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The City Palace is a beautiful
palace in which the erstwhile rulers still live.
The area covered by city palace also has a museum
in which rare artifacts and manuscripts can be
seen. The complex is divided into a series of
courtyards, gardens and buildings. The outer wall
was built by Jai Singh but later several rulers
made some additions making it a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture .
Just after entering the main
gate one comes across the Mubarak Mahal, or
Welcome Palace which was built in 19th century by
Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II. It served as a
reception centre for royal guests. Later it was
developed as a museum named after Maharahja Sawai
Mans. A large size gown of Sawai Madho Singh, who was a mountain of a man
according to the legends, is the main attraction
here apart form a collections of royal costumes
and superb shawls including Sanganeri block
prints, royal shawls, Kashmiri pashmina.
The architecture of the City Palace is a synthesis
of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Complex
comprises of many structures, courtyards, gardens
and buildings. There are many splendid small
palaces and halls in the complex, such as the
Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal and Badal Mahal.
There is also a famous temple called the Shri
Govind Temple and a museum inside, named the City
Palace Museum. 
As one enters the first courtyard, one comes
across the Mubarak Mahal, which was built in the
19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II. Here is a
splendid gateway, which leads to the Diwan-I-Khas
(Hall of Private audience). It is an open hall,
where there are two silver vessels on display,
which are in the Guinness book of World Records!
One can also check out the Diwan-I-Aam (Hall of
Public Audience).
As one moves on, one sees the Chandra Mahal, which
many consider being the highlight of the whole
tour of City Palace. It has a lot of paintings,
mirror work on walls, and floral decorations that
make the Moon Palace truly magnificent.
It is a seven-storied Palace, where each level has
a distinct name. The lower two levels have the
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, which has a
large collection of 15th century weapons, carpets
and rarities. There is also the Sukh Nivas or the
'Hall of Rest', which has the drawing and the
dining area. On the fourth floor is the 'Shobha
Nivas' or 'Hall of Beauty' which is decorated with
mirrors all over and has gold leaf and mica
decorations. The fifth floor is the 'Chavi Nivas'
or the 'Hall of Images' and the sixth floor is
known for the beautiful view it offers of the
surrounding area. The uppermost floor is called
the 'Mukut Mahal' or the 'Crown building'. When
one moves forward to Badal Mahal from the Chandra
Mahal, one comes to the Govind devji temple, which
is also quite like the others, a must-see.
The City Palace does not only have a lot of
historical significance but is also a reminder of
the royal past. It stands as a symbol of the royal
elegance and courtly splendor that is no longer
visible. Perhaps, this is why people love coming
to the City Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
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