Hawa Mahal - A Remarkable Rajputana Palace
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Hawa Mahal is a major landmark and famous tourist attraction in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The Hawa Mahal means the "Palace of Winds" was build in the year 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The castle is given a shape just like the pyramids of Egypt. There has been no appropriate reason why the Hawa Mahal was build but it is said that it offered the royal ladies a perfect view of the |
bazaars (market) and the activities outside the palace without showing themselves and thus enjoy a sense of freedom.
Architecture of Hawa Mahal
The structure of Hawa Mahal was designed by Lal Chand Ustad who dedicated his work to Lord Krishna and Radha. Hawa Mahal is the finest example of the Rajputana architecture, which was strongly influenced by Mughal style of architecture. Its structure is well adapted to the inhospitable weather conditions of Rajasthan. It is a five-storeyed, pyramid-shaped structure, made up of tiers one over another with 953 small casements.
Each casement had a tiny lattice worked pink windows (Jali), small balconies and curved roofs with hanging cornices which are delicately sculptured and carved. Cool breezes enter through the window and keep the inner atmosphere extremely pleasant and airy. The building is 50 ft high and a foot in thickness. There are over 900 niches in the structure with semi-octagonal alcoves, carved sandstone grills, finials and domes.
The Hawa Mahal is a popular place among visitors to Rajasthan because it offers an amazing view of the city and particularly Jantar Mantar. The best time to visit this ancient historic monument is in the early morning, as the palace bathes in the golden light of the sun. Hawa Mahal is a heritage palace and one of the most remarkable Rajputana structure which is worth visiting.
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