Do you know
that Hawa Mahal is such a building in the world which is standing without any foundation?
Hawa Mahal is a majestic-palace in Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Rajasthan is a state of wonders and one of victories. There is also a wind
Rajasthan is a state of many wonders and Hawa Mahal is one of them. This is a very attractive place located in the city of Jaipur, which is known for its ancient memorabilia and impressive exterior. Its architecture, its history, its design will drive you crazy. Hawa Mahal is a famous place in Jaipur, popular for its pink balconies and lattice windows, from where you can have a panoramic view of the city. As soon as they step inside the Hawa Mahal, people get to see the fusion of Rajputana and Islamic Mughal architecture here. Today we will let you know about some interesting things related to Hawa Mahal in this article.
The crown shape
Its crown looks like a crown. It is related to the crown of Krishna, because Sawai Pratap Singh was considered a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Hawa Mahal is a very attractive building, seeing its artwork, the eyes become fourteen.
Due to the shape of the pyramid, this monument stands upright. It is a five-storey building, but due to the lack of a solid foundation, it is curved and inclined at an angle of 87 degrees. Moreover, its distinctive pink colour, which is due to the natural sandstone, has earned Jaipur its nickname, the Pink City.
953 windows of Hawa Mahal - 953
The unique attraction of Hawa Mahal is its 953 windows that cover the lace-like walls. The Hawa Mahal was specially built for the Rajput members and especially for the women, so that the royal ladies could watch the daily drama dances taking place in the street below. Also a beautiful view of the city from the window. Hawa Mahal is one of the best examples of Rajput architecture in India.
Its architecture
Once you step into Hawa Mahal, you will see a mix of Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput architecture inside. Islamic style is clearly seen in arches and stone inlay work, Rajput style can be seen in the form of flute pillars, chhatris and other floral patterns.
No stairs in Hawa Mahal
Although Hawa Mahal is a five-storey building, it is interesting to note that there are no stairs to climb. However, you can reach each floor via ramps.
No front entrance
The Hawa Mahal was built as a part of the City Palace, so there is no entrance from outside. You have to enter from the City Palace side.
Once you step into Hawa Mahal, you will see a mix of Islamic Mughal and Hindu Rajput architecture inside. Islamic style can be clearly seen in arches and stone inlay work, Rajput style can be seen in the form of flute pillars, chhatris and other floral patterns.
Even though the temperature of Jaipur increases very much in summer. Yet this palace does not get that hot in summer. The reason behind this is that there are 953 small windows through which cold air comes in and keeps the place cool always.
Why Hawa Mahal was named as Hawa Mahal
An interesting fact related to this is that it is mentioned in history that Hawa Mahal is named after the 5th floor here, because the 5th floor is known as Hawa Mandir, hence the name Hawa Mahal. Kept. Also there are three smaller temples inside the palace - Govardhan Krishna Temple, Prakash Mandir and Hawa Mandir. Earlier people used to come to the Govardhan Krishna temple to have darshan of Lord Krishna. But now it has been closed.
Another interesting fact about Hawa Mahal is that the entire building is laid without any solid foundation. Although Hawa Mahal is not that tall as compared to the skyscrapers of the world, it is considered one of the tallest buildings in the world without any foundation.
The Hawa Mahal located in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was built by Sawai Pratap Singh, the grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, in the year 1799. He was so impressed by the Khetri Mahal built by Maharaja Bhupal Singh in Jhunjhunu city of Rajasthan that he got the Hawa Mahal built. It was built as an extension of the Royal City Palace.
The Kalakriti flower leaf work done on the walls of Hawa Mahal is a unique identity and specimen of Rajput craftsmanship. Also, the Mughal style carvings done on stones are a unique example of Mughal craft. The Sharad Mandir is built on the first floor for festivals, while the Ratan Mandir is built on the second floor of Hawa Mahal which is decorated with glasswork. On the other three floors there are Vichitra Mandir, Prakash Mandir and Hawa Mandir. Here you will get to see the different colors of the pink city of Jaipur. The Hawa Mahal has no front door, but a royal gate from the City Palace leads to the Hawa Mahal entrance. Here three two-storey buildings surround a large courtyard on three sides, on the eastern side of which is the Hawa Mahal.