Jaipur, the majestic capital of Rajasthan, is a city that draws tourists from around the world, captivated by its royal palaces, vibrant bazaars, and awe-inspiring forts. Famously known as the Pink City, Jaipur is often celebrated for its rich history, colorful culture, and architectural brilliance. However, beneath the surface of its well-known attractions lie some lesser-known facts that add to the allure of this iconic city. In this blog, we’ll uncover seven awesome facts about Jaipur that you probably didn’t know, offering you a deeper appreciation for this remarkable destination.

The First Planned City of India:

One of the most interesting facts about Jaipur is that it holds the distinction of being India’s first planned city. In 1727, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the visionary ruler of Amber, founded Jaipur and enlisted the help of renowned architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya to plan the city. Drawing inspiration from Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra (ancient Indian texts on architecture and planning), Jaipur was meticulously designed with wide streets, precise grids, and sections assigned for specific purposes. This structured approach, rare in India at that time, laid the foundation for Jaipur’s modern urban planning.

Each of the nine blocks of the old city, representing the nine divisions of the universe, serves specific purposes such as residential, commercial, and administrative. This design was revolutionary for its time and has helped Jaipur retain its cultural and architectural integrity, even as it has grown into a modern metropolis.

It’s More Than Just “Pink”:

While Jaipur is famously known as the Pink City, many people are unaware that it was not always pink. The city was initially painted this distinctive color in 1876 to welcome the visit of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, wanting to show his hospitality, ordered the entire city to be painted in pink, a color that symbolized hospitality and warmth in Rajput culture.

What’s lesser-known is that Maharaja Ram Singh II later passed a law making it illegal to paint the buildings in any color other than pink within the walled city. This law remains in effect today, ensuring Jaipur continues to charm visitors with its uniform pink hue.

Home to the World’s Largest Sundial:

At the heart of Jaipur lies Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. While the observatory is known for its massive instruments, the most famous is the Samrat Yantra, the world’s largest sundial. Standing at an impressive height of 27 meters (90 feet), this sundial is not just a colossal structure but also a highly accurate timekeeper.

The Samrat Yantra can tell the local time with an accuracy of just two seconds, making it one of the most precise sundials ever built. Its shadow moves approximately one millimeter per second, a sight that continues to fascinate scientists and tourists alike.

The Secret Underground Tunnel:

Jaipur’s historic architecture conceals a fascinating secret—a hidden tunnel that connects the City Palace and Jaigarh Fort. This underground passage was originally built as a safety measure for the royal family. In case of an attack on the City Palace, the tunnel provided a secret escape route, allowing the royals to retreat to the more fortified Jaigarh Fort, located on a hill overlooking the city.

Although sections of the tunnel have been opened to the public in recent years, much of it remains unexplored, adding an air of mystery to this royal escape route.

The Architectural Marvel of Hawa Mahal:

The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, is one of Jaipur’s most iconic landmarks. While its beautiful honeycomb structure of 953 windows (known as jharokhas) is world-famous, few people know the real purpose behind its unique design.

Hawa Mahal was constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh for the royal ladies to observe everyday street life without being seen. In keeping with the strict purdah system (veiling), the palace allowed women to witness festivals, processions, and activities in the city from behind the windows, without appearing in public. Additionally, the honeycomb structure allows cool air to circulate, making the palace a marvel of natural ventilation, especially in Jaipur’s scorching summer heat.

Jaipur Is a UNESCO World Heritage City:

In 2019, Jaipur earned the prestigious title of a UNESCO World Heritage City, becoming the second Indian city (after Ahmedabad) to receive this honor. This recognition is a testament to Jaipur's architectural grandeur, historical significance, and cultural richness. The walled city, with its majestic gates and pink-hued facades, along with monuments like the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar, helped Jaipur secure its place on the global cultural map.

This title not only celebrates Jaipur’s tangible heritage but also acknowledges its vibrant arts, crafts, and traditions that have been preserved for centuries.

The Unique Connection Between Jaipur and Albert Hall Museum:

Jaipur’s Albert Hall Museum is a stunning example of Indo-Saracenic architecture, and it has an interesting historical connection to Prince Albert. Originally, Maharaja Ram Singh II intended this beautiful structure to be a town hall. However, after Prince Albert's visit to Jaipur, his successor, Maharaja Madho Singh II, decided to turn it into a museum in honor of the prince.

What makes the Albert Hall Museum truly special is its vast collection of artifacts, including a famous Egyptian mummy that has been a part of its exhibits for decades. This makes the Albert Hall Museum a cultural treasure trove for visitors who wish to delve into Jaipur's rich artistic and historical heritage.

Conclusion

Jaipur’s captivating beauty goes beyond its well-known palaces and bustling bazaars. From its status as India’s first planned city to its underground tunnels and world-record-holding sundial, there is so much more to the Pink City than meets the eye. These hidden facts about Jaipur add depth to its charm, offering visitors an even richer experience as they explore its streets and monuments.

The next time you find yourself in Jaipur, remember these lesser-known gems that make the city even more fascinating. Whether you’re an avid history buff, a curious traveler, or a lover of culture, Jaipur has something unique to offer everyone.