SIGHTSEEING

Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum(City Palace)

The City Palace, Jaipur
The Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, where one can breathe the fragrance of history was established in 1959 in the premises of the City Palace, Jaipur as the Maharaja of Jaipur Museum.
The Jaipur state occupies a glorious past in Indian History as well as its Maharajas. The success & achievements of the Kachhwaha rulers are still the source of inspiration for common people. The nature of collections of the museum includes decorative art objects of historical importance that were in the proud possession the victory & achievements of those Kachhwaha rulers as well.
While entering the museum from Virendra pol, the huge building in front is the Mubarak Mahal. This unique building was completed during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II. Islamic, Rajput & European elements of architecture & ornamentation have been assimilated in this building.

The Textile & Costumes Gallery is housed in the first floor of Mubarak Mahal. Royal costumes are displayed here. One of the most attractive objects is the enormous quilted Banaras brocade Atamsukh of Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I, a tall & heavily built person. Besides, finest example of Sanganeri print, tie & dye lehariya, Pashmina shawls, mishru, Dacca muslin cloth, Maharanis Diwali dress etc. are also on display.

Through Rajendra pol, one can enter into the interior courtyard of the Palace. In front of this beautifully carved marble gate, there are two carved monolith elephants, erected at the birth of present Maharaja of Jaipur in 1931.
                 
The Silehkhana (Arms & Weapons Section): One of the richest collections of Indian weapons is displayed here in an artistic & symbolic manner. The collection includes edged weapons like swords, weapons like swords, Mughal Shamshirs, daggers of various kinds, bows & arrows, axes etc; matchlock, flintlock & percussion cap guns; carved decorated shield; beautiful gunpowder flask etc. The mural on the ceiling of this gallery is another fine attraction.

In the Pitam Niwas Chowk of the Palace, there arte four gates. The murals of these gates represent four seasons.
The seven – storied building beyond Pitam Niwas Chowk is the Chandra Mahal. This is the private residence of the Royal Family of Jaipur. Entry is restricted here. At the top of the building, there shines the pachranga- the glorious flag of the Kachhwaha dynasty to which the Jaipur Royal Family belong.
 In the Sarvatabhadra or Diwan – e - khas of the City Palace, world two largest silver jars are on display.
The Art gallery of the Museum is housed in the Diwan – e - am or the hall of public audience of the Palace. Beautiful miniature paintings, splendid carpets, are manuscripts are the attractions of this gallery.

In the Baggi Khana, chariots and caches (carriages) are on display. The most interesting amongst these are the 19th century European Cab adapted to Indian conditions & ways; silver jubilee four – in hand Victoria Baggi & the Thakuriji ka Rath (chariot used for carrying the state religious icon).