Heritage Cities Of India: Jaipur

We know Jaipur as the pink city, the city of palaces and forts and a tourist hub. This city has as rich a cultural history as any city can have. Being one of the prime cities where Indian Rajput royalty flourished, Jaipur is one of the most important and great heritage cities in India, also known for the same internationally.

UNESCO, the wing of the United Nations that works for education, science and heritage all around the world identifies heritage as the legacy from our past that we live with and pass on to the next generation.

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 AD. who ruled from 1699-1743. He was assisted by the architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. wikimedia

Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727 AD. Maharaja Jai Singh II was a Kachwaha Rajput king who ruled from 1699-1743. He was assisted by the architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. Completed in 4 years, this city was planned as a set of 9 blocks which would later be painted pink under the rule of Maharaja Ram Singh in 1876.

Hawa Mahal, India at daytime

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Much of the old architecture like the great Amber Fort, arts and crafts like the Rajasthani miniature painting and the authentic cuisine comprising of daal, baati, churma along with the rituals and practices are all expressions of the royal culture Jaipur.

This culture combined with the warmth this city offers attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. In fact it is the tourism industry that is the backbone of the city.

Keywords: Jaipur, Rajasthan, Heritage, India, Pink City