Pol or पोल (in Hindi ) refers to a specific type of gate and is a part of an outer perimeter of the premises. One of the distinguishing features of any Pol is the presence of a large wooden gate with a smaller gate framed into it for greater control on the ingress.

The wall must be high and broad enough to allow the installation of such a gate. In earlier times such Pol was heavily guarded and controlled as these were the only entry and exit points of the city. They formed part of the primary defense of any city or settlement. Pols were not unique to Jaipur rather they were common across Rajasthan and the rest of India. Such gate designs were prevalent even in places like Morocco.

So what was the unique factor? The architectural style. Each city or region had its own architectural style. Even in Jaipur, one can find variations in architectural style among such gates depending on the year in which they were built. By the way, most of the Havelis in Jaipur also had a smaller version of these Pol.

Here are a few pictures of Pol and gates in Jaipur.

New Gate, Chaura Rasta, Jaipur

New Gate built-in 1940’s is synonymous with color and architecture of Jaipur

City Palace Entrance

Charan Mandir

Pol of Charan Mandir (temple) near Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur.

Sisodia Rani Bagh, Ghat Ki Guni

Pol at Ghat ki Guni, Jaipur. One can see Pol on the other side too.

 

Diggi Palace Hotel

Pol at Diggi Palace during Jaipur Literature Festival.

Another picture of the same Pol from the other side on a different occasion.

For a change here are two pictures of  Pol in black & white.

Samode Palace, Samode

Pol at Samode Palace in the village of Samod, near Jaipur.

Kheri Gate, Amer

The below picture was framed in Amer town, near Jaipur.

These are not the most popular gates of Jaipur. Gates of Jaipur are also popular as Jaipur Gates. Read this post on popular entry gates of Jaipur – Old City Gates of Jaipur

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