Jaipur Was Built Like This?! The Secret History in a 100-Year-Old Map

India.com

2 days ago

Jaipur – the capital city of Rajasthan – is known for its lavish traditional architecture which fuses perfectly with modern-day infrastructure. Famous for being the Pink City due to its unique terracotta buildings, Jaipur was established in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. The city has undergone development over the years, however, a significant portion of its original charm and architectural beauty is still preserved. A map of what Jaipur looked like a hundred years ago is particularly interesting, revealing the transformation or preservation of its urban identity and cultural structures.
1.The Historical Blueprint of Jaipur
The rest of the world was also captivated by the beauty Jaipur held. As evident from the 100-year-old map, the earliest documents to map out the city, which appeared to be carefully designed, and attractive, were remarkable. Being one of the first cities in India to be established on a grid system and built according to Vastu Shastra – an ancient architectural style – the map chains together the nine rectangular sectors (chowkis) that divided the city into regions designated for living, working, or government business. This grid structure, centered around the City Palace, which was meant to be the focal point of the city and set as a stunning tourist attraction. To this day people can see the majesty of the founding ancestors of the city from their golden fort.
The map marks the presence of significant monuments that have become synonymous with Jaipur, including the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, and the City Palace. These buildings, which were popular a century back, still dominate the city's skyline and draw millions of tourists every year. By investing in the maintenance of these famous attractions, Jaipur has ensured that it retains its historical significance while modern urban development continues at a rapid pace.
2.The Change in Urban Development
A comparison of the old map and Jaipur's new layout bears evidence to the changing urban landscape of the city. One of the most notable changes is the new expansion of the city's borders past the original city walls. Back then in the early 1900's, Jaipur was known as a compact city that was enclosed by walls. Currently, the city has expanded immensely and distant suburban regions and satellite towns have developed to cater to the growing population.
The old map features narrow and curved streets built for pedestrians and horse carriages. The need for pedestrian and animal driven vehicles was prominent during that time. In contrast, modern day Jaipur has maintained these roads while adding wider streets, flyovers, and a metro system to accommodate the growing number of vehicles. While Jaipur's modernization and expansion have improved the city's connectivity, it has also led to the decline of some traditional neighborhoods and buildings.
One point that is very interesting is the change in how people use the land. The map shows that regions previously used for gardens, water, and other open areas have now been changed to residential and business areas. For example, Ram Niwas garden, which is an extensive public garden created in the 1800s, is now surrounded by many cultural and commercial buildings like the Albert Hall museum and markets.
3.Cultural Change and Continuity
Regardless of these changes, the map which is over a hundred years old still shows the cultural and social aspects of Jaipur. The bazaars of Jaipur such as Johari, Bapu and Tripolia are still vibrant business centers and hubs of craftsmanship. These markets that were flourishing over a hundred years ago are a mark of pride and an essential part of Jaipur's identity for textiles, jewelry and traditional crafts.
The map shows that the association of the city with the religions of Hinduism and Islam is reflected in the temples, mosques, and other places of worship. This multiracial and multi-ethnic phenomenon still prevails in Jaipur with people celebrating Diwali, Eid, and Teej with equal enthusiasm.
With that being said, the map does act as a sign of modern challenges. The city's pollution, traffic, and continuous encroachment of heritage sites poses a risk to Jaipur's core identity. There is an ongoing struggle to develop while being able to conserve the city's heritage.
4.What We Can Learn
That map, which is a century old, is a great piece of history, but it is also an excellent example of sustainable urban planning. The key elements, a scenic view and nature-based functionality made the city's founders design the city in a remarkable manner, and as time goes on, those elements continue to hold true. As Jaipur continues to expand, planners and leaders have an opportunity to look to its past for planning a future that accommodates everyone's needs while respecting the city's notable history.
An excellent example of that is how water management and greenery are incorporated into the map. That can be incredibly helpful in dealing with water scarcity and high temperatures in the cities. Additionally, the political, social, and cultural integration can help create a more multifaceted and homelike experience in urban cities.
Jaipur has transformed greatly over the years. Its beautifully arranged past still influences the identity of the city. In its hundred year old map, one can see its vibrantly built markets and landmarks that tell the story of its glorious history. While Jaipur continues to modernize, it should remember the importance of its historical background. This will enable the city to progress in a culturally rich manner. Jaipur is a prime example of how innovation can be combined with history. By continuing to embrace innovation while honoring its roots, Jaipur will set pace as a city with great identity and progress.