Jaipur: A Poem in Aesthetics
I have often visited this pink city which is a glorious riot of colour,
pomp, and pageantry, a specimen of architecture that is grand in lifestyle and
intricate in design, a paradise of renowned handicrafts.
Carved out of the dessert, Jaipur is a magical city built by Sawai Jai Singh II
who was awarded the title SAWAI (for one who is extraordinary) by the Moghal
Emperor Aurangazeb when he was 11years old. Sawai Jai Singh II built this city
with the help of a gifted Bengali engineer Vidyadhar Chakravarthy.
Jaipur means city of Victory. The city is built in the form of a rectangle divided
into blocks chowkries, with roads and avenues running parallel to the sides.
The lay out of the streets was based on the mathematical grid of seven squares
representing the ancient Hindu map of the universe, with the sacred Mount Meru,
home of Shiva, occupying the Central Square.
Jaipur earlier known as Dhundhar is part of the broadly divided four regions of
Rajasthan. The other three being Marvar (Jodhpur), Mewar (Udaypur), Shekhawati
(Agarwal and Maheswari community comes from this region).
The Pink colour of the city was not according to the plans of Jai Singh but in
1876AD Jaipur dressed itself in pink to welcome Prince Albert, consort of Queen
Victoria. The pink colour was chosen after several experiments to cut down
the intense glare from the reflection of the blazing rays of sun. To this day, the
buildings are uniformly rose pink.
Jaipur is a renowned handicraft center and is famous for producing exquisite gold
jewellery enameled or inlaid with precious /semi-precious, blue pottery, carvings
on wood, stone and ivory, block print and tie and die textiles, leather articles,
handmade paper, miniature paintings etc.
So here is a humble attempt to share my favorite places in the pink city to shop,
to eat, to visit, worship. Jaipur offers much more than what is listed below but
keeping in mind the time factor for a tourist, here are a few of my favorite places.
1. For lovers of history a must see
2. Places of worship
3. Fairs and Festivals
4. Polo-Jaipur’s Heritage
5. Day Visit Bagru, Sanganer, Samode, Salasar Balaji
6. Places to stay
7. A Few recommended eating joints
8. Sweets, Snacks and Jaipur specialty food
9. Jeweler’s
10.Jaipur textiles, Jaipur designers, Boutiques
11.Miscellaneous
1. For lovers of history a must see
Amer Fort complex: Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills
overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts
reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake. It was the ancient capital
of Kachhawah rulers. The original palace was built by Raja Man Singh;
Additions were made by Sawai Jai Singh.
Within the palace is the Diwan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public audience, the
Diwan-e-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience and the Sukh Niwas or the
Pleasure Palace where a cool breeze blows across channels of water for the
purpose of air conditioning. There are the private chambers of the queens
with windows having latticed screens so that the ladies could watch the
proceedings of the royal court in privacy. There is the Jai Mandir or The
Temple of Victory, with its famed Sheesh Mahal, the scintillating Hall of
Mirrors.
Amer fort is located in Amer an area of 4sq.km. Amer fort was made by
Meena’s community King Raja Alan Singh Chanda later occupied by
Kachawa Rajput
b. City Palace, Jaipur: You can enter the City Palace complex from either the
Sirehdeori Gate or the Atish Gate. Within its walls are a number of places
– The Hall of Public and Private Audience, the Mubarak Mahal and the
seven-storied Chandra Mahal which house a museum. In the museum are
preserved carpets, robes of the royal princes and an armory of old weapons.
The miniatures are finely executed depicting court scenes, Radha-Krishna
themes, the Ragmala series and battle scenes and processions.
a. Jantar Mantar: This open air observatory is set outside the gateway
of the City Palace Complex. It was built by the astronomer king
Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728 and is one of the five open-air astronomical
observatories built by him. Some of the instruments
measuring local time, the altitudes of stars and constellations, the
sun’s declination, meridian, altitude and determining eclipses.
2. Places of worship
A. Shila Devi Temple:
This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, popularly known as Shila Devi,
the goddess of strength. It has an idol of the deity made in black marble
which was brought by Raja Man Singh of Amer in 1604 A.D. from East
Bengal. It was elaborately decorated by Sawai Man Singh II with marble,
silver door and the silver drum. The majestic doors display 9 forms of Durga
and 10 forms of Saraswathi, The goddess of knowledge.
Timings: 05:00-12:00 and 16:00-20:00hrs
B. Meera Krishna Temple Jaipur:
C. Govind Dev Ji Temple:
The City Palace Complex includes the temple of Govind Devji.
This temple of Lord Krishna was built in such a fashion that the king could
see the God from the Chandra Mahal which is exactly opposite to it. It is
surrounded by gardens and palaces.
Timings: of Temples and Ceremonies and Darshan.
Mangala
Dhoop
Shringar
Gwal
Sandhya
Shayan
Winter
5:15-5:30 am
8:15-9:15
10:30-10:45
18:30-19:30
18:30-19:30
20:00-20:15
Govind Ji Temple Contact: 0141-2619413
a) Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple:
Lord Ganesh is worshipped first of all among all deities because Lord
Ganesh is considered as the God of auspiciousness in Hinduism as well as
God of Wisdom, knowledge of wealth. Moti Doongri Ganesh temple in
Jaipur was built in year 1761.
Timings:
Morning Time: 5:00 am-1:30 pm
Evening Time: 4:30 pm-9:30 pm
Timings for Aarti
5:00, 9:30, 10:30, 17:00, 19:15, 21:00
Special Timings for Wednesday Aarti:
5:00, 10:30, 12:00, 16:30, 22:45
3. Fairs and Festivals
a) Pushkar Festival: Held in the month of November in Pushkar. The well-
known and marked with the largest participation of all the festivals of
Rajasthan, Pushkar(152 km away from Jaipur) is an important pilgrimage
as well as the venue of mammoth cattle fair. Bazaars, auctions, music and
sports are the highlights of this event.
b) Elephant Festival: Held in between March-April in Jaipur. A festival
to celebrate Holi, This is a great occasion for the visitor to watch several
elephant sports and also play this festival of colours. A show is organized
with the elephants turning out in their best finery.
c) Camel Festival: The Camel Festival is organized by the department of
Tourism of the Rajasthan Government in January every year in Bikaner. The
festival begins with a colourful procession of bedecked camels against the
red sandstone backdrop of the Junagarh Fort. Folk performances, camel race,
camel dance and tug of war contest are held here.
d) Gangaur Festival: Held in between the month of March-April, 18th day
from Holi. This festival is devoted to goddess Parvati, the consort of
Lord Shiva. It is time for young girls to dress in their finery and pray for
grooms of their choice while the married women pray for the well-being
of their husbands. This 18th day festival is laced with various activities and
culminates in a grand procession marking the arrival of Shiva to escort his
bride home.
e) Jaipur Literature Festivals: Jaipur Literature Festival is the biggest
Literature festival in Asia and is celebrated each year during the month of
January, usually in the Hall of Audience and the gardens of Diggi Palace,
City Center.
4. Polo, Jaipur:
Polo is inseparable is linked with Jaipur because of the passion and patronage
of Late Maharaja Man Singh II who lead the victorious team in 1930’s on the
international circuit favorite sport of the king, Jaipur is very famous of its Polo
Team, people from all over India come to watch this sport it is the big time
attraction for wedding festivities also.
5. Day Visits
Sanganer: Sanganer Village is famous for – Block Printing, Hand-made paper,
Blue pottery. Short drive away from Jaipur it’s on State Highway-12
Bagru: Bagru is a small town, located at a distance of 30 km from Jaipur-Ajmer
Road. This town boasts of unique method of printing using eco-friendly colours.
Anyone interested in textile printing enter into Chippa Mohal besides Sanjari
River, where about a dozen families make themselves busy with dies and blocks.
Samode: Samode is situated only about 42 km Jaipur. Samode offers various
attractions like old Havelies and Fresco’s
Salasar Balaji Hanuman: The land of Lord Hanuman, where all your ‘Sankats
(problems) are solved when you come and seek the blessings of Balaji. It is 165
km away on the Jaipur-Bikaner highway. An ethnic luxury township spread over
an area of 11 acres.
6. Places to stay:
Jai Mahal Palace – +141-2223636
Jacob Road, Civil Lines
Rambagh Palace - +141-2211919
Bhawani Singh Road
Raj Villas – Oberoi Hotel – +141-2680101
Gormer Road off Agra Road
Welcome Group Raj Puttana Palace, +141-5100100
Shereton Palace Road
Royal Orchid Central - +141-4051234
Bani Park
Park Prime - +141-2360202
Near Statue Circle
7. A Few recommended eating joints:
Sharma Ka Dhaba
Vishwakarma Industrial State VKI, Sikar Road.
Abt 20 Min drive from the city
Niros, +141- 2374493
Oldest Jaipur eating place for Non Veg + Veg Food, M.I Road
Thali House, +141-5115522
Authentic Dal Baati, Churma Rajasthani Cuisine
Station Road, Opp. Rawat
Anokhi Café – Organic Café, 0141 – 4007245 / 44
2nd Floor C-Scheem –C11, KK Square, Prithviraj Road
Handi (Good North Indian Food),
Opp. GPO – +141-2364839
Rajpoot
Achrol House, Subhash Chowk
Four Seasons, +141-2374606
Low Range Multi Cuisine, C-Scheme, Subhash Margh
8. Sweets, Snacks and Jaipur specialty food Churan
(Famous for Onion Kachories, Mirchi Bajji, Mishri Mava, Ghevar)
Sodhani Sweets – Old City Ajmer Road, Tonk Road
Rawat – Station Road, +141- 2368288
LMB, Veg Food, Indian Cuisine
Johri Bazar – +141-2565844
Tholia Bulding, MI Road for Sweet and Salted Lassi.
Churan
Jauhari Bazar Opp. LMB,
Modani co.
Near Mand B, Shop No. 92, Shop at the corner of Link Road.
9. Jeweller’s:
• Surana Jeweller of Jaipur ( Precious Kundan Jewellery in exquisite designs)
B-7E, Surana Enclave, Intersection of Ram Singh Road + Prithvi Raj Road
+141- 2372544, +141-2360891
• Amrapali (Gold, Silver + Tribal Jewellery), Panchabat, M.I Road
+0141 – 2377940
• Bhuramal Rajmal Surana (Kundan Jewellery),
JLN Marg, +0141 – 5118419
• Tholia’s Kuber (Silver + Gold Jewellery + Other interesting objects)
Tholia Building, M.I Road, +0141 – 2377416
• Ram Bhajo – Prateek – +91 9829057083
• Gem Palace, M.I. Road – +141-2374175
• Thewa Jewellery –: Thewa is the art of etching fusing Ct gold with multi
coloured glass.
• Jaipur International Jewells
• Jusra International Jewels, +141 – 5172954,
Shiv Mahal Margh, Malvia Nagar,
• Vishnu Jewellers (Precious and semi-precious stones and Jewellery)
141-2283030/+91 9414078843
Stones, Beads, G-10, Hathi Babo Marg, Bani Park, Jaipur.
• Vijay Golecha Jewellers, +91 9829014864
• Silver Jewellers
Mukesh, 0141-2574224/ +91-9829056224
10 . Jaipur textiles and Boutiques, Jaipur designers
Laharia, (specialist in mothda, Nagina, Jaldar and Ladsahi)
Sabir Bhai, +91 9314507666
Ramgunj Bajar, Near Badi Chaupal
Ratan Textile (Quilts, covers and House Linen)+141-2222392
Papriwa Cottage, Ajmer Road
Chaubundi (Traditional Dhabu printers with natural dies. Dhabu is batik
made with mud resist)
Praveen Bhai, +91 9314865745, +91 141-2361779
BA, Handloom Haveli, Panchabati, M.I.Road, Jaipur.
Rashid Bhai (Fine Mughal block printed textiles and Jackets, export quality)
141-2373880, Mughal Garden, Shekhawati Enclave, C-35, Lajpat Marg,
Near Rajdhani Hospital, C-Scheme, Jaipur.
Kota Sarees, 0141-2576414/+91-9352388990
Kota Kedra, SM, MI Road,
Bandhej Sarees,+91- 9314476355, +91-9428997171
M.S. Bandhini, Chauda Rasta, Lal ji, Sand ki gali
Ridhi Sidhi textites, 141-2633134/+91-8290222444
Manufactured and Exporters of Handcraft items,
Block and screen print bed covers, Fabrics. 9 Fast Govind Nagar,
Opp Khandaka, Maggiage Hall, Amber Palace Road, Jaipur.
Textorum Textiles(Traditional and Designer Sarees, Salwar Suits, Lehangas
and Dress material), 141-2361190, +141-4013590,
Retailers, whole sales and Exporters, 376, M.I. Road, Jaipur
Kilol, +91-9829092920
(Hand Block printed Textiles),
Rasa +141- 4038584, 5-55, Ashok Marg, C-Scheem
Hot Pink (For collection of top Indian Designers).
Hotel Narayan Nivas on Narayan Singh Circle.
Brigitte Singh (for exclusive Mughal Style fine printing), +141-2530229,
Amer Road.
Gotta Patti Work
1. Gaurav Katta, +91 9983144147
Panchabati, Behind Amrapali, M.I.Road, Jaipur.
2. Meena Tholia - +141-2362664
Tholia Building MI Road
3. Nidhi Tholia, 9828165644,0141-2367334
Tholia House, MI Road
4. Monisha, Thoryamaal, 0141 -3292728/9828014020
11 .Miscellaneous :
Blue Pottery - Neerja International
S-19, Bhawani Sing Road, Jacob Road, Civil Lines
Marble Art Effects
Dhoot Sangemermer, B – 9, Bars Godam. +141-2212714
Painting mahal, 0141-2670178, Abhinav bansal, Ajmer
Thomas-(Metal Bust Casting), +91-91405165
Marble Statues Murthys, Pandey Exports, +141-2318834,
Narain Bhawan, 4th Cross, Khejre Ka Rasta
Hand Made Paper(AL Paper)
Main Market, Sanganer, +141-2731706
Kagzi Hand Made Paper Industries, +141-2770718
G- 179, EPIP, Garment Zone, Sitapur Marg
Mojari Jutis, +141-2377037
Gulab path, Chomu House
R K Bangles
22, Saraog Marsiod, Tel.:+141-2569683
Altaf Bangles, +91 9828220226
12. Handicrafts
Artisans at Work:
2. Khanjanewaton Ka Rasta for Marble Carving
3. Achrol House, Subhash Chowk for Carpets
4. Maniharon Ka Rasta (Tripolia Bazar) for Lac Works
5. Kishan Pol Bazar for Tie + Dye Textiles
6. Ramganj Bazar for Shoes
Recommended reading for better insight of Jaipur
‘I Love Jaipur’ A book by a Fiona Caulfield.
Courtesy:- http://aanjupoddar.blogspot.in/2012/05/jaipur-poem-in-aesthetics.html
