Jaipur

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, India, was founded on November 18, 1727, by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. As the ruler of the Amber region, Jai Singh decided to move his capital from Amber, 11 km away, because of the growing population and scarcity of water resources. He commissioned a Bengali architect, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, to design the city, which was planned according to the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra. The city was strategically built to serve as the administrative and economic capital and is renowned for its unique layout and architecture.

The City Palace in Jaipur, which includes the Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal palaces, was constructed under the reign of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It serves as a fine example of Indian architecture that combines Rajput, Mughal and European styles. The construction started in 1728, and the complex occupies one-seventh of the old city area. The City Palace continues to be the residence of the royal family of Jaipur. It has several courtyards, galleries, and buildings, such as the Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam, with museums showcasing various aspects of Jaipur's royal heritage.

Hawa Mahal, the 'Palace of Winds,' was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in Jaipur, India. Designed by architect Lal Chand Ustad in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god, it is made of red and pink sandstone. The five-storey building resembles a honeycomb with its 953 small windows, called jharokhas, decorated with intricate latticework. Originally constructed to allow royal ladies to observe street festivals while unseen from the outside, Hawa Mahal is a significant landmark and a quintessential example of Rajput architecture blending Mughal elements.

In 1857, Jaipur, along with other states in the Indian subcontinent, witnessed the upheaval of the First War of Indian Independence, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny. While Jaipur remained relatively peaceful compared to other regions like Delhi and Kanpur, the state's forces did face the dilemma of choosing between siding with the British or joining the rebellion. Ultimately, Jaipur's rulers chose to support the British, a decision influenced by political strategy and previous alliances, which played a role in maintaining the legacy and sovereign status of Jaipur during this turbulent period.

In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh I had the entire city of Jaipur painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria, a color that symbolizes hospitality. This transformation gave Jaipur its nickname, the "Pink City," which it is known for to this day. The decision to paint the city pink was a strategic move to impress royalty and international visitors, demonstrating Jaipur's grandeur, hospitality, and rich tradition. The pink color of the city has been maintained throughout the years by legislation, ensuring the city's unique architectural style continues to attract tourists from around the world.

On March 30, 1948, Jaipur was amalgamated into the newly formed state of Rajasthan. After India gained independence in 1947, several princely states were merged to form Rajasthan, and Jaipur was declared its capital due to its size, history, and strategic importance. The Maharaja of Jaipur, Sawai Man Singh II, played a significant role in the unification process, contributing to the creation of a cohesive political entity. This amalgamation marked a new era of governance and political structure, paving the way for Jaipur to develop as a major cultural and commercial hub in independent India.

In 1968, the revolutionary prosthetic limb known as the 'Jaipur Foot' was introduced by Dr. P.K. Sethi and Master Ram Chandra Sharma in Jaipur, although it gained international fame and recognition by 1994. The Jaipur Foot is renowned for being affordable and highly functional, allowing users to run, climb trees, and even crouch, which is not possible with many Western prosthetics. It has transformed the lives of millions in developing countries and serves as a symbol of innovation in the medical field, significantly contributing to Jaipur's legacy as a center of humanitarian engineering.

On May 13, 2008, a series of bomb blasts occurred in Jaipur, killing 63 people and injuring more than 200. The attacks targeted crowded areas in the historic part of the city, including markets and temples, causing widespread panic and damage. The Indian Mujahideen, an Islamist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The bombings were a major incident of terrorism in Jaipur, raising security concerns for both locals and tourists and prompting a significant response from law enforcement agencies aimed at improving security measures across the city to prevent future such attacks.

On June 30, 2019, the city of Jaipur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized for its exceptional urban planning, architecture, and vibrant culture that aligns with its monumental heritage, Jaipur was honored for its well-preserved historic core, particularly the ingenious city plan established in the 18th century that reflects Pahari painting, Mughal gardens, and Indian architecture. This accolade is a testament to Jaipur's cultural significance and its historical architecture, making it a popular tourist destination. The designation also emphasizes the importance of preserving Jaipur's heritage for future generations.

In April 2023, a significant archaeological discovery was made in Jaipur, shedding light on its historical narrative. Archaeologists uncovered remnants of an ancient water management system and pottery dating back to the 4th century BCE, indicating Jaipur's historical significance as an advanced settlement prior to its official founding in 1727. These findings augment the understanding of the region's cultural and historical evolution, providing insights into the ancient technologies and lifestyles of its inhabitants. This discovery has captured the attention of historians and archaeologists worldwide, emphasizing Jaipur's importance on the historical map.