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» Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal, or the "Palace of Winds", is a palace in Jaipur, India. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, and designed by Lal Chand Usta. It forms part of the City Palace and extends the Zenana or women's chambers, the chambers of the harem. Its original intention was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen.
It has five stories and is constructed of red and pink sandstone, highlighted with white quick lime. The side facing the street outside the palace complex has 953 small windows, and the breeze (hawa) which circulates through these windows gives the palace its name, and keeps it cool even in hot months.
» City Palace
The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the most remarkable constructions of the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of the city of Udaipur and towering over the Lake Pichola, the City Palace unfailingly infuses a sense of awe in the hearts of its onlookers. It is the standing testimony of Rajput passion for art and architecture despite the fact that the exterior is not as elegant as the interiors. 
The original construction of the palace was pioneered by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia clan soon after he founded the city of Udaipur. Subsequent Maharanas added their own structures within the palace complex later, but interestingly there is no sign of any inconsistency in the overall appearance. Infact, the entire City Palace complex exudes a beautiful harmony and uniformity in its construction work.
The old part of the palace complex today serves as a museum that stores the legacy of the Rajput rulers for the visitors. Two of the newer portion of the palace have been converted into hotels.
» Inside the City Palace
The City Palace architecture reflects a wonderful blend of the European and Chinese archtecture. The palaces, courtyards and gardens inside the palace have all a distinctive charm of their own, though together they create even grander scene for the visitors.
Built of granite and marble, the City Palace is entered through the Hati Pol or the Elephant Gate. The Bada Pol and the Tripoli Gate follow soon. The Tripolia Gate is the same place where the the kings weighed themselves in gold and silver which was later distributed amongst the common people. This was a very popular customs in those days.
Crossing the Tripolia Gate, a courtyard is entered where in earlier days elephant fights were staged. Within the palace complex there is Suraj Gokhada from where the king addressed a large number of his people, primarily during crisis. A beautiful palace, Moti Mahal, is breathtakingly beautiful with its exquisite mirror work. The name of the palace itself is an indication of the beauty that lies in store for the visitors.
The main part of the palace complex today serves as the museum. Very close to the main entrance is a section where the armouries including the deadly two pronged sword is on display. The Mor Chowk has beautiful glass mosaics of peacocks set in wall highlighting three different seasons : summer, winter and monsoon. The Krishna Vilas has an amazing assemblage of paintings that showcases the varying events & moods of the life of Maharanas like during a royal procession, festivals and games. The Manak Mahal is yet another fantastic part of the City Palace complex where crystal and porcelain figures mesmerise the visitors.
Bhim Vilas Palace has beautiful paintings of Radha and Krishna adorning its walls while the Zenana Mahal has beautiful frescoes as well as wall paintings to make it appear attractive. There is also the Dilkhush Mahal with similar charming interiors.
The Chini Chitrashala exudes a classic beauty with its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles while the Sheesh Mahal beams with thousands of sparkling pieces of mirrors. The Laxmi Vilas Chowk is an art gallery showcasing a marvellous collection of Mewar paintings.
The Amar Vilas is definitely not to be missed as it has beautiful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. From here, views of the Lake Pichola and the city of Udaipur itself is hugely magnificent.
The Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have ben converted into luxury hotels. The Crystal Gallery at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel is a delight for everyone since it houses a rare collection of Oslers crystal items. Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered these items from England, however, unfortunately he never lived to see his dream of possesing these exquisite pieces of work becoming true. After, his death, the crystal items, for long, remained in a store till the time they were finally brought out and displayed in the Fateh Prakash Crystal Gallery.
» Rajasthali Emporium
Rajasthali, the exclusive and only Rajasthan Government Emporium, established as early as 1961 helps in development of Handicrafts and their blending with modern requirements. It markets all the beautifully handcrafted creations of the master craftsmen of Rajasthan – the kind that have made a lasting impression in the markets of India and across the world. A one - stop shop for both traditional and contemporary crafts of Rajasthan – Furniture, Textiles and Furnishings, Brass ware, Jewellery, Precious and Semi precious stones, Terracotta, Blue pottery, Marble ware and Exotic paintings. Rajasthali is truly a connoisseur’s dream and a shopper’s paradise.
“Handicraft has always been a very basic activity of human society, an integral part of our life. In fact they are found to be more cohesive in human relationship then even language.”
The rich tapestry of Rajasthani arts and crafts is not simply the visual manifestation of centuries of culture and tradition, but is also India’s window to the outside world. Its elegance and pristine beauty mirrors a heritage of craftsmanship patronized by erstwhile Rajput dynasties. Every artistic creation gives one an insight into its royal history, climate, culture, folklore, religion, natural heritage, architecture, cuisine, fairs and festivals.
Welcome to this delightful extravaganza created by skilled master craftsman. Each creation is only an inspiration towards attaining artistic perfection.
» Only At Rajasthali
The Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited a Govt. of Rajasthan Enterprise has been fostering Rajasthani Handicrafts through its chain of RAJASTHALI.
You can take home Irresistible gift items from the widest range of heritage crafts under one roof at Honest Prices. At Rajasthali you will face no hassles of dealing with Middlemen or haggling, for you are always paying a FIXED Price for genuine products. It’s indeed the best place to buy authentic Rajasthani Crafts!
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