Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, is well-known as the Pink City because of its rose-colored architecture. Historical occurrences, cultural customs, and regal decrees all contributed to this unique character. However, why is Jaipur called the pink city of India, and how has this custom persisted throughout time?
The city’s warmth and grandeur are reflected in the pink color, symbolizing friendliness. One of the first planned cities in India, Jaipur is known for its magnificent palaces, forts, and markets that have managed to hold onto their pinkish allure. Let’s examine the intriguing backstory of Jaipur’s moniker as the Pink City.
Why is Jaipur called The Pink City of India?
Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber. The need for a new capital city arose due to water scarcity and space constraints in Amber, located about 11 km away. To design Jaipur, the Maharaja consulted Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a renowned Bengali architect, who planned the city based on Vastu Shastra (traditional Hindu architecture) and Shilpa Shastra (ancient design principles). Jaipur was meticulously divided into nine sectors, representing the nine planets in astrology, with wide roads and strategically located markets.
This scientific and aesthetic planning made Jaipur a model city of its time. However, the pink color that made Jaipur famous was introduced later. The monarch of Amber, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, established Jaipur in 1727. Due to space and water shortages in Amber, which is around 11 km away, a new capital city was required.
The Maharaja hired famous Bengali architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya to plan Jaipur. The architect used Shilpa Shastra (old design principles) and Vastu Shastra (traditional Hindu architecture). With broad roadways and well-placed marketplaces, Jaipur was painstakingly split into nine sectors, which corresponded to the nine astrological planets.
Jaipur was a model city during its time because of its aesthetically pleasing and scientific layout. The pink hue that made Jaipur famous, however, was added later. Source
Marvels That Enhance Jaipur’s Pink Charm
Jaipur’s breathtaking architectural landmarks, many of which are a reflection of the city’s regal and cultural past, are accentuated by its pink hue.
1. The Palace of Winds, or Hawa Mahal – Why is Jaipur Called The Pink City of India?Â
This five-story building, which was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, is well-known for its 953 tiny windows, or jharokhas. One of Jaipur’s most recognizable buildings, Hawa Mahal’s pink sandstone facade, was created to allow royal women to attend street celebrations covertly. (Reference: 2019 UNESCO World Heritage Center)
2. Palace of the City
The City Palace complex is a masterpiece of Rajput and Mughal architecture and is currently inhabited by Jaipur’s royal family. The Chandra Mahal and Mubarak Mahal, which preserve the city’s distinctive color, feature elaborate pink and white patterns within. In 2020, the Archaeological Survey of India
3. Jantar Mantar – Why is Jaipur Called The Pink City of India?Â
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. It houses the world’s largest stone sundial, used for astronomical calculations.
4. Albert Hall Museum
Built in 1876 in honor of Prince Albert, the Albert Hall Museum is Rajasthan’s oldest museum, showcasing artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, all within a grand pink facade. Source
The Pink City Status of Jaipur in the Present Era
Jaipur’s pink character is still very much in place today, drawing millions of visitors each year.
1. UNESCO Designates Jaipur as a World Heritage City
Jaipur’s standing as a cultural and architectural treasure was further cemented in 2019 when it was formally named a UNESCO World Heritage City.
2. Tourism’s Economic Impact
Jaipur’s economy depends heavily on its allure as a Pink City, particularly in the areas of tourism, handicrafts, and cultural preservation. While permitting the development of contemporary infrastructure in Jaipur’s more recent neighborhoods, the local government maintains stringent building codes to protect the city’s traditional attractiveness.
Summary!
Due to historical rulings, royal hospitality, and rigorous preservation efforts, Jaipur has earned the moniker “Pink City.” The pink charm has persisted for almost 150 years, from the royal visit in 1876 to contemporary tourism. Have you ever visited Jaipur? What do you think about the reason behind why is Jaipur called the pink city of India?
also read 10 Best Hair Growth Homemade Remedies (Backed by Science!)
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest