The City Palace - Jaipur

Accommodation

Jaipur, the glorious dream destination for all national and international tourists, with its famous forts, palaces, temples, gardens and museums has The City Palace as the jewel in its crown.

The City Place today houses Maharaja Swai Man Singh II Museum in its peripheral areas. The City Palace is situated 10 km from the former capital of Amber. Lying in the heart of city in a sprawling walled enclosure. The City Palace is a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture.

The world famous palace of Jaipur which is popularly known as The City Palace was built by the Kachhwaha ruler of Amber Sawai Jai Singh in early 18th century. The different Mahals of this palace is decorated with pillars, arches, Mehrabs, and grills and also with beautiful inlay works. It is very rare to find such a scientific and modern 18th century building. Today The City Palace receives thousands of visitors whose heart gets filled with enjoyment and astonishment as well at looking the great craftsmanship. There are mainly two main entrances to the palace: One is from Jaleb Chowk and another being from Tripolia Gate side.

Mubarak Mahal - While entering through Birendra Pole from Tripolia Side, one can have a look at a huge unique structure: that is Mubarak Mahal. The construction of this structure was completed during the reign of Sawai Madho Singh II. Colonel Jacob was the Architect of this building. Interesting part is, the building is the combination of age-old Indian as well as Mughal and Europeans architecture. The building was used, as reception hall during the Jaipur reign and probably that is why it is Mubarak Mahal. In early days at the order of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Mahabharata, Shahi-Ramayana, Surpadawali etc. famous manuscripts were displayed here.

Sileh Khana - Just after crossing the courtyard of Pitam Niwas there is the Ananda Mandir and on the top of floor of Ananda Mandir there are beautifully painted halls. Here, different kinds of arms and armour of Jaipur Amber rulers are displayed.

Sarvatobhadra and Art Gallery - From Sileh Khana towards interior courtyard there is the Sarvatobhadra which is known as Sarvata also. During 18th-19th century this place was used as Diwan-e-Khas, Where Maharajas used to give their advice to their ministers. Now this area has been converted to visitors rests area and the worlds two largest silver vessels are also displayed here. There is an another gate from eastern side to enter into the Art Gallery. This Art Gallery was the Sabha-Niwas before.

Chandra Mahal - In northwest part of the palace, there is the Chandra Mahal. It is a seven-storyed building and towers high above all the surrounding buildings. There are specific name to different parts of the Mahal - Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas, Mukut-Mandir etc. Towards the north of Chandra Mahal there is the Jai-Niwas garden and in the midst of the garden there is the Shri Govind Devji temple.

Royal Museum - The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum was established in 1959. Then it was known as Maharaja of Jaipur Museum. In 1970, the museum was rechristened as Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum.

The history of Jaipur State occupies a glorious part in Indian history. The success and the achievements of the Maharajas are still the source of inspiration for common people. The sole aim of the museum is to portray the victory and achievements of the Maharajas and educate people of both India and abroad and feel proud of those. The collection of the museum includes Decorative Art Objects, Arms, Paintings, Textiles and Carpets of historical importance. The museum organizes many workshops and other educational activities, especially for children.

Presently there are three galleries in the museum. They are:

Textile Gallery: The royal costumes are displayed in the first floor of the Mubarak Mahal. The enormous Atamsukh, a beautiful rich Banaras brocade quilted cloak of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I is an object of amazement. The finest examples of Sanganeri print, Tie and Die Lehariya, Pashmina shawls, Mishru (50% silk and 50% wool), 17th and 18th century cloth and fine Daca Muslin are displayed here. Musical instruments, glass cutlery and Indian games are also in display.

Sileh Khana (Armoury Gallery): One of the richest collection of the Indian weapons in the world is displayed here in a most artistic and symbolic manner. Amongst the important weapons displayed here are: Heavy Khanda(sword) probably of Raja Man Singh I, swords of Mughal emperors Jehangir and Shahjahan, night polo ball, Sawai Jai Singh's pistol and matchlock guns of 17th century probably cast at Jaigarh fort, Amber. Rekhla(miniature cannon), Jujarba(Camel Guns), lances, Katars(daggers), bows and arrows, Maces and Gunpowder flasks, Howdahs(Elephants seat used during hunting) are also on display.

Art Gallery: The rich collection of Indian Miniature Paintings, Carpets from Kabul and Herat of 17th century, paper cuttings, illustrated and un-illustrated manuscripts, 19th century photographs and photographic instruments, items of paraphernalia and regalia are displayed in the Sabha Niwas which is now called Art gallery. Sets of Ragamala of 18th century, Durga Path, 18th century, Srimad-Bhagavata, 18th century and the life size portraits of the rulers of Jaipur by artists sahib Ram are displayed here. The painted photograph of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II is a special attraction of the Art gallery.

Baggi Khana: Chariots and Coaches (baggies) are displayed. The most interesting amongst these are the 19th century European cab adapted to Indian conditions and the Thakurji ka Rath (chariot used for carrying the state religious icon). The two silver jars (gangajali), the largest silver object in the world, as per entry in the Guinness Book of World record made in The City Palace in 1896 weighing 345 kg each and taken to England by Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II filed with Ganges water in 1902 can be seen in Sarvatobhadra.

Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh Gallery: This gallery was started at the initiative of Brig. H.H. Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singhji MVC of Jaipur to keep alive the traditional arts and crafts of Jaipur, under the banner of “Friends of the Museum, Artists and Craftsmen”. A dozen of national and state award winning artists and craftsmen have been given space inside The City Palace premises to demonstrate their skills and ell the product directly to the tourists. Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II museum is one the centre for excellence. It provides research opportunity to scholars; education as well as enjoyment to the common masses.
 
The museum receives visitors from all over the world especially in winters it is found over crowded. There is separate entry fee for the Indians, foreigners and students. For large group of students tickets provided in concessional rate. Photography is prohibited inside the galleries. There are recommended guides to take a round. In the Friends of the Museum section artists of different field demonstrate their artistic skills. The staff of the museum with their traditional dresses makes the atmosphere of the museum more welcoming. The museum organizes many workshops and other educational activities, specially for children.

It is being proposed to extend some galleries in the museum. Three new galleries has been planned so far, displaying baggies and Jaipur miniature paintings and personal gallery on Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and is about to open up for the public by January 2003.

The Palace Cafe - Enjoy a truly memorable experience of fine dining at the newly opened Palace Cafe, situated in premises of the Sawai Man Singh II Museum, we have created a matchless Royal ambience in an air-conditioned buffet Restaurant, and an exquisite courtyard for alfresco dining.

The Restaurant is managed by professional service staff and expert cooks. The menu comprises mainly of Regional and Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian specialties and some exclusive dishes from the Far East and the Continent.

The Place Café is an excellent venue for Lunches, Theme parties and Gala evenings.
Lunch, Dinner, snacks, refreshments and beverages are serviced in an exclusive setting.