More commonly known in the West as the Palace of Winds, the Hawa Mahal is but one of many amazing Indian sites to see in the city of Jaipur. This architectural achievement is located in the heart of the city’s business center and is not only easy to find, but also provides a means to check out several other famous sites from a height of 50 feet above the city.
Built in 1799 as an extension of the CityPalace, the builder’s intent was to provide a sheltered area from which the royal ladies of the city could view the streets and marketplaces below without needing to expose themselves. Being a royal lady in historical India was a different affair, and these important women were not allowed to show their faces in public without covering them. Thus, the Hawa Mahal was a safe place for them to sit without feeling the need to dress according to custom (and a place where they could be away from the “rabble” of the streets).
The design of the Palace of Winds was said to have been modeled in the image of the Hindu god Krishna’s crown. The five-story structure is composed mostly of sandstone and hosts more than 950 “Jharokhas,” or windows. Contrary to what one may first envision in a palace, the Hawa Mahal is little more than a cluster of small alcoves. In fact, none of the stories is more than one room thick, unless you count the courtyards added to the lower two. The visual effect is somewhat unreal, like a giant screen or façade.
If you take a look from the inside of the Hawa Mahal, it’s possible to get a truly amazing view of the city and all of the other wonders that exist in Jaipur. If you’re visiting India and happen to enjoy unique architecture, this is one great site to put on the list.
Palace Close-up photo courtesy of Const.crist via Wikicommons
Side View photo courtesy of Chetan via Wikicommons
0 comments