The Iconic Monument of Jaipur - Hawa Mahal

CONTEXT:

Planning to give a heritage look to an old piece of building, a trader renovated it into a hawa mahal-like structure in Chandni chowk. Now, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation asks to dismantle it.

ABOUT HAWA MAHAL

• Hawa Mahal, also known as “Palace of Breeze”, was built in 1799 as an extension to the Royal City Palace of Jaipur
• Allowed the royal ladies who at the time strictly observed “pardah”, to be able to watch any processions and activities on the street without being seen by the public.
• Constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh who belonged to the Kachhwaha Rajput dynasty.
• The main architect of this palace, built of red and pink sandstone, is Lal Chand Ustad and the palace is believed to have been constructed in the form of the crown of Krishna, the Hindu god.
• The main highlight of Hawa Mahal is its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are decorated with intricate designs.
• Architectural Style: Blend of Hindu Rajput architecture and the Islamic Mughal architecture. The former style is palpable from the fluted pillars, floral patterns and domed canopies while the arches and stone inlay filigree work are manifestations of the latter style.
• The façade of the building intricately carved with beautiful motifs is cognate to that of the honeycomb of a beehive. Several potholes of the structure each having small lattice windows, chiselled sandstone grill and decorated domes give the building a look of a mass of semi-octagonal bays.
• These jharokhas were build in such a manner that air circulates naturally through them creating Venturi effect (doctor breeze) thus air conditioning the entire structure during the hot summers.
• The inspiration for the monument is said to have come from the Khetri Mahal (also known as the Wind Palace) at Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.

Sources:

• The Indian Express
• Rajasthan Tourism government website