Hawa Mahal: Guide to the Palace of the Winds and Its 953 Windows | India Purple Travel Guide

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The Hawa Mahal (literally ‘Palace of Winds’) is the most iconic building in Jaipur and one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. This unique, five-story structure is not a palace in the traditional sense, but rather a magnificent, ornamental facade designed specifically for the royal women to observe the world outside while remaining completely secluded.

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Opening Hours and Admission

Opening Hours:

• view from the street: 24/7

• interior: daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Admission Price:

• street view: free

• interior: ₹50 for foreigners

Entry Point

• The entrance to explore the interior is located at the back of the structure, not the main facade. You must walk around the block to find the ticket office.

Interior View

• Once inside, you can climb the sloping ramps (no stairs) to the upper levels. From the back, the structure opens up into beautiful, pillared chambers, and you can look out through the famous jharokhas onto the street below, experiencing the perspective of the royal women.

Architectural Wonders: No Foundation and Perfect Curve

The Hawa Mahal holds two remarkable distinctions in architectural engineering:

• No Foundation: The Hawa Mahal is considered the tallest building in the world built without a traditional foundation. The five-story structure remains upright and stable due to its curved, pyramid-like shape and its thin, lateral walls. This engineering trick distributes the weight efficiently, preventing it from toppling over. This is a testament to Rajput and Mughal architectural ingenuity.

• Natural Air Conditioning: The palace’s iconic 953 small windows, or jharokhas, create a unique air-conditioning system. The design uses the Venturi effect to channel cool breezes (Hawa) through the palace, keeping the interior comfortable even during the extreme Rajasthani heat.

History and Builder

The Hawa Mahal was commissioned in 1799 AD by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh as an extension of the adjacent City Palace complex. Its sole function was to provide a secluded viewing screen where the royal ladies (Zenana) could watch the vibrant street festivals and royal processions without breaking the custom of Purdah (seclusion).
The Maharaja was inspired by the unique shape of Lord Krishna's crown and wished to build a beautiful structure that also served the practical needs of his court women. It was an extension of the City Palace complex, designed to look over the main street of the city's marketplace.

Architecture: The Hive of Windows

The structure is unparalleled in Indian architecture:

• The Facade: The Hawa Mahal is essentially a five-story screen built from pink and red sandstone. It is only about one room deep on the upper floors.

• The Windows (Jharokhas): The most defining feature is its 953 small windows, or jharokhas, each adorned with intricate lattice work (jali). These tiny apertures served the dual purpose of allowing the women to peer out while providing constant, breezy ventilation.

• Style: The building seamlessly incorporates Rajput-Mughal elements, featuring beautiful arches, floral patterns, and delicate filigree work.

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Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

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