Ever since Hawa Mahal, an exotic looking building came into being in 1799 AD it has inspired travelers to visit Jaipur. It became synonymous with the city. Travelers coined the word “Palace of Winds” for this stunning piece of architecture because that is what it translated into. Hawa Mahal was commissioned & built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II, a photography enthusiast captured “Palace of Wind” in several pictures during the second half of the 19th century. Here’s an account of a traveler -Edwin Arnold who visited Jaipur in the late 1800s & chronicled this in his book “India Revisited”
“…….. Hawa Mahal, or “Hall of the Winds,” a vision of daring and dainty loveliness, nine stories of rosy masonry and delicate overhanging balconies and latticed windows, soaring with tier after tier of fanciful architecture in a pyramidal form, a very mountain of airy and audacious beauty, through the thousand pierced screens and gilded arches of which the Indian air blows cool over the flat roofs of the very highest houses. Aladdin’s magician could have called into existence no more marvelous abode…….”
Inspiration for the “Jaipur Then & Now” series is the 290th birthday of Jaipur.
Jaipur was founded on 18 November 1727 AD as India’s first planned city by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Jaipur Now & Then explores Jaipur by comparing old & new pictures shot from the same location.
So, what has changed over the last one and half-century? The road facing Hawa Mahal now has a divider that was unheard of in the old days. Cars & automobiles have replaced bullock carts. Shutters have replaced fabric awnings on the shop front.
Have you read – Exploring Hawa Mahal in Jaipur/ Iconic Tourist Attraction of The Pink City in Pictures?

Traffic around Hawa Mahal has become tough to grapple with. The entire stretch is crowded throughout the day.
Tourist buses make a mandatory stopover at Hawa Mahal on their way to Amer Fort. With tourists around, hawkers & sellers are looking for an opportunity to sell.

Shops opposite Hawa Mahal sell touristy stuff and are always buzzing with tourists and sellers. It is one of the top tourist places to visit in Jaipur.


This picture captures Badi Chaupar, a market square near the famous Johri Bazar & Hawa Mahal. It does not capture the grandeur of “Palace of Wind” but it is a contextual picture showing Hawa Mahal and its surroundings. Badi Chaupar occupied a prominent place in the history of Jaipur city either for the water fountains or as a water source- there was an underground canal flowing underneath. But all that has changed now both in terms of utility and aesthetics.
This is how Badi Chaupar looks like now. Hawa Mahal still continues to charm tourists as before & it is one of the best-maintained heritage sites in Jaipur. The ongoing metro work has increased the traffic woes for both tourists and locals. The world certainly has changed and so has traffic! The wide roads of yesteryear have shrunk in the name of development, encroachment & traffic.
Have you read – Exploring Hawa Mahal in Jaipur/ Iconic Tourist Attraction of The Pink City in Pictures?
Check out other posts in Jaipur Then and Now.
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How did you like this exploration of Hawa Mahal through its history in these pictures? Will love to hear your views, comments, and suggestions.
I love these types of posts seeing the history of places with then and now pictures. Really brings it all to life.
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I know Rachael. It provides a glimpse into past and also tracks the development. There are more such post, if you like such posts. Thanks for sharing your thought. 🙂
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Nice piece on the Hawa Mahal…..I had visited it long back, on my visit to Jaipur…:)….and yes, the traffic becomes chaotic sometimes, but that don’t take away the charm of the place or the city……an iconic landmark, it is…..
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Iconic? Certainly! Happy to hear that you have seen Hawa Mahal. Did explore the area behind the facade of Hawa Mahal?
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Yes…..it was long ago….
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😃
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What an amazing place! India is a land of so many contrasts isn’t it?
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That’s true, Leanne! There is lots of diversity. Have you ever been to India?
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Has to be one of the most interesting posts I have read in a long time – thank you!
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Thanks Lucy! Happy to hear this 😊
Thanks for appreciating.
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What a wonderful read this one with the elegant description of Hawa Mahal and it’s vintage photos. Truly the face of Jaipur! and currently the epicentre of chaos and traffic! 🙂
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I wish I could post some more but given the chaos around due to Metro construction, it is not feasible. Have you explored Hawa Mahal…. behind the facade?
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Nice place! Informative blog site. Thanks for sharing😁
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Thank You. Happy to hear that from Philippines! 🙂
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You are welcome😁
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🙂
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I have visited Jaipur- The pink city twice. Your blog always reminds me those golden days. As always all the images are beautiful.😊🌺
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Thank you Rekha! 🙂
That must have been many years ago? When did you last visit Jaipur?
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I’ve never seen a more extraordinary structure before with such details. I can see why it’s a huge tourist spot.
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Certainly, it is one of its kind. Have you read my detailed post which explores Hawa Mahal structures from the other side?
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Oh wow. These old photographs speak so much of their time…
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Absolutely, Gautam. I think it also provides us with interesting observation and reference. Just see the change over a century. The population seems to be everywhere!
Do check out other posts in this series. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gautam!
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It’s indeed interesting to see what these majestic monuments looked like back in the history. Moreover, it’s really a wonderful experience to know about the ancient lifestyle
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Absolutely, Gautam. Have you been to Jaipur?
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My last year trip was to Jaipur in December. Spent there four days.
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wow! Great. I’m sure you must have explored every bit of the city!
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Yeah. Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort. I gave my all time.
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Great. Have you written a blog on your trip?
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Yeah Arv. I’m on it. Some posts are live and on YouTube as well. Some I’m working on.
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Will look forward to your post.
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Some posts are live. Rest I’m working on. Videos on YouTube as well
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Great.
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What a contrast! So much development and chaos.
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Seriously. I’m not sure if this is development. Looks like deterioration to me with so much traffic, noise, pollution and visual clutter.
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Informative and attractive post as always Jpr!
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Thank You, Denzil. Happy to hear you liked this post.
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A fresh idea for a blog. Definitely interesting to see the changes in architecture, renovations and even clothing.
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Thanks. I feel these changes are quite a contrast. Have you ever been to Jaipur?
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No, I have not. But it definitely looks interesting.
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Excellent.
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😃
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Arv, this picture is absolutely gorgeous!! What a lovely architectural sight, it really caught my attention. I definitely need to visit Jaipur one day! 🙂
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You must, Jennifer. I’m sure you will love it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 😃
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It was great reading your blog.
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Just gorgeous!
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It is. Thanks for checking it out and Sharing your thoughts. 😃
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Now I am determined to see all the pictures you clicked in jaipur,each picture is a serene watch.
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I’m glad you liked these pictures. 😃👍
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