Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
Hawa Mahal "The wind palace" was built in 1799 AD. It is the part of the City palace and was built for the royal ladies to have glimpses of the royal processions and the market activities.
It is a five storey building, displaying remarkable Rajputana architecture. Build in pink and red sandstone, the mahal has 953 windows, which were built with the aim to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and royal processions in the city without being seen. Each one of these windows has tiny lattice worked (Jali) windows (pink in color), small balconies and arched roofs with hanging cornices, elegantly modeled, engraved and carved. A spectacular view of the city can be seen from this palace. Though one can see a glimpse of Mughal architecture, the splendid Rajputana architecture with beautiful outline and white borders and motif's done (painted) with quick lime beautifully adorns the palace.
HIGHLIGHTS :
Hawa Mahal is a rich blend of architectural culture of the native reign of Rajputs and Islam featuring Mughal architecture
The variety of colorful stones, marble and gems increase the interior beauty of the palace. The inner courtyards of Palace are embellished with decorated fountains