### Hava Mahala: Otakya Hawa

#### Introduction

The Hawa Mahal – Palace of Wind, situated in the center of Jaipur city in the state of Rajasthan in India, is one of the most recognized architectural icons of India. This unusual building, called ‘Palace of Wind’ appeals lots of tourists coming to different parts of the world. Its elaborate pattern, cultural importance and historical perspective make it all the more interesting.

#### Historical Background

Hawa Mahal is constructed in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of the Kachwaha Rajput clan. The purpose of the palace was to offer a retreat for the rajput women, so they could attend the street parades and everyday life while still being invisible. The design is in accordance to the prevailing socio-cultural dynamics of the period and shows an emphasis towards maintaining the customs of seclusion for the females of the royal family.

The architectural marvel is composed of pink sand stone which is typical of the town’s architecture. And the architecture comes not only in functionality but it also represents the prestige and opulence of the Rajput kings.

#### Architectural Marvel

As far as the architecture of Hawa Mahal is concerned, it is an astonishing fusion of Hindu and Islamic architecture displaying the skill of the artisans of that age. The Palace has a façade that has 953 small windows called as jharokhas which are made of beautiful lattice work. This arrangement is there not only for beautification of the palace and also allows for a draught of cool air making it less burdensome to stay inside the palace even in the grueling heat of summers.

The structure elevates five stories and has a pyramid shape that resembles a crown that signifies the royal lineage of the Kachwaha dynasty. Employing dense hues and refined carvings adds to the visual gathering thereby making it enthralling to the visitors.

The Facade

The most attractive element of Hawa Mahal would be its towering façade, yet again, a flat surface bearing large perforations on it in the form of so many windows. The pink sandstone that forms this structure particularly, the façade shimmers exquisitely at clear afternoon light thus preserving the structure’s contour. The jharokhas are superbly designed offering a fine look that depicts the period’s craft by being lightweight and intricately beautified.

People are also met with amazement with the sun’s rays passing through the windows creating beautiful designs inside the palace. This is because the architectural designs incorporate cut outs which allow for free flow of soft wind.

Interior Design

The plasterwork on the outer looks of the Hawa Mahal is more beautiful but the inner looks are pleasant but rather simplistic. The structure consists of many rooms and floors such as the central courtyard, a few rooms belonging to the royal family, and so on.

Within the interiors lovely paintings on walls and ceilings and decorated walls with tiles and pillars is witnessed. The house is so constructed that maximum amount of fresh air circulates within the enclosed spaces keeping them fresh cool and comfortable. Even though a lot of the rooms remain unoccupied these days, they still resonate with the magnificence of the royal existence that was once enjoyed within these walls.

Importance of the Place

Hawa Mahal is of great significance both for the city of Jaipur and the region of Rajasthan generally. It embodies the past and the arts of the region, which is the reason why epicures, scholars and tourists come to the place. The Palace is more than just a tourist attraction: it is a representation of the city.

In addition, Hawa Mahal has a significant place in different cultural programs and festivities. Its importance at celebrations as well as local meetings, further cemented its role as a major figure in Jaipur culture.

For Tourism Purposes

Currently, Hawa Mahal is regarded as one of the famous tourist places in Jaipur. People come to the location to appreciate its distinctive design and to get more information about it. Especially in the busy festive times, the palace wears an exciting and colorful atmosphere as people, sounds and dances fill the space around the palace.

The easy approach to the palace as well as its stunning vistas makes it popular with artists and camera persons. Most tourists, instead of concentrating on the views from the terrace, prefer to photograph the structure at various times: early in the morning, on a sunny day, or even late at night when it is floodlit.

The Impression of Hawa Mahal

The upper levels of Hawa Mahal provide charming views of the city of Jaipur. The views are impressive with raging roads, Jantar Mantar, a hill station, and so on. This adds another reason for the visitors to go up making it worth the time and energy lost in the climb.

The area around the Palace is full of energetic markets and active local population adding to the joy of seeing the Hawa Mahal. Most of the tourists visit the clusters of shops located adjacent to the monument where traditional goods, including crafts and clothes as well as jewelry, are sold.

Preservation Efforts

Being designated as a World Heritage Site, the Hawa Mahal undergoes prolonged preservation works aimed at protecting its structure and the culture enshrined in it. The Archaeological Survey of India has been an important component of these activities to ensure the protection of the palace for the years to come.

The current restoration programs envisage the preservation of the features of the ornate woodwork and the preservation of the color of the outside walls which is prone to fading. It is these climatic and environmental factors which are the biggest threats to the survival of the castle.

Conclusion

In Hawa Mahal, one can relish the glory of the Rajput architectural landscape. Its architectural style and importance in the history of Jaipur makes it an exquisite place for any tourist. The palace is representative of the traditions, that Rajasthan boasts of, and urges the visitors to seek its splendor.

Walking up and down its corridors, and admiring the little details that the Mahal possesses, one cannot help but notice how history binds itself, rather comfortably, within the walls even those of the most stony buildings. Hawa Mahal recreates the very spirit of the past which it so tragically contains and malgré its tragic history effuses beauty, and grandeur to all those who come to visit.