Jaipur

State capital of: Rajasthan

Main languages: Hindi and Marwari

 

History:

 

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City and is the capital of Rajasthan. This city was also the former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. It had been founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the ruler of Amber. The city gets its Pink city name due to the pink stucco in imitation of sandstone. The city has been known for its architectural marvels and has been the home to some of the most prominent kings of Rajasthan.

 

Architecture:

 

The city is referred to as one of the best planned cities of ancient times. During the time when kings were fighting with each other for land, the Rajputs of Jaipur were busy urbanizing the city. The planning was done according to the Indian Vastu Shastra or the Vedic or Pouranic Planning. This was done to ensure the comfort and prosperity of the citizens. Directions of each street and market are east to West and North to South. The city was built within the confines of the walls and was made according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city was made in form of an eight-part Mandala known as the 'Pithapada'. 

 

Geography:

 

Jaipur is located at 26.92° N 75.82° E and has an average elevation of 432 meters. It is bounded by Sikar and Alwar in north and Tonk, Ajmer and Sawai Madhopur in south. The city has rivers Banas and Banganga passing through it though there are various ground water resources here.  

 

Climate: 

 

The city has semi arid climate with very little rainfall annually. The city is close to the Thar Desert and hence has cool nights during summers also. The winters are also very cold here with temperatures going below 4 degrees Celsius. 

 

Demographics:

 

As per the 2001 India census, Jaipur had a population of 2,324,319. 

 

Economy:

 

One of the major contributors to the economy of the city is tourism. Apart from this there are various small scale units and industrial areas here. The city has both modern and traditional industries. Industrial products like acetylene gas, Aluminum Conductor Steel Reinforced cable, all-purpose flour, ball bearings, bottling of LPG, ceramics, pottery, cold roll strips, corrugated boxes, de-oiled cakes, durries, dyeing and printing, edible oil, electronic items, gems and jewelry and general engineering are manufactured here. The granite slabs and tiles, hand-made paper, halogen automobile headlamps, handicraft items and other forms of products are also popular here. The IT sector has also emerged in this region. 

 

Culture:

 

The city has a very famous cultural history which can still be seen in the lifestyles led by people here. The Tamasha, a unique musical folk play, is still enjoyed here. All performance always starts with Ganesh Vandana which is an invocation to Lord Ganesha. The royal family still lives here and the famous Polo grounds still witness some aristocratic matches. The food and the culture here reflect the old traditions of Rajput and famous sweets and snacks are exported to different parts of the world. The popular 'lakh' bangles are worn as symbol of a married woman.

 

Tourism:

 

This city has rich cultural heritage with endless places to see like the Jantar Mantar,

Amber Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Jal Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Galtaji, Govind Dev Ji temple, City Palace Museum, Moti Dungari, Kanak Ghati, Raj Mandir, Albert Museum, Jawahar Circle, Central Park, Birla Temple, Chokhi Dhani and the luxury palace cum hotel Rambagh palace. 

 

Transportation:

 

The city is well connected to Delhi through an expressway. The railway station and airport connect the city to major parts of India.