World Heritage Day Special Feature: Preserving Heritage: Exploring the Magnificence of Hawa Mahal, Jaipur
Nestled in the heart of Jaipur, Rajasthan's vibrant Pink City, the Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, emerges as an emblem of India's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, this iconic structure stands as a testament to the opulence and ingenuity of the Rajput dynasty. With its intricate design, elaborate façade, and historical significance, the Hawa Mahal continues to captivate visitors from around the world, offering a window into the royal past of Rajasthan and the architectural brilliance of its builders.
About Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal or the ‘Palace Of The Winds’ located in the heart of the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions and a prominent landmark of the city that is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural history. Built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty, this beautiful structure is predominantly a high screen wall made of pink and red sandstone that facilitated royal women to get an eyeful of the street festivals and busy city life while remaining out of the view of public. This five-storey building in the shape of a crown of Lord Krishna with 953 jharokhas or windows and a beautifully decorated façade resembling a honeycomb of a beehive gives one a feel of the rich heritage of the Rajputs.
History & Later Developments
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed the Hawa Mahal in 1799. He was so impressed with the Khetri Mahal built by Maharaja Bhopal Singh in the town of Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan that he embarked on constructing the Hawa Mahal that today stands as a remarkable gem of Rajput style of architecture. It was built as an extension of the Royal City Palace and leads to the zenana or women’s chambers. One of the main reasons of constructing this beautiful mahal decorated with fine lattice windows and screened balconies was to facilitate the royal Rajput women, who otherwise followed the strict Purdah system and refrained from appearing in public, in getting a glimpse of the daily events, royal processions and festivals taking place on the streets. This way they could enjoy their sense of freedom while maintaining their customs.
Architecture & Design of Hawa Mahal
The architect of this unique five-storied pyramidal palace with a height of 15 m from its elevated base was Lal Chand Ustad. The design of the building showcases an excellent blend of Hindu Rajput architecture with that of the Islamic Mughal architecture. The former style is palpable from the fluted pillars, floral patterns and domed canopies while the arches and stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the latter style.
Keeping in line with other famous landmarks of the city, which is aptly tagged as the ‘Pink City’, this monument was built with red and pink sandstones. Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion towards Lord Krishna is manifested from the design of the structure of the palace that resembles the crown of the Lord. Although not exactly a palace, it looks like one from the street. The façade of the building intricately carved with beautiful motifs is cognate to that of the honeycomb of a beehive.
Several potholes of the structure each having small lattice windows, chiselled sandstone grill and decorated domes give the building a look of a mass of semi-octagonal bays. There are a total of 953 elaborately carved jharokhas or windows, some of which are made of wood. These jharokhas were built in such a manner that air circulates naturally through them creating Venturi effect (doctor breeze) thus air conditioning the entire structure during the hot summers. Each jharokha has a small chamber where one can sit and view the street. Fountains at the middle of each chamber complimented well with the light wind flowing through the jharokhas thus enhancing the cooling effect of the chambers.
The brilliantly conceived design, style and construction of the mahal made it the favourite resort of Maharaja Jai Singh and became famous as his masterpiece. An imperial door from the city palace side leads to the entrance of the Hawa Mahal. Three two-storied buildings enclose a large courtyard on three sides with the Hawa Mahal located on its eastern side. The courtyard presently houses an archaeological museum.
The interior of the mahal consisting of chambers as also passages and pillars leading to the top storey is however quite plain and simple compared to the ornamented exterior. The width of the top three storeys is that of a single room while the first two storeys have courtyards. There are no stairs in the building and top storeys can be reached only by ramps.
Visitor's Experience:
Today, the Hawa Mahal continues to enchant visitors from around the globe, offering a glimpse into Rajasthan's regal past and architectural splendor. The adjacent courtyard, now housing an archaeological museum, provides insights into the region's cultural heritage, while the mahal's ornate interior and panoramic views from the top storeys offer a captivating experience for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the significance of World Heritage Day, the Hawa Mahal stands as a poignant reminder of the need to preserve and celebrate our architectural legacy. From its ornate jharokhas to its ingenious ventilation system, every aspect of this magnificent structure tells a story of innovation, tradition, and cultural heritage. As visitors explore its corridors and gaze out from its lofty heights, they are transported back in time, experiencing firsthand the grandeur and splendor of India's illustrious past. May the Hawa Mahal continue to stand as a beacon of heritage, inspiring awe and admiration for generations to come.
Authored By:
Kapil Menghrani, Assistant Director, India at BEE Incorporations. He is an experienced consultant providing sustainability strategies for the Construction Industry. He specializes in AutoCAD, Green Buildings, and Market Research.
