City palace is situated in the heart of the Pink city, slightly northeast in the very centre ?f Jaipur. Although the Palace was designed according to the Vaastushastra but still Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles are reflected in the City Palace. The City Palace was built under the rule of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in the year 1699 and continued till 1744. The city palace is divided into two parts- One part is Sawai Man Singh museum and other is still the residing palace of the former Maharaja.
The Tripolia gate is reserved for entry into the palace by the royal family. Common people and visitors can enter the palace complex only through the Virendra Pol and the Udai Pol or the Atish Pol also known as Stable Gate. The entry from Virendra Pol leads to the Mubarak Mahal. The Palace is designed in a grid style and also has various Mahals and temples in it like: Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal, Diwan-E-Khas, Govind Temple and many more which one must see while visiting City Palace. Mughal Style is shown on the gates and walls of the Palace which contains lattice and mirrors in them which adds more beauty to the palace. City Palace is very popular and famous tourist spot in Pink City. The palace shows the regal architecture and rich heritage of Mughals as well as it also shows the interesting view of the Pink city. The former Maharaja still lives in the top most floor of Chandra Mahal which is also known as Moon Mahal which was built by Sawai Jai Singh II.
Beautifully carved, two marble elephants greet at the doorstep of the City Palace, where the ‘Mubarak Mahal’ emerges first or welcome palace which is also known as reception center which was constructed by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, who was the grandfather of the Present Maharaja. Mubarak Mahal contains museum in it. Textile Museum is the first museum that one can see while entering the City Palace area. This museum contains the many ornaments as well as the garments which are worn by the Kings and the other people of the Royal families that belong to the medieval period.
The Arms museum of the City Palace has various kinds of weapons. We can see the different kinds of pistols and daggers here. Art Museum is the most attractive out of the three museums. The museum is worth loving by the tourists. One can see the paintings of Sawai Ram Singh in a 3D view, which seems like as he is looking in your eyes no matters you are standing on which side or you are watching the painting from any angle.
There is a Clock Tower near Mubarak Mahal. Sileh Khana has a collection of armory and weapons. The next courtyard shows the Diwan- E-Khas which is also known as Hall of Private Audience which is fully built with marble and sandstones. It has two huge silver vessels on display .In the western side of it is the Pritam Chowk also called as Peacock Courtyard, which is having four beautifully designed gates. Diwan- I- Am is the hall of Public Audience which contains the miniature paintings, carpets, photographs in it. To construct this fabulous palace Rajasthani and Mughal architectural techniques are used in them.
Charges for going in City Palace is Rs. 35.00 for Indians and for foreigners Rs.150.00 inclusive of entry to Jaigarh fort and the timings are from 9:30 am to 4:45 pm. The City Palace does not only have a lot of historical significance but it also reminds us about the royal past. Some of the attractive things in the City Palace are Udai Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Tripolia Gate and Virendra Pol, or we can consider them as the various entrances to enter into the Palace. They all are decorated in a fabulous way.
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