The Hawa mahal
When was it built: 1799
Who built it: Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh
Where is it located: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Why was it built: For the royal women to enjoy the events and festivals in the street
Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu Rajput architecture and the Islamic Mughal architecture
Visit Timing: Daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace Of The Winds' located in the heart of the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a prominent landmark of the city that is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural history. The structure was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, who was the founder of Jaipur. He was so inspired by the unique structure of Khetri Mahal that he built this grand and historical palace. It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad
Interesting facts about Hawa mahal
Many people see the Hawa Mahal from the street view and think it is the front of the palace, but it is the back.
1. Shaped like a Crown
Hawa Mahal is built in the shape of a crown, it looks like Lord Krishna's crown.
2. The Wind Palace
Hawa Mahal means the 'Palace of Winds' or the 'Wind Palace'. It has 953 small windows
(Jharokhas), they were built to keep the wind blowing inside the palace.
3. Built for the Royal Ladies
Hawa Mahal was constructed as a separate complex for the royal ladies. The idea was that royal women could watch the daily life of the city through the windows.
4. No Front Entrance
Hawa Mahal doesn't have a direct entrance; one has to enter from the side of City Palace.
5. No Stairs to Reach the Upper Floors
Hawal Mahal has 5 floors and there are no stairs to climb, instead, there are only ramps to reach the top floors.
Architecture & Design of Hawa Mahal
The architect of this unique five-storied pyramidal palace with a height of 15 m from its elevated base was Lal Chand Ustad. The design of the building showcases an excellent blend of Hindu Rajput architecture with that of the Islamic Mughal architecture. The former style is palpable from the fluted pillars, floral patterns, and domed canopies while the arches and stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the latter style.
Keeping in line with other famous landmarks of the city, which is aptly tagged as the ‘Pink City’, this monument was built with red and pink sandstones. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion towards Lord Krishna is manifested from the design of the structure of the palace that resembles the crown of the Lord. Although not exactly a palace, it looks like one from the street. The façade of the building intricately carved with beautiful motifs is cognate to that of the honeycomb of a beehive. Several potholes of the structure each having small lattice windows, chiseled sandstone grill, and decorated domes give the building a look of a mass of semi-octagonal bays. There are a total of 953 elaborately carved jharokhas or windows, some of which are made of wood. These jharokhas were built in such a manner that air circulates naturally through them creating the Venturi effect (doctor breeze) thus air conditioning the entire structure during the hot summers. Each jharokha has a small chamber where one can sit and view the street. Fountains at the middle of each chamber complimented well with the light wind flowing through the jharokhas thus enhancing the cooling effect of the chambers
