Constructed in 1799, Hawa Mahal is the most sensational monument in the city of Jaipur. The palace, overlooks one of Jaipur's main streets and was originally constructed to offer women of the court an upper hand, so that they can watch the activities taking place in the bazaar and the surrounding streets behind stone-carved screens. For this purpose, it was designed with over 900 niches, and the entire building is shaped like a crown adorning Lord Krishna's head.


The site offers superb views of the city, including the many old palaces and houses which were painted ocher-pink for the 1853 visit of Prince Albert. This five-story, pyramid-shaped structure is made up of small casements, each with tiny windows and arched roofs, beautifully modeled and carved. There is a total lack of ornamentation on the inner face of the building. The chambers are plain and more mass of pillars and passages leading to the top storey.


It's Beauty

Famous for it's Beehive like structure, the entrance to the Hawa Mahal is in the rear side of the main building, the front portion of the building having no entry at all, unlike conventional buildings. The Hawa Mahal is made of red and pink sand stone, beautifully outlined with white borders and motif's painted with quick lime.


Architecture

The Hawa mahal was built by Sawai Pratap Singh who was the grand son of Sawai Jai Singh in 1799 AD and was designed by Mr. Lal Chand Usta, a famous architect of the time. This was purposely made for ladies of royal families to watch royal processions and various activities in the streets while seated behind the small windows.