Jaipur

1 Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II ca 1725 Jaipur. British museum

Nahargarh 080

Jaipur 03-2016 34 Jaipur Metro

Way to Amer Fort (Amber Fort) Jaipur

Sawai-Mansingh-Stadium-Jaipur

Jaipur is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Known as the Pink City for its distinct pink-colored buildings, Jaipur was founded on 18 November 1727 by Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amer, after whom the city is named. It is a significant tourist destination in India and forms a part of the West Golden Triangle tourist circuit along with Delhi and Agra.

History

Jaipur was established by Maharaja Jai Singh II, after he moved his capital from Amer to Jaipur due to water scarcity and growing population. The city was one of India's earliest planned cities and was designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a Bengali architect, in a grid layout with wide straight avenues, roads, streets, and lanes, and uniform rows of shops on either side of the main bazaars, all arranged in nine rectangular city sectors (chokris).

Geography

Located in the semi-arid lands of Rajasthan, Jaipur is situated at an altitude of 431 meters above sea level. The city is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, which play a critical role in influencing its climate and weather patterns.

Climate

Jaipur experiences a hot semi-arid climate with mild winters and extremely hot summers. The monsoon season from June to September sees moderate to heavy rainfall, providing relief from the heat.

Culture

Jaipur is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The city celebrates various festivals with great zeal, including the Gangaur Festival, Teej Festival, and Kite Festival. Jaipur's cuisine, handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles also reflect its cultural depth. Traditional dishes such as Dal Baati Churma and Ghewar are popular among locals and tourists alike.

Economy

The economy of Jaipur is fueled by tourism, gemstone cutting, the manufacture of jewelry and luxury textiles, and information technology. It is also a hub for traditional and modern industries. The city's markets, such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, are famous for handloom products and a wide range of handicrafts.

Education

Jaipur is home to several prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Rajasthan, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, and Indian Institute of Health Management Research.

Tourism

Jaipur is a prime tourist destination, known for its historic forts, palaces, and architectural marvels. Key attractions include the Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's vibrant markets, rich culture, and festivals attract tourists from all over the world.

Transportation

Jaipur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Jaipur International Airport provides domestic and international flights, making the city easily accessible. Jaipur Metro, launched in 2015, has improved urban mobility and is a significant addition to the city's public transportation system.

See also

• Rajasthan
• Tourism in Rajasthan
• List of cities in India by population