What Is the Hawa Mahal?
Hawa Mahal means “Palace of the Winds,” and it’s a spectacular, pink sandstone façade on the edge of Jaipur’s City Palace!
What Makes It Historical?
One of the many Persian influences on northwestern India was the system of purdah, the separation of women from men. The Hindu royals of Rajasthan took this practice to heart and required all women of the palace to stay out of sight of the public at all times! That didn’t stop the ladies from wanting a peek out onto public life, though, so in 1799, Sawai Pratap Singh ordered this extension to be added to the City Palace in Jaipur so his wives could see out without being seen!
Architect, Lal Chand Usta, designed this façade to resemble the crown of Krishna, who was worshipped on the third level from the top, the Vichitra Mandir! He installed 953 tiny windows to let the winds blow through in summer and to give the royal women a view of the streets without exposing themselves to the rabble!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Hawa Mahal Rd, Badi Choupad
J.D.A. Market, Pink City
Jaipur, Rajasthan 302002
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The Hawa Mahal is open daily from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM!