The Palace of the Winds (also known as the Hawa Mahal) in Jaipur is undoubtedly one of India’s most stunning monuments. The structure was built in 1799 at the behest of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh and has stood out among the historic buildings of the city for over 200 years. The palace façade and its myriad details are particularly impressive.
Palace of the Winds – origins
The construction of the mansion was initiated by Sawai Pratap Singh, known as a patron of literature, art and architecture, who ruled Jaipur from 1778 to 1803. The design of the palace was drawn up by Lal Chand Ustad, which brought him great fame and recognition. His masterpiece stood in the south-eastern part of the maharaja’s residential complex, on one of the main arteries of the city. According to accounts, the building was dedicated to Krishna and its form refers to the mukut, or crown, of this deity.
The former function and significance of the Hawa Mahal
No sources have survived that clearly explain the original role of the building. The erection of the palace coincides with a period of strict adherence to the purdah rule, which restricted the public presence of women. For this reason, it is assumed that the densely perforated façade allowed the ladies of the court to observe the street life of Jaipur without going outside. The upper floors also offer panoramic views of Jantar Mantar, the historic astronomical observatory, and the city’s buildings.
Facade architecture
The palace was built of red sandstone. Its eastern façade forms a five-storey wall with a distinctive openwork structure. It consists of 953 small jarokha-type balconies, sheltered by stone transennas. The arrangement of these elements is reminiscent of a honeycomb to some. The motif of triple jarokhas, with a central opening flanked by two smaller ones, is repeated in vertical and horizontal strips, introducing a rhythmic order into the façade’s composition.
The Palace of the Winds and its architecture
The body of the palace surrounds two inner courtyards. Each floor is designed as a narrow tract with a single room, and the thickness of the walls does not exceed 20 centimetres. The three lower storeys are decorated with a repetitive arrangement of balconies, above which there are two levels enclosing the whole. The fourth storey differentiates the height of the jarokh, creating a distinct finial, while the fifth storey supports a bangaldar roof. The lightweight construction promotes natural air circulation, which translates into a perceptible coolness in the interiors, even during the hot days typical of the Rajasthani climate. It is this phenomenon that gave the palace its name.
Hawa Mahal today
Today, there is an archaeological museum within the walls of the Palace of the Winds. Its collections include sculptures and the products of local craftsmen. The oldest objects on display date back to the 2nd century BC.
Source: tourism.rajasthan.gov.in
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