A ROYAL INTERLUDE

The City Palace is one of the most iconic spaces in Jaipur. Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh takes us inside his private quarters that like him, is a mix of tradition and modernity.

- RIDHI KALE

Mystery, opulence, and a rich blend of history collide at Jaipur's City Palace, where Mughal and Rajput architectural mastery intertwine in an awe-inspiring tapestry. This sprawling complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards, gardens, and temples isn't just a monument-it's a living, breathing masterpiece. It's also home to 26-year-old Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, affectionately known as 'Pacho' among friends and family, who stands at the helm of Jaipur's royal legacy. Not only does he champion the preservation of Jaipur's culture and traditions, but he's also a polo star and a global youth and fashion icon-talk about a modern-day renaissance man.

Legacy in Every Brick

"The construction of City Palace, commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, started in 1727 and is said to have been completed by 1732. It's a vast complex, and is designed to align with a blend of Indic and shastric norms," shares Singh. What's lesser known, however, is that Jai Singh's ambitious vision didn't just stop at building a palace-he designed Jaipur itself as India's first planned city.