Jaipur - An Interesting History Class

by Shruti Sharma Content Curator

If there is one state in India that showcases the royal past of our golden country, it is undoubtedly Rajasthan. The history of the Rajputana is indelibly linked with that of the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughal Empire, and that of India as a whole. Jaipur the capital city of Rajasthan is the one place that preserves this legacy and eloquently speaks of a glorious past. A tour of the old Pink City, the forts, and palaces that dot Jaipur make quite an interesting history class.

Some of the top attractions of Jaipur are historic monuments of great importance. The sprawling Amer Fort complex, for example, was built in the 16th century by Raja Man Singh I. The fort and the royal court paint a vivid picture of life under the Kachwaha kings of Amer. The Kadimi Mahal, right behind the fort is believed to be the oldest surviving palace in the country. The fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another heritage site in Jaipur recognized by UNESCO is the Jantar Mantar – home to the equinoctial sundial and stellar observatory of the ancient kings and their courtiers. Visit the City Palace and Museum provides us a perfect insight into the domestic life of the kings and queen. The gardens, courtyards, museum, and gallery make for a fascinating tour. The Nahargarh Fort, the Jaigarh Fort, the Jal Mahal palace in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake - each one of these will transport you through history and teach you much more than any textbook ever can.

These historic monuments are only but one aspect of Jaipur. The city quite literally breathes life into Rajasthani traditions and cultural life. A walk through the Old Pink city is quite enough to attest to this fact. The Hawa Mahal in the old city (which is still painted pink) is one sight that will bring home the fact that Rajasthan’s history is far from lost. Stroll along the bustling bazaars – the fabrics and the tie and die clothing, the lehangas, the lac bangles, the mojaris, and the marble art – each aspect of the state’s cultural life remains intact. Visit one of the good restaurants in Jaipur and you may be served the traditional dal-baati-churma, laal maas curry, ghewar rabri and one of the dishes that have remained favourites through the centuries.

If you are a history geek and really want to recreate the royal experience, every moment that you spend here do book a stay at one of the top hotels in Jaipur such as Some of these such as the Jai Mahal Palace, Narain Niwas Palace Hotel, and Samode Haveli are heritage hotels that are located in havelis and mansions while yet others like The LaLiT Jaipur and the ITC Rajputana have modelled their interiors on the palaces of yore. The experience of staying in these places will transport you to the bygone years.