Jaipur Foundation Day 2021- Here Is A Quick Look At The History Of Jaipur

"Resplendent in the hues of its noble and magnificent past, the historic city of Jaipur stands out as one of the most spectacular and culturally vibrant destinations in the world", says Kate Smith. Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, with its flamboyancy is winning hearts since ages. The city excels the art of welcoming its visitors with open arms. Its present face is a humble reflection of its rich historical past. Yes! Jaipur, despite a lot of modernisation, hasn't left its roots.

The history of Jaipur began when the Jaipur Kingdom was formed after succeeding the vibrant and prosperous kingdom of Amber. The colourful city was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II, also known as Sawai Jai Singh in 1727. No doubt that Jaipur is a well-designed city as its founder was a famed mathematician and astronomer. Vidyadhar Bhattacharya was a Brahmin Scholar from Bengal who aided Sawai Jai Singh in laying out the city's architecture. Major places, roads and squares took 4 years for their completion and each was constructed keeping in mind the techniques of Vastu Shastra.

Jaipur might have struggled to be in power but it continued to be a princely state till 1948. The history of Jaipur speaks about the internal power struggles in the Pink City. Though, it had lost against Marathas in the Battle of Patan fought in 1790, it had enough wealth to carry its patronage. After Sawai Jai Singh, came Ishwari Singh, followed by different rulers belonging to Kachwaha dynasty. Jaipur became a part of Indian Union on 7 April 1949. Presently, Sawai Padmanabh Singh and his Royal Family live in The City Palace of Jaipur.

Why Pink City?

In 1876, the Prince of Wales and Queen Victoria were to pay a visit to India. Pink signifies hospitality, so to bring to life the essence of welcoming words, "Padharo Mahrey Desh", Maharajah Ram Singh got the city drenched in this beautiful colour. The colour, Terracotta Pink adds seven stars to the pride of this majestic city. Even today if you visit Jaipur, you will find the historical gates and squares that have now turned into bazaars possessing the colour of hospitality and has woven itself into the history of Jaipur .

Azam Shah then demanded the removal of Jai Singh from the throne. With the ally of Mughals, Jai Singh brought himself back to power. The kingdom flourished in his reign and Jai Singh built his capital around Amber Fort and Jaipur was eventually developed as India's first ever planned city by chief architect from Bengal, Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya. Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya, following the principles of Shilpa Shastra (the science of Indian architecture), and referencing the ancient Indian knowledge on astronomy, further developed and discussed the plan with Jai Singh. It is said that the foundation of the city was laid down on 18th November 1727 by Jai Singh himself. It took minutely plans strategies and 4 years for the city's major places-the roads, the square, palaces and the fortification of the boundaries-to come to form.

After the death of Jai Singh in 1744, his sons fought for power and without a king, the city became open to intrusion by neighbouring states. Rajputs and Marathas took over most of Jaipur. Later in 1876, Maharaja Ram Singh adorned the city in pink colour, which is supposed to be associated with hospitality, to welcome the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) to the city; and thus it acquired the name Pink City. Ramgarh Lake was also built by Maharaja Ram Singh to provide water to the budding and prospering city. In 1922, the throne was taken over by Man Singh II, and it was at that time, buildings like secretariat, schools, and hospitals were built. After India got independence, Jaipur merged with Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner to form the largest state of India with Jaipur as its capital.