The Hawa Mahal, built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, stands as an architectural marvel and a symbol of Jaipur’s rich heritage. This stunning palace was designed to allow the royal women to observe street festivities without being seen, adhering to the purdah system: a system which kept women out of the public eye, to ensure their privacy and ‘modesty’.
The Hawa Mahal
Designed by Lal Chand Ustad, the Hawa Mahal incorporates both Hindu Rajput and Islamic Mughal architectural styles. This combination reflects the cultural amalgamation present in Jaipur during that period, symbolizing the harmony and coexistence of different cultures. The Rajput style is seen in the chhatris (domed pavilions) and intricate carvings, while the Mughal influence exists in the arches and filigree work.
The five-story facade of the Hawa Mahal resembles the crown of Krishna, a prominent Hindu deity, reflecting Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh’s devotion to the god. Constructed from red and pink sandstone, the palace’s beauty is not only enhanced but also harmonizes with Jaipur’s distinctive “Pink City” aesthetic. Sandstone material was selected for its durability, ease of carving, and widespread availability, making it a practical and aesthetic choice that characterizes not only this palace but also Jaipur’s broader architectural landscape.
The Hawa Mahal is famous for its 953 small windows, known as jharokhas. These windows feature intricate latticework, called jaalis, which serves both aesthetic and functional purposes. The jaali design allows cool air to pass through, creating a Venturi effect, where air speeds up as it passes through a narrow space, naturally cooling the interior. This was an early form of passive cooling architecture, making the palace comfortable even in the hot climate.
On my visit to the Hawa Mahal, I was struck by the simplicity of the interior rooms in contrast to the ornate exterior. I was intrigued by the fact that there were no staircases in the Mahal, only ramps connecting the different levels. This design was likely to accommodate the movement of palanquin-borne royals. The palace also features a large central courtyard, typical of Rajput palaces, providing light and ventilation. While the royal women primarily stayed within the palace, courtyards played a significant role in their lives, offering a private outdoor space for them.
Lives of The Royal Women in Hawa Mahal
The Hawa Mahal played a pivotal role in the lives of royal women who resided within it. Before its construction in 1799, royal women in Jaipur lived secluded lives adhering to the purdah system. They were confined to traditional palaces and forts (such as the City Palace, Nahargarh Fort and Amber Palace), limiting their interactions with the outside world. While these palaces offered security and luxury, they often lacked direct views of the outside world. Royal women were confined to inner courtyards and zenanas (women’s quarters), limiting their interactions with the broader society.
The construction of Hawa Mahal marked one of the early step towards gender equality in Jaipur. Its intricate facade with 953 jharokhas provided royal women a discreet way to observe street life and festivals, allowing them to participate in the cultural and social activities of the city while maintaining their privacy. This architectural innovation empowered women by giving them a voice in public life, albeit from a secluded vantage point.
Inside Hawa Mahal, the interior rooms were designed for simplicity and functionality, offering royal women a place for relaxation, contemplation, and occasional gatherings. The absence of staircases, replaced by ramps, allowed easy movement within the palace, reflecting thoughtful design catered specially for their comfort and needs.
Despite the purdah system, Hawa Mahal enabled royal women to engage with Jaipur’s vibrant cultural scene. From their elevated position, they could witness processions, festivities, and daily life, bridging the gap between seclusion and societal participation. The Hawa Mahal plays a symbolic role for women’s empowerment in Jaipur.
Hawa Mahal remains an architectural marvel: its unique design, historical importance, and use of materials and architectural styles make it a timeless symbol of Jaipur’s rich heritage. As part of the Pink City, Hawa Mahal continues to captivate visitors and stands as a testament to the empowerment of women in india.
— Sneha
