Happy birthday to Jaipur: 9 facts you should know as Pink City turns 291
On the occasion of the Foundation Day, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about Jaipur:
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Jaipur: Jaipur has turned 291-year-old on November 18, 2018. The Foundation Day of Jaipur was celebrated on Sunday. Several cultural programs in the form of dance, music, and ceremonies were organized at different places.
On the occasion of the Foundation Day, let’s take a look at some interesting facts about Jaipur:
1. Jaipur is actually the first planned city of the country.
Maharaja Jai Singh sought advice from Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, an architect from Bengal to help in designing the city’s architecture. As per the principles of Vaastu Shastra, the city was divided into 9 blocks out of which two consisted of the state buildings and palaces while the remaining seven were allotted to the public. Seven strong gates around the city were built to ensure the security. To serve the aim of military objective, Jaigarh and Nahargarh fort were built.
2. Maharaja Jai Singh II founded the city in 1727
Jaipur’s Foundation day is celebrated on November 18 every year. Maharaja Jai Singh II shifted his capital from Amer to Jaipur due to several complications and founded Jaipur on November 18 in 1727. The name ‘Jaipur’ derived from Maharaja Jaisingh’s name.
3. The construction of the city took 4 years to complete
As Jaipur is the first planed city, it took architectures and experts a huge amount of time to build the city as per plan. Finally, several areas of Jaipur were built within four years after the foundation by Maharaja Jai Singh II
4. The name ‘Pink City’ was derived after the city was painted pink as a gesture to welcome England queen Elizabeth and prince of whales in 1876
Maharaja Sawai Mansingh ordered to paint the city with pink color as a gesture to welcome England’s Queen Elizabeth and Prince of Whales Yuvraj Albert in 1876. Since then, Jaipur got the name as Pink City.
5. Jaipur ranked on 10th position in population in the world
In the census report of 2011, Jaipur was placed at number – 10 in the list of most populated cities of the world. Jaipur is also called Paris of India.
6. Jaipur is included in the ‘Indian Golden Triangle’
Indian Golden Triangle is a triangle of cities made on India’s map for Indian and international tourists. It comprises of three cities including Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. These three cities are must visit for any tourists who come to India.
7. Amer was the capital city of Rajasthan before Jaipur.
Maharaja Jai Singh II served as the ruler of Amber from 1699 to 1744. Maharaja Jai Singh’s father, Bishan Singh died when he was just 11-year-old. Jai Singh II had to take over the throne at the age of 11. Jai Singh II built his capital around the Amber Fort.
With the emerging population of Amber, the water scarcity also increased. After several issues, Jai Singh II decided to build the new planned city.
8. Chandra Mahal was the first ever construction after the foundation of Jaipur
According to some history writers, the foundation of the city started from Talkatora whether some others say it was laid from Brahmapuri. After the foundation of Jaipur, the first ever construction in the city was Chandra Mahal.
9. Jaipur’s architecture was considered the most advanced in the entire Indian subcontinent.
A more secure and well-planned city needed to be built due to the frequent battles against the Maratha Empire at the historical times in Amber. Jai Singh II decided to construct the city, Jaipur with most advanced architecture. The modern city plan of Jaipur was revised in 1935 and the first modern colony of the city was established in 1939. Many areas including Raja Park, Adarsh Nagar, Ram Niwas Garden and many more were formed after 1947.