Jal Mahal is located 6kms before Amber fort at Amber fort Road outside Jaipur. This is a 5 storey palace, out of which the first four floors are located under water, only the top floor of this palace enjoys the sunshine and rain. Even after the 200 years of construction, still its architectural beauty is the same as it was before. Jal Mahal was built in the year 1799. This historical palace was built by Sawai Pratap Singh. The Man Sagar Lake was formed by constructing a dam between the two hills by Sawai Man Singh. This is a best example of Rajputs architecture. This Mahal attracts lots of tourist because of its beauty and architecture. Jal Mahal is a romantic place as it is built in red sandstone. The Man Sagar Lake is now a muddy swamp throughout the year. It is one of the best examples of Rajput architectural beauty and technical excellence. The palace seems very beautiful in the evening as the entire complex looks like bathed in flood lights. Hundreds of migratory birds can be seen swimming in winters in the Man Sagar Lake. Visitors are only allowed to see the Palace from a distance. Entry is not allowed in the palace. It is among one of best attractions of Jaipur which is known for its architectural beauty and the settings in the surroundings.
There is a temporal exhibition inside the Jal Mahal Palace which features the art and craft of Rajasthan. The exhibition is divided into four themes i.e. water, monsoons, gardens and celebrations. Each part contains miniature paintings and crafts. It shows the talent and value of a local craftsmen and traditions of Rajasthan. It also depicts the magnificent costumes, jewellery of the Maharajas who ruled over Rajasthan. Celebration and games of that time are also displayed through a full sensory spectrum. Jal Mahal is a palace located in water and is 6.5 kms away from the Jaipur City on the road to Amber. It is located in the mid of Man Sagar Lake and the purpose for its construction was Royal duck shooting parties. The Palace and the Lake both were renovated in the 18th century by Maharaja Jai Singh II. The Palace is built in red sandstone and shows an intricate mix of the Mughal and the Rajput architectural style of design. Paintings from the time of Rajputs and Mughals are also displayed in the painting exhibition in the Jal Mahal Palace. There is some story which is hidden behind each painting. The Rajput paintings show the influence of Mughal style. There are many similarities and common features in the paintings of both styles. The paintings show a number of themes and events from epics like the Mahabharta, the Ramayana and also from Krishna’s life. Beautiful landscapes and humans are also displayed in these paintings.
Rajputs prefer the mode of painting as miniatures in manuscripts or keeping single sheets in albums. Many paintings are also found on the walls of the Palace. Rajput paintings show a dream world of fantasy and color and also show the Indian romantic past. These paintings explore the background of historical art and the Mughal influence. The paintings depict epic literature, folk tales, religious poems, religions and music and other tradition of Rajasthan.
Painting is the best example to express tradition and culture of life. These miniature paintings were excellently created and have portrays of beautiful women with round faces, long neck, large black eyes and pointed nose. These paintings also depict the haunting activities of Rajas and Maharajas of that time. The structure of the bodies of males and females in the paintings has been influenced by Rajasthani folk art.
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