Jaipur

Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 CE by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of the Kachwaha Rajputs of Amber. Overcrowding and water scarcity in the old hill capital of Amber led him to plan a new city on the plains, about 11 km away. Jaipur is often called India’s first planned city of the early modern era, laid out on a grid inspired by ancient Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra principles, with broad streets and nine rectangular sectors (chowkris) for different functions and communities.

Jai Singh, also a renowned astronomer, built observatories (Jantar Mantar) and key landmarks like the City Palace and Govind Dev Ji temple, while commerce flourished in the walled bazaars. In 1876, the city was famously painted terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, earning Jaipur the name “Pink City.”

Under British paramountcy, Jaipur remained a major princely state. After Independence, the princely territories of Rajputana were merged, and in 1949 Jaipur became the capital of the newly formed state of Rajasthan. Today the historic walled city and its forts—Amber, Jaigarh, Nahargarh—along with Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar, showcase Jaipur’s blend of royal, scientific and urban-planning heritage.