Jaipur, also known as the pink city, is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in India. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in November 1727 and also got its name from this brave Hindu ruler. Located in Northern India, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and also the largest city in this state.
As per the latest census the city includes a total population of 32,60,516 with approximately 77% of its inhabitants being Hindus, around 17% being Muslims, 4.5% being Jains, 1% being Sikhs and 0.5% being Christians. The sex ratio in Jaipur is 909 females per 1,000 males and the population density per square kilometer is 598. Hindi, Rajasthani and Marwari are the common languages spoken in the city. English and Punjabi are also spoken widely here.
Architecture of Jaipur
The main attraction of Jaipur is its archetypal architecture. The city was planned as per the Indian Vastu Shastra, a science that promotes well being and prosperity. The directions of all the streets and markets in Jaipur are East to West and North to South. Jai Singh II made sure that the entire Jaipur city was planned as per the Hindu architectural theory. The town is constructed in the form of eight-part Mandala which is called Pithapada.
The city encompasses various magnificent edifices that enhance its beauty. Its forts and monuments such as Hawa Mahal City Palace, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Nahar Garh Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Amber Fort are famous world over. The structures here are built with the rare pink-painted sandstone and it is thus known by the name Pink City.
While Jai Singh II worked hard on planning and developing the city, his successors continued to work towards its betterment.
Art and Culture of Jaipur
Jaipur is known for its rich culture. People here are known for their warm and friendly attitude. They love to dress in vibrant attires clubbed with beautifully carved jewelry. If you want to have a closer look at the cityâs art and culture then a visit to the Jawahar Kala Kendra and Ravindra Manch is a must. These cultural centers have helped in promoting the cityâs culture to a great extent. The Albert Hall Museum and the government Museum at Hawa Mahal also include various art pieces and antiques that give a glimpse of Jaipurâs pulsating culture.
Jaipurâs Mughal and Rajput rulers treasured art and as a result invited various skilled artists from across the globe to showcase their talent. These artists and craftsmen churned several unique pieces of art on the demand of these rulers and many of them even settled in the city to continue their good work. Art and craft prospered here in the presence of such talented artisans. Jaipur is famous for Bhandhani, Block printing, Kinari, Gota, Zari and Zardozi. Jaipurâs Blue pottery, Ivory carving, Silver, Kundan and Meenakari jewelry are also popular.
Folk music and dance are other major attractions of this city. Ghoomar, where the women perform dance wearing colorful flowing ghagharas and Chari, where the dancers perform with pots including lit diyas on their head are a visual delight for the audience. The Jaipur Gharana for Kathak is also famous.
The melodious music of instruments such as Sarangi, Jhalar and Ektara adds to the overall experience of listening to the traditional Rajasthani folk songs.
Food in Jaipur
Jaipur offers some mouthwatering cuisines. Dal Bati Churma, Missi Roti and the exceptionally large pyaaz kachori are among the popular dishes prepared here. Those of you who love sweets must try the delicious Ghevar, Chaugani ke laddu and Moong thal available here.
Festivals in Jaipur
Jaipur organizes several fairs and celebrates various festivals including the Gangaur festival, Teej festival, Chaksu Fair, Elephant Fair and Shitla Mata Fair.
Climatic Conditions in Jaipur
Jaipurâs temperature remains moderately high all through the year. Average daily temperature during the summer months (April to July) is 30 °C and the average daily temperature during the winter months (November to February) ranges from 15-18 °C. It receives more than 650 millimeters of rainfall each year.
Transport in Jaipur
Jaipur is well connected to all the major cities in India by road, rail and air.
By Road: RSRTC bus service connects Jaipur to various parts of Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Gujrat.
The City Bus service operated by Jaipur City Transport Services is a boon for the locals. More than 300 City buses run on its roads.
By Rail: It is connected to all the major Indian cities.
By Air: Jaipur International Airport is located in Sanganer. Both domestic and international flights to various places are available from here.
Metro Rail: Metro Rail project is also under process in Jaipur.
Tourist Attractions in Jaipur
Apart from the monuments mentioned in the Architecture section, there are various famous temples and gardens in Jaipur that are worth a visit. These include the Govind Dev Ji Temple, Garh Ganesh Temple, Sri Sri Krishna Balram Temple, Moti Dungri Ganesh Mandir, Sisodia Ranj Garden and Palace, Central Park and Kanak Ghati.
There are various places to shop around as well. These include the Johri Bazaar, Baapu Bazaar, Chaandpol Bazaar, Kishanpol Bazaar and Tripolia Bazaar.