Introduction
The history of Jaipur before the establishment of Jaipur, the area was part of the kingdom of Amber, which was ruled by the Kachwaha Rajputs. Amber, located is about 11 kilometer from a current site of Jaipur, and it was the capital of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers. The rulers of Amber, led by the Kachwaha clan, had a rich cultural and architectural legacy.
Jaipur is called the “Pink City” because most of its buildings are painted in shades of pink. This all started in1876 when the Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VII) was visiting India. The ruler of Jaipur at the time, Maharaja Ram Singh, wanted to make a good impression, so he ordered that the entire city be painted pink to welcome the prince.
Pink was chosen because it was considered a color of warmth and hospitality, and the Maharaja wanted to show Jaipur as a friendly and welcoming city.
Since then, the color stuck, and today the old part of the city is still known for its beautiful pink buildings. The tradition continues, and there are even laws that require the buildings in the historic area to stay pink. This gives Jaipur its unique and charming look, and that’s why it’s called the “Pink City.”
Foundation of Jaipur
The foundation of Jaipur dates back to 1727, when it was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of the Kachwaha Rajputs. Jai Singh II decided to build a new city to serve as the capital of his kingdom, replacing Amber, which had been the capital for centuries.
Amber Forts of Jaipur City
Amber Fort (or Amer Fort) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Jaipur, located about 11 kilometers away from the city center, in the town of Amber. The fort is a stunning example of Rajput architecture and one of the top attractions in Rajasthan.
People of Jaipur
The people of Jaipur are known for their rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and vibrant lifestyle. The people of Jaipur have religious sentiments and even today they follow their old rituals.
World Heritage City
On July 6, 2019, Jaipur was named a World Heritage City.
Kings of Jaipur
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh I (1699–1743)
- The founder of the Kachwaha dynasty of Jaipur, Jai Singh I moved the capital from Amber to Jaipur in 1727. He laid the foundation for the city’s famous planned design and built many of its key structures, including the Jantar Mantar observatory.
2. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II (1719–1743)
- Known as the founder of Jaipur, Jai Singh II, a scholar and astronomer, is credited with building the city of Jaipur and its famous palaces and forts. His rule also marked the beginning of Jaipur’s rise as an important political and cultural center in Rajasthan.
3. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I (1751–1768)
- The younger brother of Jai Singh II, Madho Singh I expanded Jaipur’s territory and strengthened its fortifications. He is also known for further developing the city and its infrastructure.
4. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II (1768–1818)
- A skilled military leader, Man Singh II contributed to the city’s defense and its growth during his reign. He also focused on reform and modernizing the administration of Jaipur.
5. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (1818–1835)
- He was responsible for constructing the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) in Jaipur. His reign saw increased trade and economic development.
6. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (1835–1880)
- Ram Singh II is famous for ordering the entire city to be painted pink in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII), which gave Jaipur its distinctive “Pink City” look. He was a modernizer and promoted the arts, education, and industrialization.
7. Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II (1880–1922)
- Known for his patronage of arts and architecture, Madho Singh II played a key role in modernizing the city. His reign saw the establishment of railways and the development of Jaipur’s infrastructure. He also promoted education and healthcare.
8. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II (1922–1970)
- The last ruling Maharaja of Jaipur, Man Singh II, oversaw Jaipur’s transition into a modern city under the Indian Republic. He was a respected figure, and his rule marked the end of royal rule in Jaipur after India’s independence in 1947.
9. Post-Independence:
- After India’s independence in 1947, the princely state of Jaipur merged with the Union of India, and the role of the Maharaja became ceremonial. The title of Maharaja was abolished, and the royal family now holds honorary titles.
Current Status:
- Today, the head of the royal family is Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh’s son, Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh. He is the current titular head of the royal family and holds a ceremonial position without any political power, though he remains a respected figure in Rajasthan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, has a rich history of Jaipur and has grown from a carefully planned city founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II to a vibrant and modern metropolis. The city’s early development was driven by its strategic location, trade, and cultural significance. Jaipur flourished under the Kachwaha rulers, who made significant contributions to its architecture, including the iconic Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar.