Choti Kahani of Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds Speaks
Choti Kahani of Hawa Mahal – The Palace of Winds Speaks
Khamma Ghani, Atithi!
Rajasthan Ki Gulabi Sahar (Pink City) ma apka Swagat ha
Right now, you are standing in front of me. You are gazing at my intricate windows, appreciating the delicate jali work of my 953 windows. But do you honestly know me and the history behind my origin? I am Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. I am standing tall in the heart of Jaipur. If you visit me, I will whisper the secrets of the Rajputana era. Want to know my story? Let me tell you the story of how I originated.
In 1799, I was born. It was a dream turned into reality by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The king was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. Maharaja envisioned me as a reflection of his sacred love for Krishna Ji. Come forward and take a close look at me. What you can see? You will find my structure resembles the look of the crown of Lord Krishna himself.
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, sourced red and pink sandstone to build me. Lal Chand Ustad was the architect who conceptualized my design. I harmonize seamlessly with the majestic hues of the Pink City, standing as a proud symbol of Jaipur’s rich heritage. My architectural excellence is a blend of Rajput architecture and Islamic Mughal architecture.
Like many monuments of Hindustan, I was not born for war, nor to celebrate any victory or for any royal luxuries. The purpose behind my origin was much bigger. I am a silent protector of tradition and dignity.
Do you know that, in those days, the royal women of Jaipur followed purdah? Well, it was a custom for the then-women of that era. They remained restricted from being seen by strangers. The women of the Rajputana period were not allowed to step out into public spaces. There was a desire in their hearts. The Rajput Royal women longed to witness the vibrant life of the city. They wished to witness the colorful processions, the happening bazaars, and the grand festivals without getting noticed by any strangers.
And so, I was born—I am a palace unlike any other that you will see in India. My myriad windows and intricate jharokhas (small latticed balconies) are unique. Each one, was carefully designed, allowing the women of the royal family to observe the outside world without ever being seen. Behind my protected screens, they could watch the dancers performing during celebrations. They can hear the merchant’s bargain in the bazaars. I gave the royal women an opportunity to witness the changing seasons. All that while remaining hidden. I became their eyes, their connection to the world beyond the palace walls.
Is that all that you should know while visiting me in Jaipur? Dear Atithi, my purpose didn’t end there. The architects who built me had a secret in addition to being a brilliant design like a veil for the queens. My name, my windows, has a special secret. Are you aware of the significance of the name Hawa Mahal? Hawa, which translates to “the wind,” freely passes through me. The desert breeze may flow through my jharokhas because of the manner my construction was constructed. It contributed to the natural cooling effect. I kept them cool and comfortable in my chambers even during the hottest part of Rajasthan’s summer, when the sun is shining ruthlessly. I was given the name Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, for this reason.
Years have gone by, and I have seen numerous civilizations come and go. I stay, a mute chronicler of the past. I have heard princesses behind veils laughing, and I have seen royal whispers on my walls. The tender affection of a thousand desert winds was felt by them. Even if time has worn me down, my spirit remains unfazed. Travelers like you now come from far-off places to hear the stories I still speak through my windows, to touch the past with their hands, and to enjoy my beauty.
I wish to know—will you continue to narrate the story to others, dear Atithi? Will you let the world know that I am a defender of love, custom, and classic style in addition to being a monument?
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Another interesting tidbit about our great Indian monuments from you Samata.The beauty is that you do not overload with facts and make it so user friendly and engaging.
Oh I do remember the cool breeze even on a hot summer day when I stood on top of Hawa Mahal. It truy is the “Wind Palace”.