MAJESTIC JAIPUR THE PINK CITY
Dr. Tmt. T. Chandralekha
Former Dean of Humanities and Sciences Dr MGR Educational & Research Institute University
Chennai
Majestic Jaipur The Pink
City is an illustrated history of Jaipur. The title of the Book itself raises the eyebrows of the Reader to know much about the magnificent city in detail.
There is a saying that
“Without History there is Mystery”.
Following this, the author of this
book interestingly intertwined
History with architecture and
narrates beautifully the architectural
beauty of the magnificent city
of Jaipur in a chronological
order. Since book has highlighted
various important places to see with
its’ significance, it will be very
useful for the tourism students
and travelers who wishes to learn
and see this city. Along with the
beauty of the city, the habitats of the
people, the women folk, politics,
religion are all illuminated in a
moderate way. It encompasses a wide range of factual evidences and spectacular images.
The author gives a complete picture of the city in the opening sentence of the introductory chapter itself. He also explained the symbolism of the city and how it withstands among various cultures as vibrant modern metropolis and the 12th largest city in the country. Being the commercial city and the capital of Rajasthan, the author tells how the fortified city is distinguished by the colour pink and being a meticulously planned town, it is a tribute to the enlightened monarchs, who built it. This city has been projected out as a synthesis of Mughal and Rajput Architecture and also recorded that how a great deal of the Heritage of Jaipur has been eroded either by greed or by need.
Major portions of the book are decked with beautiful and informative pictures of the city. Mighty Forts, most beautiful gateway of Rajasthan, scenic beauty of the city, opulent palaces, gardens, the famous observatory, long corridors, arches in the palaces, enormous doors made of
bronze engraved scenes from the life of young Krishna (the Hindu God), latticed windows, the huge silver vessels with sacred water are all well explained and makes the reader to understand the lifestyle of the Rajas. He also pointed that Raja Man Singh’s only daughter wedding event has been entered into the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive wedding ever held.
The book also reveals the economic condition by describing about Johari Bazaar which is famous for coloured fabric markets, fashion gold jewellery in the kundan style, enamelwork in gold, mother of pearl and glass. The good relationship with the British royal family and active encouragement to merchants and tradesmen are all brought to the forefront. Also, Sanganer’s (the small village outside the city of Jaipur) renowned hand cloth paintings found a befitting place in the book.
The author also points out that in cultural development, Jaipur seems to be one of the two main centres of the Kathak Dance. Also emphasis was laid on the armory and all the cannons. The book emphasizes on the largest cannon in Asia called the Jiwan, which has found a place in the Jaigarh Fort. Minute details like the playing of trumpet, a musical instrument during the war time added to the luster of this book.
As such, this book delivers an entertaining account and perspective on the structural beauty of the Jaipur city. It allows the reader to easily follow the structural beauty and life style as well as the advancement of the city in a readable and entertaining style. It is an excellent resource to students especially for enthusiasts in tourism industry. The reader is taken on a delightful journey through the Majestic City of Jaipur.
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