Jaipur: Food, Festivities, Chivalry, Amazing architecture, reminiscent of Kings and Kingdom, Bright Colours and... modern life. The largest city and capital of Rajasthan has its own story. The first planned city of India has one of the most rich and vast history in the county.
Here we have tried to cover the most important aspects of Jaipur in just 11 points which affected the fate of this royal city and proved to be turning point in its history:
1. 1036 A.D.
Amer was conquered by Kachwahas in 1036 A.D. and it remained their Capital till 1727 when Jaipur city was founded.
2. Amer before Jaipur
Before Raja Kakil Dev (First Kachwaha King of Amber) , Amer was small town built by Meenas, where they built a temple of goddess Amba. Hence the city was named after the temple. It is also said that, Raja Kakil Dev built the temple for Goddess Amba in his Jaigarh Fort.
3. The First Palace
One of the most beautiful palaces of India, Amer Palace was built during the period 1592-1614 A.D. by Raja Man Singh.
4. Great Conquerer Raja Man Singh
Raja Mansingh, Son of Raja Bharmal, Brother of Jodha Bai , was most trusted general of Mughal Emperor Akbar. He fought and won a great number of battles of Akbar’s Mughal Empire and was one of Akbar’s Navaratna. His Conflicts with Maharana Pratap and historic battle in Kabul proved to be turning points in history of Mughals in India.
5. Kachwaha Rulers of Amer
The Kachwaha rulers who ruled amer and Jaipur for more than 900 years are actually descendants of Lord Ram’s son Kush hence named Kushwaha which later became Kachwaha.
6. Coalition of Amer Rajputs with Mughals
Mughal general Majnu Khan Introduced Raja Bharmal to Mughal King Akbar in 1556 AD.Raja Bharmal requested Akbar to marry his daughter Jodha and promised that Amer Rajputana will become a close ally with Mughal empire. Akbar accepted the offer and the alliance then continued for more than 200 years.
7. Treaty between Amer Rajputs and Mughals
The two parties agreed on condition that for every battle Rajputs will supply soldiers and leaders and Mughals will help with arms and ammunitions. And after every battle Rajputs will get the booty while Mughals will get the land to expand their empire.
To quote Sir Jadunath Sarkar, the famous historian: "The house of Kachchwahas supplied Akbar and his successors the cool penetrating brain power, the unfailing political insight, the great administrative skill and the inborn power of leadership of a Man Singh, a Mirza Raja Jai Singh and a Sawai Jai Singh.”
8. Sawai Jai Singh II and Foundation of Jaipur
Sawai Jai Singh II (1699-1744), who was a genius in mathematics, astronomy and architecture, wanted to secure his city from continues attacks of Marathas. Also, increase in population and scarcity of water made him decide to lay the foundation of a well designed and planned city JAIPUR where he later shifted his capital.
9. Construction of Jaipur
The Construction of Jaipur started on 18th November 1727 which continued for 4 years. The city was divided into nine blocks, out of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, whereas the remaining seven blocks were allotted to the public. In order to ensure the security, huge fortification walls were made along with seven strong gates.
10. How the city got its Nickname
Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II (1835-1880) ordered entire city to be painted in Pink colour to welcome Prince of Wales (Edward VII) who visited Jaipur in 1878 with his wife. And after that Jaipur was given the nickname ‘The Pink City’.
11. Jaipur after Independence
After India got independence, Jaipur merged with Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bikaner to form the largest state of India (Area wise) with Jaipur as its capital.
