A capital city built from scratch in 1727, painted pink for a royal visit a century and a half later, and still defined by both — Jaipur's forts, temples, and memorials each tell a different part of the same story.
Unlike most historic Indian cities, which grew organically over centuries, Jaipur was founded on a specific date — 18 November 1727 — by a specific ruler, Sawai Jai Singh II, who relocated his capital from the hilltop fortress of Amer to a new, carefully planned city on the plains below. The result is one of India's earliest examples of deliberate urban planning, and nearly three centuries later, that planning is still visible in the layout of the Old City.
Of the forts around Jaipur, Jaigarh occupies an unusual role: it wasn't built as a royal residence, but specifically to protect Amber Fort, which it overlooks from a higher position on the same range of hills. Built in the early 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaigarh is connected to Amber Fort by underground passages, and its thick walls, watchtowers, and gateways give it a distinctly military character that sets it apart from Jaipur's more palatial architecture. It's also home to Jaivana, often described as the world's largest cannon on wheels — reportedly fired only once.
In contrast to Jaipur's centuries-old forts, the Birla Mandir — also known as the Lakshmi Narayan Temple — is a relatively recent addition, built in 1988 by the Birla family as part of a series of Birla Mandirs constructed in major Indian cities. Built entirely from white marble at the base of Moti Dungri in southern Jaipur, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (in his form as Narayan) and his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth — and its bright white marble stands out distinctly against the pink-toned buildings elsewhere in the city.
On the road toward Amber Fort sits Maharani Ki Chhatri, a royal cenotaph site historically used as a cremation and memorial ground for women of Jaipur's royal family. The cenotaphs here are built in the chhatri style — domed pavilions supported on pillars — a form of memorial architecture closely associated with Rajput tradition, and the site's carved marble and stone work reflects the same craftsmanship found throughout Jaipur's royal architecture, on a more intimate, contemplative scale.
A defensive fort overlooking Amber Fort, connected by underground passages and home to the world's largest cannon on wheels.
A white marble temple built in 1988, dedicated to Vishnu (Narayan) and Lakshmi.
Royal cenotaphs of Jaipur's queens, built in the domed chhatri style of Rajput memorial architecture.
Jaipur's Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its planned layout and terracotta-pink buildings.
Why pink? The most commonly cited explanation is that the Old City was repainted in 1876 by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II to welcome a visit from the Prince of Wales, with pink traditionally associated with hospitality. The colour has remained ever since, and is now an officially maintained feature of the Old City.
Buildings throughout Jaipur's Old City are terracotta pink, an officially maintained colour. The most common explanation is that the Old City was repainted in 1876 by Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II to welcome the Prince of Wales, with pink traditionally signifying hospitality.
Jaipur was founded on 18 November 1727 by Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of Amer, who relocated his capital from the hilltop fortress of Amer to a new, carefully planned city.
Jaigarh Fort was built in the early 18th century specifically to protect Amber Fort, which it overlooks. Connected by underground passages, it's known for thick fortified walls and Jaivana, the world's largest cannon on wheels.
The Birla Mandir (Lakshmi Narayan Temple) is a white marble temple built in 1988 by the Birla family, dedicated to Vishnu (Narayan) and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, at the base of Moti Dungri.
Maharani Ki Chhatri is a royal cenotaph site on the road to Amber Fort, used historically as a memorial ground for women of Jaipur's royal family, featuring carved cenotaphs in the domed chhatri style of Rajput architecture.
All 6 photographs were taken by Prashant Dhingra in Jaipur, Rajasthan. More India travel photography is at prashant.dhingra.website/travel/india, including a feature on Jaisalmer, also in Rajasthan.