Have you ever visited the old city of Jaipur and ever wondered why it is in monochromatic shades? Or what is Jaipur Pink? In a world where cities are associated with some unique aspects, Jaipur holds a special place. For example, Udaipur is known as the city of lakes, Paris- the city of lights, Varanasi- the city of temples, Rome- the city of seven hills; in the same way, Jaipur is known as the Pink City. The city is best remembered for its special color – the pink color and it is often referred to as Jaipur Pink. his is the reason why the old city of Jaipur has monochromatic buildings with a shade associated with the color pink.

Key Takeaways: Why is Jaipur Pink?
 
    Origin of color Jaipur pink: In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ordered the entire city to be painted “terracotta” pink to welcome Prince Edward Albert, the Prince of Wales.
 
    Symbolism of Hospitality: Many people believe pink is the color of hospitality and warmth. This makeover of the pink city was a diplomatic gesture to impress the British royals who at that time were rulers of India.
 
    The law that mandates the pink color: Following the visit of Prince Edward Albert, the Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II made it a law in 1877 making all buildings in the Old City to be painted with a specific shade of pink color.
 
    Current State: This law of painting old city buildings with pink color remains in force today.
 
    The “True” Color: While called “Pink,” the actual shade is a specific terracotta or brick-red.

Jaipur Pink Buildings | The Story & History of Jaipur Pink Color?

The history & story of Jaipur Pink | How did Jaipur get its pink color?

Popular legend has it that it was Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II who first painted Jaipur with this pink shade in 1876 to welcome Prince Edward Albert who later became King Edward VII after the coronation ceremony. The custom still continues; the state government through its body ensures that all the buildings in the bazaar are painted with this shade. From 1877 onwards, as per the rule, buildings in Jaipur Bazaars are painted with the exact shade to maintain the same look.

Stories & Legends surrounding the Jaipur Pink Color

There are many stories and legends associated with the Jaipur Pink shade.

• Hospitality & warmth

Some say that this shade of Jaipur Pink is associated with hospitality and warmth. Really?

• Rival Mughal Cities

There is yet another which claims that this color was chosen to rival the Mughal cities which used red sandstone. The advocates of this theory link the color with the founder of the city, Sawai Jai Singh II. But there are no historical facts to confirm this theory. This theory was also shared on a podcast recently; it is unfortunate that people share these as facts whereas there is no proof associated with this theory.

In such instances, these are best termed as legends!

What color is Jaipur Pink? Understanding true shade

Most visitors will notice that the buildings in the pink city aren’t really of the pink shade they are used to. So what color is this? The colors of Jaipur buildings in the walled city are closer to terracotta rather than the Barbie pink one associates pink with. “Jaipur pink” is derived from a compound that works really well for the climatic conditions. In short, you will witness diluted terracotta pink in Jaipur

This shade of pink which is associated with Jaipur has become so famous that now many paint companies have started marketing it as Jaipur Pink color. For those familiar with the world of color, like graphic designers and artists, Jaipur Pink in the color palette is a that shade (HEX color) sits between #A43323 and #F5BCB9. The following Jaipur Pink color table has been shared by a graphic designer artist who works with clients focusing on the pink city shade. I’m sure this will help graphic designers and artists who are trying to create Jaipur Pink in their projects.

Shade Name	Code	Mood & Usage
Sun-Baked Gerua	#A43323	Earthy, grounded, and traditional.
Sun baked clay	#E2725B	Bright Terracotta
Morning Coral	#F5BCB9	Soft, welcoming, and airy.
Vintage Terracotta	#E392A1	Classic, historic feel.
Traditional Terracotta	#B35642	Raw pigment color

Where to capture Jaipur Pink in pictures?

One can experience Jaipur pink in the walled city area. Some of the most prominent places to capture Jaipur’s pink shade are as follows:

• Hawa Mahal – Read complete guide on Hawa Mahal – Hawa Mahal Guide
• Facades in Johari Bazaar
• Dhruv Pol – Read how to find Dhruv Pol in this blog – Story of old Jaipur Gates
• Courtyard surrounding Sarvato in Jaipur City Palace – Read complete guide to City Palace – A walk with museum curators of Jaipur City Palace

• Jaipur Heritage Walk – One of the best ways to experience the “Jaipur Pink” is through a Jaipur heritage walk. The walk is designed in such a way that one gets to experience the true shades of Jaipur pink. Check out the Heritage Walk in Jaipur – Ultimate Guide to Jaipur Heritage Walk 2026

Many shades of Jaipur Pink | Modern day enforcement and rules related to the pink shade

As one explores the old Jaipur city on foot, it is evident that one will get to see a variety of pink shades in the walled city area.

Why are the old Jaipur city buildings with many shades of pink?

The answer to why there are many shades of Jaipur Pink is due to the following reasons:

Renovations and modifications to the facade

In some of the bazaars, many building owners carry out changes in the facade. Post renovations, the building facade is painted again. Sometimes, this happens a few months after the entire facade is painted by the municipal corporation.The shade varies because of the color base, medium, and brand, among other reasons. Ideally, this norm should be followed, but in reality, things are different. Here is a picture of LMB hotel in Johari Bazaar which is best known for Jaipur Ghevar. Ideally, the color and theme should align with the rest of the buildings in the bazaar but as you can see in the picture, the hotel has chosen Barbie pink instead of Jaipur Pink.

Due to time and weather

Many of the buildings were painted a few months ago and due to sunlight and rain- weather elements, depending on the direction & location of the building, the color changes.

Lack of technical specifications

The government has not specified the color with specification & technical details. This leaves room for interpretation. If the color codes are fixed along with the type of paint, it will help to keep the facade

Frequently Asked Questions about Jaipur Pink

Many people have questions pertaining to the color of Jaipur old city, which many refer to as Jaipur Pink.

Is it mandatory for all Jaipur houses to be pink?

Yes and No! It is within the walled or Old City of Jaipur that the houses need to be of painted with a certain shade of pink. In the newer areas of Jaipur, residents can paint their houses with any color they choose.The historic city center is protected by heritage laws that require its signature terracotta-pink color.I hope this explains how the rules of Jaipur Pink color applies to houses in Jaipur.

What was the color of Jaipur before it was pink?

While there are no official records to prove the color of Jaipur houses before it was painted with “Jaipur Pink”. Some historical references suggest that before 1876, many Jaipur buildings were of yellow or white shade.

Who gets “Jaipur Pink” color painted on buildings? Does the government provide the paint?

The Jaipur Municipal Corporation repaints the main bazaar facades before to ensure the shade remains consistent. This is done periodically. Sometimes, residents carry out repairs and renovations after the paint has been done by the Jaipur Municipal Corp. In such instances, it is the owner of the building who gets the building painted at their own cost.