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In fact, Jaipur has been known
for Hawamahal which has rather become an emblem of
the city. The imposing and attractive building
which stands in heart of city was built in 1799 by
Sawai Pratap Singh. Hawa Mahal, or Palace of the
Winds, built in most unusual style, resembles a
Mukut or crown which adorns the head of “Lord
Govind Dev Ji” the city deity. Ladies of royal
family of Jaipur used this building to have a look
at the activities down in the street without being
observed themselves. Though being a favorite spot
Hawamahal do not have much other than beautiful
façade and dedicatedly honeycombed 153 sandstone
windows.
This five-storey building was
built by Maharaja Protap Singh in 1799 AD. It is a
five-storey, stunning semi-octagonal monument,
having 152 windows with overhanging latticed
balconies, and is a fine example of Rajput
architecture.
Hawa Mahal is one of the major landmarks of
Jaipur. It is an integral part of the City Palace,
an extension of the Zenana (women's chambers)
standing away from the main complex. This five
storey building of unusual architecture designed
by Lal Chand Usta, is a stunning example of Rajput
artistry made of red and pink sand stone,
beautifully outlined with white borders and
motif's painted with quick lime. The monument with
a spectacular view of Jaipur
City with road
avenues, intersections and colorful crowds in the
market, was originally conceived with the aim of
enabling ladies of the royal household to watch
the everyday life and royal processions in the
city without being seen by others.
Its facade from the road side makes Hawa Mahal
look more like a delicate screen than a palace.
This five-story, pyramid-shaped structure has tier
after tier of 953 small casements, each with tiny
lattice worked (Jali) pink windows, small
balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices,
exquisitely modeled and carved. These small
windows circulate cool air (Hawa) even in hot
months. The pyramidal outline is even throughout
by cramming and multiplying casements; and uses
repetition of motifs to enhance its beauty.
The entrance to Hawa Mahal is from the
City Palace
side, through a stately door which opens into a
spacious courtyard. The courtyard has a double
storey building on three sides. There is a small
archeological museum here. Only the eastern wing
has three more storey above, which are just a
single room thick. The building, standing on a
high podium, is a fifty-foot high thin shield,
less than a foot in thickness, with small intimate
chambers , which give this palace its unique
facade. There are no regular stairs to reach the
upper floors, but onlzy ramps.
Hawa Mahal which is currently under the
supervision of the State archeological department
provides the visitor with excellent views of the
city. The best time to view Hawa Mahal is sunrise
when sunlight through the latticed windows gives
it a wonderful glow.
The Hawa Mahal was originally designed for the
royal ladies to enjoy the breeze and catch a
glimpse of the street down below, without
compromising with the pardah tradition.
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