.Jaipur's History : How Did The Pink City Of India Got It's Name?
Jaipur was formed in the year 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a visionary ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty. The Kachwaha kingdom's capital Amber was an 11 kilometer fortified city located near today's Jaipur. But as the kingdom grew in size, there was a need for a more centrally located city, which led to Jai Singh II founding the new capital.
Jai Singh II was not only a warrior King, but also a scholar, an urban planner, and an astronomer. He envisioned a city that encapsulated modernity, advancement in science, and architectural beauty. To make his vision a reality, he brought together scholars and architects, one of them being Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Shilpa Shastra expert Bengali Brahmin.
Naming of the City Jaipur
The city derives its name from its founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. 'Jaipur' directly translates to 'The City of Jai' or 'The City of Victory.' The name signifies the king's legacy and achievements as a ruler. Jai Singh II was not only known for his exceptional military skills, but also as an extraordinary strategist and as a patron of art, culture, and science. His reign was a golden era for the region which is why the city was named after him to preserve his great works.
Curiously, the title 'Sawai' that was appended to Jai Singh II's name has a tale behind it too. Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, conferred this title to Jai Singh II stating that he was one and a quarter which meant he was a quarter better than his peers. This title became part of the Kachwaha Dynasty and other rulers of Jaipur also had this title.
The Planning and Architecture of Jaipur
With a population of over 3 million people, Jaipur became the State Capital in 1949. Jaipur is a planned city laid out on a grid pattern with specific functions designated for different segments of the city. With it, Jaipur also became one of the first cities in India to implement modern planning blurring the lines between art and science. The nine blocks are subdivided into residential, commercial, and industrial zones which encompass the nine chakras of the Hindu religion.
Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Amer Fort are just a few architectural masterpieces that ought to be enjoyed when traveling to Jaipur. These structures show off the vision Jai Singh II had. Pink sandstone was used for these and many other structures in the city, which is why Jaipur is known as the Pink City. This practice was also in place to paint the city pink in 1876 for receiving the Prince of Wales, marking the beginning of a truly breathtaking view. This city did not need a title to welcome its tourists with open arms, but it sure does with phrases like 'The magical city of Jaipur'.
The Legacy of Jaipur
This city tells the story of the world through its forts, palaces, and lively bazaars and for that reason it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the millions of visitors it attracts every year. The name of this city not only tells the tale of a king setting to rule, but it also serves as a significance of pride in culture and history. The city is known for its unparalleled metropolitans due its ability to blend old traditions with modern lifestyles.
The city's name also brings up a sense of pride for the people residing there. Jaipur is not merely a place on the map; it is a living testament to the courage, intelligence and foresight of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city hosts various festivals to honor its cultural heritage like, the Jaipur Literature Festival, and Teej.
Closing Remarks
The story of how Jaipur came to be called by its name is an interesting tale from the history of India, particularly the vision of its notable ruler, and his lasting legacy. The plethora of intricately designed streets and the famous pink structures are a fair reminder of how beautiful and splendid Jaipur is as a city, and how proud its citizens are. 'Jaipur' is not just the title of the city. It serves as a symbol to all the amazing things that have happened in the city, and why it still remains an important cultural as well as a historical piece of India.
The next time you find yourself in the heart of Rajasthan, try to indulge yourself and learn more about the city's rich history and culture, for, as the famous saying goes, 'History has its eyes on you.'
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