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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 and as well the Maharajas. The success, 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 are objects of historical importance.

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Art Gallery: The rich collection of Indian Miniature Paintings, Carpets from Kabul and Herat of 17th century, paper cuttings, illustrated and unillustrated 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.

4.In 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 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.

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. 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

Govind Devji Temple

Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan
Diety: Radha and Krishna
Original Location: Vrindavan, Uttarpradesh
Relocated By: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1590 AD

* THE DIVINE ARRIVAL * OF THAKUR SHRI RADHA GOVIND DEVJI MAHARAJ TO JAIPUR

* Jhanki (Darshan) *

Mangla

Dhoop

Shringar

Rajbhog

Gwal

Sandhya

Shayan

Jal Mahal is an 18th century pleasure palace and is located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan. The palace is perched amidst Mansagar lake, which is in turn nestled amongst the Nahargarh hills. The Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur is noted for its sophisticated design and grand architecture. The Palace was developed as a pleasure spot and was used for the royal duck shooting parties. A causeway leads to Jal Mahal Palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar lake, opposite the cenotaphs. The first four floors of this building is under water, only the top floor remains outside. One can have a wonderful view of the lake and the palace from Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799, the palace is now abandoned, but reasonably well preserved. The lake eco system is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds. The Mansagar Dam on the eastern side of the lake acts as a vantage point for viewing the lake and the valley.

Located in the central pavilion of the elaborate sprawling Jai Niwas Garden, to the north of the magnificent Chandra Mahal, is the miniature temple of Lord Krishna. The idol of Shri Krishna, originally kept in a temple in Vrindavan, was installed here by Sawai Jai Singh II, as the ruling deity of his family.

Sri Govinddevji, the family deity of Amber’s Kachawaha Dynasty, now dwells in Jaipur, along with his consort Radha. The image, nevertheless, earlier existed in Vrindaban, where the Lord resided in the great temple built for him by Raja Mansingh, which was consecrated in 1590 AD.

Govinddevji was symbolic of Mansingh’s power and became the focus of political interaction of the Mughal Emperor and the Kachawahas and, hence, an object of imperial and royal patronage. In the end of the seventeenth century, Govinddevji and Radha, accompanied by Vrindaban’s tutelary goddess, Vrindadevi, were taken to the Amber territory to protect them from damage by the hands of iconoclasts.

It happened in the latter part of Emperor Aurangzeb’s rule when, with the impelling grave condition of the Empire, regional Hindu Kingdoms became increasingly self assertive. Thus, that move from Vrindaban to Amber, the patrimonial land of the Kachawahas, also marked the Kachawaha rulers’ assertion of regional power and identity.

Govinddevji and his consort eventually came to reside in the palatial temple, in the precincts of the City Palace of Maharaja Sawai Jaisingh’s new capital, Jaipur. The rise of the deity to the status of a symbol of regnant power also meant the rise of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and the deity’s custodians to power in the Kachawaha territory.

This is the most important and popular temple, which is visited in thousands by the devotees through out the year.

The City Palace is an imposing blend of traditional Rajasthani and Mughal art and architecture. The City Palace complex houses several palatial structures. In the heart of the old city, the City Palace occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens and buildings. Jai Singh built the outer wall but other additions were made much later, some right up to the start of this century. The former Maharaja still lives in part of the palace. The City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area of the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.

The first building in it, is Mubarak Mahal, built by Maharaja 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’ with a marble paved gallery. Across a paved square lies the ‘Diwan-E-Am’ or the ‘Hall Of Public Audience’, with its intricate decorations and manuscripts in Persian and Sanskrit. There is also a clock tower and the newer Mubarak Mahal.

To the north-west is the stately and graceful seven-storeyed Chandra Mahal, the residence of ex-ruler. The seven-story Chandra Mahal is the centrepiece and commands fine views of the gardens and the city. The complex contains an excellent museum, an armoury 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 Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools. The armoury dating back to the 15th 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. 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 Badal Mahal. The Govind Devji Temple stands in the middle of the Chandra Mahal and the Badal Mahal. A delightful system of mountains 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 buildings, you may see a large silver vessel which a former Maharaja used to take drinking water with him to England. Being a devout Hindu, he could not drink the English water!