Architecture Feature - Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Hawa Mahal is one of the most popular attractions in the Pink City of Jaipur. Designed by Lal Chand Ustad and built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh in 1799, it forms a part of the majestic City Palace.
Built using pink and red sandstone, Hawa Mahal is a fine specimen of Rajput architecture. The unique five-storey exterior of the palace resembles the honeycomb of a beehive and has over 900 small windows called Jharokhas adorned with intricate latticework.
It is believed that the reason behind the construction of Hawa Mahal was to allow purdah-clad women to witness the sights of the city through these Jharokhas. The latticework also lets in cool breeze into the area due to the Venturi effect, creating almost an air-conditioning like effect during peak summers.
When coming from the City Palace, the entrance to the Hawa Mahal is through a majestic door that opens into a large courtyard. There are double-storeyed buildings on three sides of this courtyard, with the Hawa Mahal surrounding it in the east direction. This courtyard also houses a museum.
In addition to being a breathtaking piece of architecture itself, Hawa Mahal also offers magnificent views of other regal monuments in Jaipur including Jantar Mantar and City Palace.
A must-visit for photography enthusiasts and history buffs, Hawa Mahal is truly a sight to behold especially during the early hours of the morning with the golden rays of the sun embellishing it.
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