Wrapped in legends and myths, the pink city of India is a place where history merges with modernity. Culturally rich, Jaipur is a city where royalty manifests itself in a magnificent way. From historic architectural to astronomical instruments, the city has something on offer for everyone. The city of royals never fails when it comes to mesmerizing the people with its charm. Here are 5 interesting facts about Jaipur that will leave you amazed:
1) Why is it called the Pink city?
Jaipur is known as the Pink City. Ever thought about where it got its name from? Under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh, Jaipur was painted pink for the grand welcome of Prince Edward of Wales.
Why Pink? Pink is traditionally the colour associated with hospitality so the city underwent a makeover. The pink colour gave Jaipur a distinctive appearance and the nickname of the Pink City.
2) First planned city of India
History states that Chandigarh is the first-ever planned city in India, but facts prove it wrong. Under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh, Jaipur was planned as per the rules and regulations of the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra.
What’s amazing is that the city was constructed within a period of 4 years, it was completed in the year 1730. Thus, making Jaipur the first ever planned city of the country.
3) Houses the architectural wonder of Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar which is a UNESCO world heritage site has also found its home in Jaipur. Built in the year 1734 by Sawai Jai Singh, the then king of Jaipur, Jantar Mantar is a complex of 9 architectural astronomical instruments. What makes the observatory unique is that one can observe the astronomical positions with the naked eye.
4) Hosts one of the largest free literary festival of the world
Jaipur is a literary enthusiast’s hub as it organises the world’s largest free literary festival, the ‘Jaipur Literature Festival’. Commenced in 2006, the Jaipur Literature Festival popularly known as JLF paves the gateway to the world of literature where you get to witness authors, litterateurs, poets, artists and literature enthusiasts from around the world. Hosted during January, the festival acknowledges the beauty of literature.
5) The land of enchanting Hawa Mahal
Resembling the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown, Hawa Mahal is another the architectural of Jaipur which comprises of a whopping 953 windows! ‘The Palace of Winds’ was built in the year 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh to enable the ladies of the royal family to catch a glimpse of the incidents happening on the street without being seen. The windows better known as Jharokhas gave the place its name as ‘Hawa Mahal’.
Jaipur is not just a city rather it an experience where every corner has its own story. So when are you planning to visit the Pink City?
Reetu416
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