BY : DEEPAK KUMAR SINGH

SAUMYA KOHLI
Sushant school of art and architecture

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/city-planning.jpg

ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING OF

JAIPUR

Jaipur lies at a distance of about 200 miles from Delhi, 150 miles from Agra
and 84 miles from Ajmer.
located amidst the Aravali hill ranges at an altitude of about 430 m above sea
level.
Latitude 26 55 ; Longitude 75 50
The current district of Jaipur lies in Eastern Rajasthan, in the Banas River
basin and forms a part of Eastern Plain of Rajasthan.
The eastern Rajasthan, lying to the east and south east of the Aravalli divide
includes the modern administrative districts of Udaipur, Chittorgarh,
Rajsamand, Banswara, Dungarpur, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar,
Bhilwara, Ajmer, Jaipur, Tonk, Dausa, Dholpur, Karauli, Bharatpur and
Alwar.

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/jaipur-history.jpg

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/jaipur-history-2.jpg

10th century onwards : the district

Dhoondhar formed one of the four
distinguishable politico-cultural
regions of Eastern Rajasthan, in
addition to Mewat, Hadauti and Mewar.
Dhoondhar region was roughly
comprised of current districts of
Jaipur, Dausa and Tonk, with Jaipur
and Amber further constituting
Dhoondhar subzone within the larger
tract of Dhoondhar region.
The region was held by Badgujars,
Rajputs and Minas till the 11th
century.
From the 11th century onwards,
however, the Dhoondhar region was
increasingly under the power of
Kachchwaha dynasty of Rajputs.
Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 1743) from
the Kachchwaha dynasty established
the city of Jaipur and strengthened
the boundaries of Dhoondhar.
Raja Sawai Jai Singh

The three main capitals of the Dhoondhar Region

under the Kachchwahas Dausa, Amber and
Jaipur.

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default
/fles/case-studies/2011/maharaja-1.jpg

REASONS FOR MAHARAJA

SAWAI JAI SINGH TO CHANGE
HIS CAPITAL FROM AMBER TO
JAIPUR (1727)
MILITARY REASONS

Defence
A site at the South of Amber ensured
greater distance from Delhi.
the out skirting hill ranges
(Nahargarh hills) shaped as a
horseshoe would allow the new city
to expand only in the South.
It was an open plain bounded on the
north-west and east by hills. Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/site-selectio

GEOGRAPHICAL REASONS

The rocky terrain of Amber

restricted expansion.
Jaipur had the potentialities of
developing into a city with adequate
drinking water due to the presence
of a perennial stream nearby and
good drainage system.
Its rugged hills also ensured a Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/graphical-reas

TWO SIGNIFICANT FACTS

RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ORIGIN OF
THE CITY AND ITS SUBSEQUENT
LAYOUT:

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/graphical-reason-1.jpg

The need of a new capital for 18th

century Dhoondhar as the earlier one of
Amber built on a hill was getting congested.
Sawai Raja Jai Singhs vision of the new
capital as a strong political statement at
par with Mughal cities and as a thriving
trade and commerce hub for the region.
SITE : a valley located south of Amber and the
plains beyond, a terrain that was the bed of a
dried lake ; dense forest cover to the north and
the east of the site.
PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS : hills on the north
that housed the fort of Jaigarh and the Amber
palace beyond, and the hills on the east, which
contained the sacred spot of Galtaji.
WATER SUPPLY : the Darbhavati river in the
north was dammed to create the Jai Sagar and
Man Sagar (that later housed the Jal Mahal)
lakes. Later the Jhotwara River in the north
west was diverted through the Amani Shah

The site with the natural east west ridge and

the surrounding forts as defense feature

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-

The medieval towns of Rajasthan were of military, agrarian, mercantile

or religious nature.
The presence of a deity marked the reference point for the rulers abode and
the rest of the city.
The name of the town was usually associated with the political or
religious centre (with the Ambikeshwar temple in the case of Amber and with
Sawai Jai Singh in the case of Jaipur).

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/dausa-2.png

The hill town of Dausa with an organic layout guided by

the topography

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/dausa-3.png

Amber Town with the Fort on top of the hill and

PLANNING OF THE CITY

Unlike Dausa and Amber, the two
previous capital cities of the Dhoondhar
region established on hill-top, whose
planning was guided by topographical
structure of the areas, Jaipur city was
revolutionary both in terms of its grid-iron
pattern planning and its location at the
base of the hills.
There was also a signifcant economic
shift from an agricultural base in Dausa
and Amber to trading in the capital of
Jaipur.
The layout of the city of Jaipur wonderfully
links the concept of aShastric city
with the practicalities of the chosen
site.
First, the straight line of the ridge
suggested itself as the route for one of the
main east-west thorough fares and
building a road along its crest makes best
Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/int-1.jpg
possible use of the topography for the
purpose of drainage.
What followed then was to regularize the The intersection of the axes to defne the Badi
Chaupar (City Square).
Amber-Sanganer road as a north-south
route at right angles to it.

 A road cutting the plain from N to

S linking Amber,the capital to
Sanganer, the principal trading
town. This road had to be preserved
and controlled and therefore had to
fall within the citys boundaries
A second road ran E to W between
the Mughal cities of Agra and
Ajmer and placing the new city on
this already established
communication line would help
secure its economic success.
However since this was an imperial
road that could not be encroached
on, thus the city had to be contained
to the north of this line.

Also, a natural ridge runs across

the plain, N of the road and
parallel to it, in a roughly EW
alignment (with a slight deviation
of15 deg. from the cardinal axes).
The area to its S is flat while that to Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/int-2
its N slopes down gently. In Shastric
Ends of the roads marked by Gates in the City
terms, this is an ideal arrangement
Wall

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fl
es/case-studies/2011/conceptual-prastara-

CONCEPTUAL PRASTARA PLAN

It is a model of town
planning the frst
planned city in India. It
is based on Hindu
systems of town
planning and followed
the principles
prescribed in the
Source:http://www.archinomy.com
Shilpa-shastra, an
prastara
/sites/default/fles/caseancient Indian treatise studies/2011/int-2.jpg
Vaastu purusha
on architecture
mandala
.according to this
shastra the site should
be divided into grids
or mandalas ranging
from 2x 2 to 10 x 10.
Planned according to
the Prastara type of
layout, which gives
prominence to the
cardinal directions.
Thus plan of jaipur Source:
is http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/conceptual-prastara-pla

 The central axis of the town was laid from East to West between the gates of
the Sun(Suraj pol) and the moon(Chandpol) .
This was crossed by two roads at right angles dividing the town into nine
almost square, almost equally sized blocks, which were further sub divided
by lanes and alleys all at right angles.
By building the western boundary of the city right up to the hills southern
apex, it provided a continuous line of defense.
The mandala could not be complete in the NW due to the presence of the
hills.
On the other hand in the SE an extra square has been added that plugged
the gap between the city and the eastern hills.

Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/mandala

 South of the main road

were four almost equal
rectangles. The
rectangle opposite the
palace has been broken
up into two equal and
smaller rectangles by
the Chaura Rasta.Thus
altogether there are now
five rectangles on the
south of the main road
called Chowkris.
On the North of the
main road from West to
East are the Purani
Basti, the Palace and
Ramchandraji.
The principal bazaar
leads from the western
gate in the city wall, The
Chandpole, passing in
front of the Tripolia Gate,
to the eastern city

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

RAMCHANDRASI
GANGAPOI CHAUKR
TALKATORA
TOPKHANA HAZUR
PURANI BASTI
TOPKHANA DESH
MODI KHANA
/ VISHESHWARJI
GHAT DARWAZA
PALACE

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/masonry-w

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/equal-rectang

The palace building covered

two blocks, the town six
and the remaining ninth
block was not usable on
account of steep hills. So
this North-West ward was
transferred to the SouthEast corner of the city,
making the shape of the plan
as a whole asymmetrical
rather than square.
The citys division into nine
wards was also in
conformity with the Hindu
caste system, which
necessitated the segregation
of people belonging to
different communities and
ranks.
Even the lanes were named
after the occupations of
inhabitants such as
Maniharon ka Rasta,
Thatheron ka Rasta &
Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/masonry-wall-1.jpg
many others.
Following the directions of the
Hindu Shilpa shastra,

URBAN FORM AND ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/urban-form.jpg

Jaipur is known as the Pink City, a rather idealized description of the

terra-cotta-colored lime plaster that coats the old part of the city's
walls, buildings, and temples.
Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/pink-city-3.jpg
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/pink-city-2.jpg
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/pink-city-4.jpg
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/pink-city-5.jpg

WHY PINK?

The reasons for painting the town pink are

unknown, but various theories have been
tossed about:

using pink to cut down glare

Jai Singh II's apparent devotion to

Lord Shiva (whose favorite color is
reputedly terra cotta).

Others believe Singh wanted to imitate

the color of the sandstone used in
the forts and palaces of his Mughal
emperor-friends.

The most popular reason (spread no

doubt by "Britishers" during the Raj era)
is that pink is the traditional color
of hospitality, and the city was freshly
painted and paved with pink gravel to
warmly welcome Edward VII for his
visit here in 1876.

ROAD NETWORK

Jaipurs road network follows a defnite hierarchy. The major east-west and
north-south road ,form the sector boundaries and are called Rajmarg as they
lead to the city gates. These measure 33m. wide.
Next there is a network of 16.5m wide which runs north-south in each sector
linking the internal areas of the sectors to the major activity spine.
An orthogonal grid of 8.25mx4.00m roads in the prastara-chessboard
pattern further divide sectors into Mohallas.

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/road-network.png

PUBLIC SPACES
Chaupars
Bazaars
Mohallas
Streets
Temples

CONCEPTUAL PLAN - CHAUPAR

a square that occurs at the intersection of east west roads with three north
south roads.
100m x 100m
used for public gathering on festive occasions
The distance between two chaupars is about 700m which is ideal for
pedestrian movement.
It has controlled faade treatment enveloping it.

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/road-netwo
Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/conceptual-plan-chaupar.png

STREETSCAPES AND CHOWKS

Source:http://www.archinomy.com/sites/d
efault/fles/caseView of a main bazaar street - the width of the main roads was kept
39 1/4 gaz - 108 feet, secondary roads are half this size - 54 feet,
the tertiary roads are 27 feet and the inner mohalla streets are 13
feet wide.
Source:http://www.archinomy.com/sites/def
ault/fles/case-studies/2011/streetscapes-

View of a chaupar today

The main markets, havelis and

temples on the main streets in
Jaipur were constructed by the
state in the 18th century, thus
ensuring that a uniform street
facade is maintained. The widths
of roads were predetermined.
Junctions of the main axial streets
formed the two square civic open
spaces called chaupars (Badi
chaupar and Chhoti chaupar). The
width of the square chaupars was
three times that of the main street.
Historically, the chaupars were
outlets for intense social use with
water structures connected by
underground aqueducts, supplying
numerous sources of drinking
water at street level. Presently, the
centre of each chaupar has square
enclosures with ornamental
fountains.
The streets and chowks (central
open squares in a town) of the
internal chowkries (sectors) with
numerous clusters or mohallas

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/streetscapes-3.jpg

View of the badi chaupar by raja deen dayal 1876 with the stepwell partly enclosed

The view westwards across the city from the

direction of galtaji.
Source:
http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/casestudies/2011/streetscapes-4.jpga

Sanganeri gate

BAZAARS

Original markets in the city include Kishanpole bazaar, Gangauri bazaar, Johari
bazaar, Sireh Deorhi bazaar, along the main north-south and east-west axes that
intersect at Chhoti and Badi Chaupars.
Typical architectural features of the bazaar streets are - use of chhajjas (sunshades)
resulting in strong horizontal lines, projecting vertical blocks on brackets, a modular
system of arches flled with delicate latticed screens to cut direct sun and glare of
reflected sun in the street.
Bazaar streets have temples above shops with wide staircase starting from
pavement to the temple level. Space above shops at frst floor level originally
functioned as galleries for watching royal processions, religious festivals and public
celebrations
On the main streets strict control was exercised on the street faade, along which
were located shops and arcades- one storey high, but beyond the frontage the
buildings could be of any height or any shape, some built with flat roofs & others
with traditional chattris.

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/bazaars-1.jpg

Uniform planned
shop fronts on
bazaar streets.

e: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/bazaars-2.jpg

Defned street faade at a chaupar with

sunshades and latticed colonnades at upper
floors and shop fronts on the ground floor.

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/bazaars

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/ram-ganj-bazaar.jpg

Section through ramganj bazaar

Chandra mahal in 1876

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/chandra-mahal.jpg

JAIPUR : PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

INTERFACES

Source: http://www.archinomy.com/sites/default/fles/case-studies/2011/publicprivate-interfaces-1.png

ARCHITECTURE OF JAIPUR
HAWA MAHAL

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. Considered as an
embodiment of Rajputana architecture, the main highlight of Hawa Mahal is
its pyramid shape and its 953 windows or 'Jharokhas' which are
decorated with intricate designs.
The main intention behind the construction of the Mahal was to facilitate the
royal women and provide them a view of everyday life through the windows,
as they never appeared in public.

Architecture
Hawa Mahal, designed as a beehive castle with small windows, has a
height of 50 feet from its base.
This structure, erected on a thin shield or podium approximately fifty feet
high, has walls less than a foot thick.
Constructed of red and pink sandstones by Lal Chand Ustad,
Hawa Mahal is famous for its windows or 'Jharokhas' which enable free
circulation of air within the structure.

Source: http://selectrajasthan.com/wpcontent/uploads/2011/08/hawamahal1-600x250.jpg

Source:http://indiaheritagesites.fles.wordpress.com
/2013/09/hawa-mahal-3.gif?w=645&h=483a

Jharokas

Its entrance is a door which leads to a spacious courtyard surrounded by

two-storey buildings on three sides. Of the five storeys of the Mahal, the top
three storeys have the thickness of a single room while the bottom storeys have
courtyards.

Source: http://www.justnuances.com/wp_blog/wpuploads/2011-india07-jaipurhawamahal/2011/03/1113r11-450x299.jpg

View Of the City From Hawa Mahal

Source: http://www.justnuances.com/wp_blog/wp-uploads/2011india07-jaipur-hawamahal/2011/03/1113r11-450x299.jpg

Courtyard

The interior of the Hawa Mahal is stark and plain with passages and pillars
reaching to the top storey. The building does not have stairs to reach the upper
floors; the storeys are connected by slopes. From Hawa Mahal, you have an
excellent view of the city.

Amer fort
Architectural Layout
The structure has four different parts, each with a separate entrance.
The main entry to the fort is through the 'Suraj Pol' or Sun Gate which
opens up into the main courtyard. This east-facing gate is also the
main entrance to the palace and its position with respect to the rising
sun is the source of its name. The 'Jaleb Chowk' is one of the four
courtyards of the Amer Palace. The 'Sila Devi' Temple is right at the
entrance to the main palace grounds. The second courtyard is
famous for its 'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall), the 'Sheesh
Mahal' and the 'Sukh Mahal'. A very famous attraction here is the
'Magic Flower', a fresco carved out of marble.

Courtyard

Source:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Amber_fort_jaipu
r.jpg/1000px-Amber_fort_jaipur.jpg

Source:
http://www.onthegotours.com/repository/TheAmberFor
tJaipur183641342772783_crop_538_259_f2f2f2_centercenter.jpg

'Diwan-i-Aam' (Public Audience Hall)

It has forty pillars and is a best example of intricate
craftsmanship.
The wide assembly hall measures 201 by 67 and has flat roof with
two gateways of arched red sandstone to the north and south.
The hall is divided in three parts and has nine bold arches. This is
built in red sandstone and is plastered with white shell plaster which
looks like white marble. There is also a raised rectangular stage
from where the emperor used to address the audience.

Source: http://amberfort.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/amer-fort-jaipur-L-EsE57o.jpeg

REFERENCES
1. Jaipur,Evolution of an Indian City. archinomy, bridging the gap.
[Online] : www.archinomy.com/case studies/1906/jaipurevolution-of an- indian -city.
2. Profle Of Jaipur. Indian Heritage Cities Network. [Online]
http://www.ihcn.in/jaipur/jaipur/282-planning-and-architecture.html.
3. Hawa Mahal. Jaipur. The Pink City. [Online]
http://www.jaipur.org.uk/forts-monuments/hawa-mahal.html.
4. Amer Fort. Jaipur, The Pink City. [Online]
http://www.jaipur.org.uk/forts-monuments/amber.html.
5. Diwan-E-Aam or The Hall of Public Audience. Amber Fort- Pink
City Jaipur. [Online] http://amberfort.org/amber-fort/diwan-e-am-orthe-hall-of-public-audience.