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.

The Gates Of Jaipur

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

Amer Fort

Amer Fort is one of the iconic places of Jaipur. Here is a picture of

New Gate, Chaura Rasta, Jaipur

New Gate built in the 1940s is synonymous with the color and architecture of Jaipur. It was the last city gates to be built during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II.

Jaipur City Palace

Charan Mandir

This is a picture of the Pol of Charan Mandir Temple near Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur. Charan Mandir is a landmark point for the trek leading to Hathuni Kund.

Sisodia Rani Bagh, Ghat Ki Guni

Pol of Sisodia Rani Garden in the Ghat ki Guni, Jaipur. There is Pol on the other end as well.

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.

Maharaja School of Art & Craft

Maharaja School of Art and Craft is now called the Museum of Legacies. Here is a picture of the Pol from this museum.

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 Amer Fort.

These are not the most popular gates of Jaipur. The gates of Jaipur are popularly called Jaipur Gates. Read this post on popular entry gates of Jaipur – Old City Gates of Jaipur

Which gate is famous in Jaipur?

There are many famous gates in Jaipur. A few of these are the Patrika Gate, the Peacock Gate, the Lotus Gate, the Leheriya Gate, Sanganeri Gate, and Tripolia Gate. Out of all these gates, the first four gates are very popular for Instagram-worthy pictures. The rest two are more historic. Here are a few pictures of some of these gates. The peacock gate, Leheriya Gate, and the Lotus gate can be found in Jaipur City Palace. 

The above gate has become a huge hit ever since it was featured on the cover page of a popular book.

Check out previous posts on Weekly Photo Challenge

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