About City Palace Jaipur
City Palace Jaipur is a historic palace complex in the heart of Jaipur's walled Pink City, Rajasthan. Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1729 and 1732, it served as the seat of the Jaipur royal family and remains their residence. The complex blends Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles and houses courtyards, palaces, museums and galleries displaying royal costumes, arms and artifacts.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large palace complex with open courtyards, ornate gateways, palaces and museum galleries within the Old City. Areas open to visitors include Mubarak Mahal, Pritam Niwas Chowk with its four decorated doorways including the Peacock Gate, the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, armory and textile galleries, and views of the still-occupied Chandra Mahal. The setting is urban, surrounded by Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and bazaars, with guided tours, photography points and shops inside.
Key highlights
- 01
Pritam Niwas Chowk and its four seasonal doorways including the Peacock Gate
- 02
Mubarak Mahal - former reception hall now housing the textile and costume museum
- 03
Chandra Mahal - seven-storey residence of the royal family with exterior views
- 04
Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum with royal artifacts, manuscripts and paintings
- 05
Armory gallery displaying historic weapons and swords
- 06
Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam courtyards with giant silver vessels (Gangajalis)
History of City Palace Jaipur
Commissioned by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur, and constructed between 1729 and 1732 after the city was established in 1727. The palace was the administrative and ceremonial centre of the Kachwaha Rajput rulers and was expanded by successive maharajas. It reflects a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles and has remained the residence of the Jaipur royal family.
Culture & Context
The complex is the cultural heart of Jaipur and symbol of Rajput heritage. It houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum preserving royal costumes, textiles, arms, manuscripts and artworks, and remains a living palace where the royal family resides in Chandra Mahal. It is central to Jaipur's identity as a planned historic city and a major heritage tourism site.