The city’s structure, which remains largely intact today, allowed for better organization and efficient trade. The marketplace design, with its wide streets and walled city gates, also made Jaipur a hub for commerce.
One of the most striking aspects of Jaipur’s design is its distinctive pink hue. In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the city to be painted pink to welcome Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, during his visit to India. The color pink, representing hospitality, has since become synonymous with Jaipur’s identity, and strict laws ensure that buildings in the old city maintain this unique aesthetic.
Rajput-Mughal Relations and Jaipur’s Rise
Jaipur’s rise as a powerful city can be attributed to its strategic alliances with the Mughal Empire. The Kachwaha Rajputs, unlike many other Rajput clans, chose to forge alliances with the Mughals, which brought them favor and protection. This relationship began in the 16th century when Maharaja Bharmal of Amber gave his daughter, Jodha Bai, in marriage to Emperor Akbar. This union marked the beginning of a strong political partnership between the two powers.
Under Mughal rule, the rulers of Jaipur held key administrative and military positions, further enhancing the city’s status. Maharaja Jai Singh II was particularly close to the Mughal emperors Aurangzeb and Muhammad Shah, and this relationship helped Jaipur prosper both politically and economically.
Despite their alliance with the Mughals, Jaipur’s Rajput rulers maintained significant autonomy within their region. They continued to construct grand palaces, forts, and temples, many of which have become symbols of Jaipur’s royal legacy. The construction of the Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort, and Jaigarh Fort are testaments to the city’s military prowess and architectural magnificence.
Jai Singh II: The Scholar-King
Beyond his role as a ruler, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was a scholar and a lover of the sciences, particularly astronomy. His passion for understanding the cosmos led him to establish several Jantar Mantar observatories, with the one in Jaipur being the largest and most significant. Built in 1734, Jantar Mantar houses a collection of large, precise astronomical instruments made of stone and marble, designed to measure time, predict eclipses, and track the positions of celestial bodies.
This scientific achievement earned Jai Singh II the title of “scholar-king,” and his observatory in Jaipur is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jaipur Under British Rule
As the British East India Company expanded its control across India in the 19th century, Jaipur, like many other princely states, entered into a treaty with the British. Unlike directly administered regions, Jaipur remained a princely state under British suzerainty. The British provided protection and recognized the autonomy of Jaipur’s rulers, allowing them to govern their internal affairs.
During the reign of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, Jaipur saw modernization efforts while still retaining its rich cultural heritage. Ram Singh was a progressive ruler, introducing new technologies and infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and the expansion of trade. Jaipur flourished as a cultural and economic center, while its royal legacy continued to thrive.
The British period also brought new influences to the city, particularly in the form of education, arts, and architecture. Several schools and colleges were established, and Jaipur became a center for learning and culture.
Post-Independence Jaipur
With India’s independence in 1947, Jaipur became part of the newly formed Republic of India. In 1949, the princely state of Jaipur merged with other neighboring states to form the modern state of Rajasthan, with Jaipur as its capital. While Jaipur’s political landscape changed, its historical and cultural significance only grew.
Today, Jaipur stands as a vibrant modern city while proudly preserving its royal past. Its palaces, forts, and pink-hued buildings continue to attract tourists from around the world. The city’s rich history, combined with its architectural brilliance and cultural vibrancy, earned Jaipur a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2019, recognizing it as one of India’s most iconic heritage cities.