In the heart of the old city, the City Palace
occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards,
gardens and buildings. The outer wall was built by Jai Singh but
other additions were made much later, some right up to the start
of this century. Today, the palace is a blend of Rajasthani and
Mughal architecture, the former Maharaja still lives in part of
the palace.
The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. The
first building in it is Mubarak Mahal, built by Kaharaja Madho
Singh. It has a beautifully carved marble gate with heavy brass
doors on either side of this gate. Beyond this gate lies the
Diwan -e-Khas, or the "Hall of Private Audience".
The 7 storeyed Chandra Mahal is the centerpiece and commands fine
views of the gardens and the city. The complex contains an
excellent museum, an armory and several fine halls. The
apartments are maintained in luxurious order and the museum of
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II has an extensive collection of art,
carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The paintings include
miniatures in the Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. The
armoury dating back to the 15 th century and many of the
ingenious and tricky weapons which the warrior Rajputs were
famous for. A section of museum also contains dresses and
costumes of the former maharajas and maharanis of Jaipur.
Across a paved square lies the Diwan-e-Aam, or the "Hall of
Public Audience". To the north-west is the stately and graceful
seven storeyed Chandra Mahal, the residence of the ex-ruler. Each
storey has a distinctive name and is a place of sheer beauty and
luxury. Paintings, floral decorations, mirror walls and ceilings
in the traditional style adorn the palace. The uppermost storey
is called the Mukut Mahal.
Opposite the chandra Mahal lies the Baldal Mahal. The Govind
Devji temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and Badal
Mahal. A delightful system of fountains is placed in the middle
of the paved path between the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal.
The palace has extensive and sprawling gardens
Outside the building you can see large silver vessels, that were
taken to England by a former maharaja, filled with drinking
water.
