Travel with me: Jaipur Post #1 - Hawa Mahal

This is my first post on Steemit and starting today I am taking you for the tour of Hawa Mahal in Jaipur (The Pink City), the capital and is the largest and modern city in Rajasthan. Jaipur is located 260 km (162 miles) from the Indian capital New Delhi. Jaipur

Rajasthan is mainly known for its forts and palaces. Jaipur is mainly known for its Pink colored buildings in the main city. Jaipur was the India first planned city in India and was founded on 18 Nov 1727 by Jai Singh II and the ruler of Amer. Jaipur is named on the ruler of Amer Jai Singh.

About
Hawa Mahal is also known as Wind Palace or Palace of Breeze is one of the prominent tourist attractions in Jaipur city. Located in the heart of Jaipur, this beautiful five-story palace was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty. The main architect of this palace built of red and pink sandstone is Lal Chand Ustad and the palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god. Considered as an embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal and its pyramid shape and it's 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs. The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was essentially a high screen wall built so that the women of the royal family could observe street festivals while unseen from the outside. The palace sits on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the zenana, or women's chambers.

History
It was in 1799 that the Kachhwaha Rajput ruler, Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh who built Jaipur, constructed Hawa Mahal as a continuation of the Royal City Palace. Sawai Pratap Singh's devotion to Lord Krishna is evident in the palace's construction as it resembles the lord's crown. Though many reasons are cited behind the construction of the fort, Purdah system followed by the Rajputs is said to be one of the main causes. During those days, Rajput royal women did not appear in public or in front of strangers. However, they were keen to follow the day-to-day events and royal processions occurring on the streets. It is for their benefit that the Hawa Mahal was built, complete with small windows and screened balconies. This gave the women a sense of freedom, without appearing in public.