English
Hawa Mahal located in the Pink City of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799. This magnificent structure boasts an impressive 953 windows adorning its exterior walls. The windows, intricately designed in a honeycomb pattern, not only add to the architectural beauty but also serve a practical purpose - allowing the gentle breeze to permeate the palace, making it an ideal summer retreat. Originally built as an extension to the neighboring City Palace, Hawa Mahal is a sight to behold.
In 1799, Sawai Pratap Singh, the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler and grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, commissioned Lal Chand Usta to build an addition to the Royal City Palace.
During that time, the Purdah system was strictly observed, which meant that Rajput royal women were not to be seen by outsiders or venture into public spaces. The construction of Hawa Mahal provided a solution, allowing the royal women to relish in the everyday street scenes and witness royal processions without being visible themselves.
The palace, consisting of five stories, was constructed in the shape of Krishna's crown as a testament to Sarai Pratap Singh's devotion to the Hindu god.
Featuring a total of 953 small casements, each adorned with delicate pink lattice windows, balconies, and arched roofs with decorative cornices, the mahal is designed to allow a refreshing breeze to flow through its interiors, keeping it cool and well-ventilated during the summer months. Despite the abundance of windows, they are intentionally small, resembling peepholes, to maintain the privacy of the royal ladies and shield them from prying eyes.
The upper three floors consist of single-room spaces known as Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir, and Hawa Mandir. The Vichitra Mandir is where the Maharaja would offer his prayers to Krishna. The Prakash Mandir, on the other hand, offers an open terrace on both sides. Notably, instead of stairs, ramps are used to access the upper floors. These ramps were specifically designed for the royal palanquins used by the women of the royal family.
The optimal moment to explore Hawa Mahal is during the early hours of the morning, as the sun filters through the windows and bathes the rooms in a radiant golden glow. The entire palace seems to be aglow with the warm embrace of the sunlight.
You have to look at it a little longer. Seeing it for the first time raises many questions and breathes in the splendor of its unique architectural construction, it was called "Palace of the Winds of Hawa Mahal" and it is located in the city of Jaipur in India, and was built in 1799 by Emperor Sawai Pratap Singh "As for its unique design, it was invented by Lal Chand Ustad to commemorate Krishna, one of the Indian deities, and this palace was called the Five Stories Palace.
Many opinions came out to explain why there are 953 very small windows in the facade of the palace, and the original story returns the reason for these windows until the princesses of the royal family can see the outside without anyone noticing them.
The reason is also due to these windows as a way to breathe in the cold air that enters them into the palace, which the architect succeeded in creating beautifully.
related tours
8 Days / 7 Nights
From
9 Days / 8 Nights
From
9 Days / 8 Nights
From
12 Days / 11 Nights
From
TravelVerse is travel portal that connects you to the world. We offer more than packages, rather packaged experiences waiting to be unfolded. Each is special in its own way, giving you the opportunity to discover amazing destinations while enjoying top quality services. Time to pack!
Get updated by subscribe our weekly newsletter
