JAIPUR: FROM AMBER TO THE PINK CITY

The story of Jaipur begins in the early 18th century with the kingdom of Amber, ruled by the Kachwaha dynasty.

- TDG NETWORK

Amber, located on the Aravalli hills, was a strategic stronghold but had limitations. The growing population, scarcity of water, and space constraints prompted the then Maharaja, Sawai Jai Singh II, to consider building a new capital in the plains nearby. He envisioned a city that would not only reflect grandeur and culture but also serve as a hub of trade, governance, and innovation.

Sawai Jai Singh II, born in 1688, was a ruler with a keen interest in astronomy, architecture, and urban planning. He was fascinated by the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, which guided his vision for a meticulously planned city. His goal was to create a city that balanced beauty, utility, and defense. Jaipur was designed to be wider, well-planned, and better connected than Amber, with grid-like streets and designated markets for different trades.

The planning of Jaipur was unique for its time. Sawai Jai Singh II consulted experts in town planning, architecture, and astronomy. The city was divided into nine rectangular sectors, each with its own markets, temples, gardens, and residential areas. Broad streets allowed easy movement of armies, while smaller lanes maintained privacy for residents. Water supply, drainage, and fortifications were carefully considered. Distinctly colored buildings and palaces gave Jaipur its aesthetic appeal, which would later earn it the title of the "Pink City."