Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal for is beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal; Mohammed Begda built the Adalaj step-well for Rani Roobha whom he coveted; and Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh built the magnificent Hawa Mahal so that the women of the royal palace ‘can see without being seen’. Incredible!
I was standing right in front of the imposing Hawa Mahal craning my neck to see the beautiful structure. Such artistry, grandeur, just so that the royal women can watch what was going on in the streets below them, without being seen? It seemed incredulous, but then so is Taj Mahal.
As known the women in the royal palaces observed strict ‘purdah’, that is they kept away from the public view. Let us accept, they too needed some recreation and this monument was built so that they see the out side world unobserved, what a thought!!
Built in 1799, Hawa Mahal is the most stunning sight in the city of Jaipur. It is shaped like a pyramid and has a staggering 953 small windowpanes and all of them beautifully carved.
As I stood at one of the 900 odd windows and looked down at the road below, I found myself wondering about the women who would stood like me looking down, almost 200 years ago. Were they happy in their confinement? What ever may be the case, hats off to the Maharaja who was so thoughtful and did it in style.
As every one said that it was best to see the Hawa Mahal at the break of dawn, I was there in time to see the Palace drenched in the first rays of the sun. I cannot possibly describe the beauty of the Palace in words. The golden light of the early morning sun floated beautifully through the windows of this palace creating a wonderful sight. The palace has to be visited to experience the true beauty…
To Read More Travel Stories Click Here
To Read More Click Here
Do Visit www.monadarling.com/vibes
A Unique Social network to Connect with friends, know about events ,classifieds in your area , forums and more.Click Here to join Mona’s Vibes Now
No comments:
Post a Comment