Visitors marvel at the beautiful bazaars or old markets of the Walled City of Jaipur smitten by the Pink City. Almost every visitor can recall entering the Jaipur walled city through one of the many gates, also called the Jaipur Gates. Ironically, a defining feature of the old city of Jaipur is unknown even among the residents of Jaipur. The City Wall of Jaipur. Sadly, this important feature of the historic city of Jaipur is dying at a fast pace. During the last 76 years, the city wall of Jaipur has been encroached on, destroyed, or punctured by its residents in connivance with the “protectors”.

The City Wall of Jaipur | All We Know

The City Wall of Jaipur is a defensive wall pretty much like the other old cities across the world. Often, the purpose of the walls was to define, confine, delineate, separate, protect, and benefit the people or communities within them. The feature of the walled city and how it has shaped human history has never been highlighted enough.

History Importance of Defensive City Wall

The fortification and walls around the city can be traced back to early civilization to the medieval period when it attained height. Such examples can also be witnessed in the early modern period. Examples of these walls during modern times are the Berlin Wall, the DMZ in the Korean peninsula, the US-Mexico border fence, and the Israel-Palestine-West Bank wall. In the end, the purpose of these walls is the same.

We have many examples of how armies would lay a siege outside the walled city waiting for the water or supplies to run out; in some cases, tire its inhabitants. A few examples are Troy in Europe, Chittorgarh Fort, and Ranthambore Fort here in India. These are just a few among many examples. The fortifications aimed at preventing the capturing of towns, the ultimate target during battles and wars. In some cases, like the Great Wall of China, it served to protect its citizens from invading armies. Most old towns in Europe had similar defensive walls protecting the city inhabitants from invasions. Among many, Dubrovnik in Croatia is one of the most visited walled cities in Europe. Here is a picture of the city wall of Dubrovnik.

Here is a picture of the old city wall of Visby, Sweden. Visby is one of the lesser-known ancient cities in Europe.

Visby wall and a gate. Picture courtesy Magnus Jonasson Unsplash

City Wall of Jaipur Facts

The city wall of Jaipur was 6 meters high and 3 meters thick. Jaipur City Wall was commissioned by the founder of the city, Sawai Jai Singh II. No specific dates are available as to when the construction of the city wall of Jaipur started. Likewise, no recorded date is available for the completion of the Jaipur City Wall.

Initially, seven gates were part of the fortification plan of Jaipur. Over time, more gates were added. The area enclosed in the Jaipur city wall is called the Walled City of Jaipur

The status of the Jaipur City Wall

The Jaipur city wall was punctured by the state authorities to accommodate markets and roads. Many new roads were constructed by eliminating the sections of the city wall. The precedence of destroying the city wall of Jaipur was at the behest of authorities; many believe it was the wrong one.

Over time, the residents encroached and built illegal construction causing damage to the city wall of Jaipur. All this has happened with the connivance of the official. Populism and vote bank resulted in the politicians and authorities looking other way.

In 2019, the walled city was accorded the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The new status required the government and authorities to make plans and put in place a mechanism to protect the area. However, in practice, nothing concrete happened. On the contrary, as always, authorities turned a blind eye while the residents continued destroying the city wall of Jaipur. Here is a picture of a road created by puncturing the city wall near one of the City Gates; you can clearly see the remains of the wall on the left-hand side.

City Wall of Jaipur | In Pictures

Here are a few pictures of the Jaipur wall in its current state. In a few years, whatever remains will probably vanish completely. I hope these pictures of the city wall of Jaipur will serve as a reference point.

Is the Jaipur Wall the same as the one in the Amer?

Many travelers have shared on their blogs pictures and details of how to climb the Jaipur Wall. Sadly, it’s a half-baked information. The details mentioned by them are actually of the Great Wall of Amer; therefore, it is not the Jaipur Wall. Don’t be misguided by these blogs that show beautiful views overlooking the Amer Fort and Amer Town. Want to know more about the Great Wall of Amer? Read Why the loss of the Great Wall of Amer is inevitable?

The Future of Jaipur City Wall

The Future of Jaipur City Wall doesn’t look too bright. With most of the city wall already lost, there are very few chances that whatever is left will survive. The lack of intent on the part of authorities on the ground and residents is not too encouraging. The city wall of Jaipur has been consumed by development and population growth.