Jaipur Study

IN/2011/CL/35
Foreword
Indias unique cultural heritage lies in its cities, towns and settlements, which form a complex and highly developed fabric of human habitation.
The countrys flourishing urban culture is continuously undergoing a process of change, interacting with new elements and assimilating new
ideas as well as the aspirations and creativity of its people. Cities thus renew themselves while maintaining their unique and diverse heritage,
both cultural and natural.
Rapid urbanization, along with the influence of globalization, has in recent times accelerated the pace of change in all aspects of Indian life, and
particularly in urban settlements. Indias cities and towns find themselves under pressure to accommodate rapidly growing populations, with
all the demands on technology and public services and utilities this entails. This can lead to a chaotic urban scenario disturbing the delicate
balance of the citys physical, social, cultural and ecological environment.
If Indian cities and towns are not strengthened to cope with these abrupt changes and transformations, the uniqueness and diversity of the
cultures that exist in them will soon be lost forever, and they risk becoming homogeneous and monotonous. The preservation of the culture
and heritage of cities and towns is a major challenge for local authorities and citizens alike.
The present Concept paper on Heritage Walk in the historic cities of Jaipur, authored by Dr. Shikha Jain accordingly seeks to identify the core
heritage resources of the city and its enduring characters thereby proposing a possible itinerary of a heritage walk in the old city of Jaipur.
Designing of such a heritage walk, far from being a mere tourism attraction, should serve as a small-scale model case to guide our reflection on
how an urban renewal may take place in harmony with heritage preservation.
The publication is a collaborative effort between the Government of Rajasthan and UNESCO under the Indian Heritage Cities Network.
Launched by UNESCO in 2006 with the endorsement of the Union Ministry of Urban Development, this Network provides a platform of
exchange for the municipalities and town planners on the use of heritage resources for sustainable urban development. As of December
2010, it comprises of twenty-four Indian member cities, of which Jaipur is one, seven non-Indian cities and regional partners, as well as several
universities, NGOs and other institutional members. Developing a heritage walk itineraries constitutes one of the four key actions that a
member city is expected to undertake.
Remembering that the Indian Heritage Cities Network began during an international conference that took place in the very city of Jaipur, it is
our immense pleasure that the city serves, once again, as the first example of a Concept paper on Heritage Walk developed under the Network.
We hope that this publication would serve as a source of inspiration to other member cities, leading to the development of a series of similar
attempts across India.
Shri Armoogum Parsuramen

UNESCO Director and Representative to
Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives
Shri Shanti Dhariwal

Minister for Urban Development, Housing, Local
Self Government, Home, Law, Parliamentary Affairs,
Government of Rajasthan
UNESCO Survey Team Members

Dr. Shikha Jain

Ms. Parul Munjal
Ms. Vanicka Arora
Ms. Somya Johri
Ms. Neha Saxena
Ms. Parul Bhatti
Acknowledgements

Ms. Minja Yang, Former Director and UNESCO Representative for Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka and Maldives
Ms. Moe Chiba, Programme Specialist for Culture, UNESCO New Delhi
Ms Faith Singh, Trustee, Jaipur Virasat Foundation
Mr. Vinod Joshi, Jaipur Virasat Foundation
CEO, Jaipur Municipal Corporation
Dr. Aylin Orbasli, Oxford Brookes University
Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network
Table of Contents
Indian Heritage Cities Network .......................................................................... 7

- Introduction and approach...................................................................... 7

- Why develop a heritage walk?................................................................ 8
Jaipur - history of a city . ........................................................................................ 9
City and its evolution .............................................................................................13
Urban form and architectural identity ..........................................................19

- Streets and chowks...................................................................................20

- Bazaars...........................................................................................................21

- Typology of faades..................................................................................22

- Construction materials.............................................................................23

- Gates and city walls...................................................................................24

- Forts and palaces.......................................................................................26

- Temples.........................................................................................................29

- Havelis and cluster houses.....................................................................32

- Water structures.........................................................................................35

- Public open space and gardens............................................................38

- Public buildings and memorials...........................................................40
Intangible heritage .................................................................................................42

- The city as a centre for arts and business . ......................................43

- Arts and crafts.............................................................................................44

- Building arts and crafts............................................................................45

- Music and dance........................................................................................48

- Festivals.........................................................................................................49
Entrance of Samrat Haveli, Jaipur
Proposal for heritage walk ..........................................................................................................................................................50

- Proposed itinerary ............................................................................................................................................................51

- Mapping socio-cultural activities.................................................................................................................................55

- Listing built heritage . . ....................................................................................................................................................57
Challenges to heritage-based urban development . ......................................................................................................61

- Lack of awareness towards heritage...........................................................................................................................62

- Poor implementation of regulatory and legislative framework ......................................................................63

- Sustaining intangible heritage......................................................................................................................................65

- Solid waste management...............................................................................................................................................66

- Water infrastructure..........................................................................................................................................................67

- Electricity wiring and services.......................................................................................................................................69

- Fire safety..............................................................................................................................................................................70

- Vehicular traffic and parking..........................................................................................................................................71

- Management of stray animals.......................................................................................................................................73

- Insufficient tourist facilities...........................................................................................................................................74
Vision for planned growth ..........................................................................................................................................................75
Recommendations for action ....................................................................................................................................................83

- Heritage awareness programme..................................................................................................................................84

- Interpretation of the heritage resources of the city..............................................................................................85

- Legislative and regulatory framework for heritage conservation....................................................................86

- Incentive mechanisms for heritage management ...............................................................................................87

- Adaptive reuse ...................................................................................................................................................................88

- Mainstreaming local crafts into the modern market............................................................................................91

- Infrastructure improvement through community participation and public private partnerships......92

- Improved physical access to the heritage resources ...........................................................................................93
Sources and credits . .......................................................................................................................................................................94
INDIAN HERITAGE CITIES NETWORK

Introduction and approach

Founded in 2006 as a programme of UNESCO New Delhi office

and with the endorsement of the Ministry of Urban Development,
Government of India, the Indian Heritage Cities Network (IHCN)
supports Indian cities in their endeavour to safeguard and use the
heritage resources for sustainable development through policy
advice, capacity building, good practice exchange, awareness
raising, technical assistance and the facilitation of partnerships.
By becoming a member of the Network, the cities are expected to

take the following actions:
(i) incorporate heritage cell within the municipality;
(ii) formulate heritage regulations and guidelines;
(iii) organize heritage festivals; and
(iv) develop heritage walk itineraries within the historic city,
highlighting its heritage aspects - cultural, natural and
intangible.
The present document accordingly provides an analysis of the

urban heritage of Jaipur, both tangible and intangible along with
a proposal for a Heritage Walk through Chowkri Modi Khana,
a historical segment of Jaipur City. Challenges for heritage
conservation and recommendations for action are also provided,
in a hope to serve as a food for thought for the municipal and
the State authorities towards a more heritage-centric urban
development.
A typical house entrance in Jaipur
INDIAN HERITAGE CITIES NETWORK

Why develop a heritage walk?
A heritage walk through a selected segment of a

city aims at showcasing one of the most authentic
representation of a citys historic, cultural and
architectural heritage. It gives a holistic experience
to the international and domestic tourists and
rejuvenates a sense of pride amongst the residents,
including school students and youth.
A heritage walk is also an important tool for

urban renewal of the city. By developing a
tourist itinerary through a most representative
historical fabric of a city, it is intended to incite
a number of ancillary projects that support
economic regeneration of the area and
encourage the municipal authorities to address
long term sustainability issues. These could
include: improved conditions for the local
craftsmen, local restaurants and accomodation
facilities for the tourists, developing a
community area or even infrastructure
projects for improved drainage, solid waste
management or rain water harvesting with
participation of the residents along the walk.
Thus a heritage walk can be a micro project that

addresses wider heritage conservation issues
related to the city and, serves as a role model for
heritage conservation of the entire city.
Jaipur History of a City
Rajasthan JaipurRajasthan
Indian Heritage
JaipurCities
Indian
Network
Heritage Cities Network
JAIPUR HISTORY OF A CITY
The eastern Rajasthan, lying to the east and south east of the Aravalli divide includes
the modern administrative districts of Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Rajsamand, Banswara,
Dungarpur, Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Jaipur, Tonk, Dausa, Dholpur,
Karauli, Bharatpur and Alwar.
10
The current district of Jaipur lies in Eastern

Rajasthan, in the Banas River basin and
forms a part of Eastern Plain of Rajasthan.
The region is drained by a number of
seasonal rivers of which Banganga, Dhundh
and Bandi are prominent.
From the 10th century onwards, the district

referred to as Dhoondhar, formed one of
the four distinguishable politico-cultural
regions of Eastern Rajasthan, in addition to
Mewat, Hadauti and Mewar. Dhoondhar
region was roughly comprised of current
districts of Jaipur, Dausa and Tonk, with
Jaipur and Amber further constituting
Dhoondhar subzone within the larger tract
of Dhoondhar region.
In Aryan epics, Dhoondhar region (called

Matsya Desh/ Mina Wati) was the shortest
trade route between north India and rich
port cities of Gujarat and Malabar. The
region was held by Badgujars, Rajputs and
Minas till the 11th century.
From the 11th century onwards, however, the

Dhoondhar region was increasingly under the
power of Kachchwaha dynasty of Rajputs.
The three main capitals of the Dhoondhar Region under the Kachchwahas
Dausa, Amber and Jaipur.
The Kachchwaha Rajputs trace their descent

through the solar dynasty to Kush, one of the
two sons of Lord Rama, the famous king of
Ayodhya and the hero of the epic Ramayana.
According to local tradition and popular bardic
chronicles, Dulha/Dhola Rai (whose reign is
accepted as being from 1006-1036 AD by most
historians) one of the rulers of this clan, laid the
foundation of Dhoondhar kingdom in 967 AD
and made Dausa his capital.
Kakil Dev (1036-1038) who succeeded

his father Dulha Rai in 1036 AD, seized
Amber from Meenas, laid the foundations
of the Amber Fort and built the temple of
Ambikeshwar Mahadev one of Ambers
earliest extant monuments. The capital of
Dhoondar was shifted from Dausa to Amber
between 1179 and 1216 AD.
By the 17th century, the Kachchwaha Rajput

clan became known for political clout and
importance in the Mughal administration.
Raja Man Singh (1590-1614) and Mirza Raja Jai
Singh (1622-1667) contributed to the financial
and cultural wealth of Dhoondhar through
political alliance with Mughals.
Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 1743) who outlived

five Mughal emperors and tried to prop up
the Mughal Empire from 1707 (Aurangzebs
death) to sack of Delhi by Nadir Shah
(1739) established the city of Jaipur and
strengthened the boundaries of Dhoondhar.
11
Political map of Rajasthan in 1595 with Jaipur under Mughal

subah of Ajmer
Part of the Golden

Tourism Triangle Agra,
Jaipur, Delhi of northern
India, Jaipur has emerged
as one of the most
sought after destinations
on the tourist map of the
world. The tourist season
for Jaipur is from October
to March. The city attracts
domestic and foreign
tourists in large numbers
averaging to about 3000
tourists per day, who stay
for 3-4 days in the city.
12
Important tourist destinations within the state of

Rajasthan
Political map of Rajasthan in 1931 as Rajputana agency

under the British Rule. The current Jaipur Dausa and Tonk
Districts roughly form the Dhoondhar Cultural Region.
In the past decade, the arrival of both domestic as

well as foreign tourists to the city has nearly doubled,
though the state of Rajasthan had seen a decline in
number of foreign visitors.
CITY AND ITS

EVOLUTION
CITY AND ITS EVOLUTION

The foundation of the city of Jaipur was established by

Sawai Jai Singh II (1700-1743) in 1727. The city was designed
by Sawai Jai Singh II himself and further developed and
monitored by his renowned counsellor Vidyadhar.
The city planned in the gridiron pattern was built with

extraordinary foresight and futuristic planning and is
probably the only 18th century walled city in India that
can still cater to the present day pressures of vehicular
traffic on roads.
It included innovative concepts in traditional planning

guidelines along with an appropriate adaptation of the
terrain itself. The direct application of the mandala in
the plan of Jaipur seems improbable, though parallels
can be found between the Jaipur planning principles
and traditional texts on spatial organization such as
Rajvallabha, the regional 15th century text written by the
sutradhar Mandan.
Two significant facts responsible for the origin of the city

and its subsequent layout were:
a) The need of a new capital for 18th century Dhoondhar
as the earlier one of Amber built on a hill was getting
congested;
b) Sawai Raja Jai Singhs vision of the new capital as a
strong political statement at par with Mughal cities and
as a thriving trade and commerce hub for the region.

Interpretation of the 18th century map from Kapad-dwara collection, Jaipur,
with the gridiron pattern evident in the layout
14
A Religious centre or temple

B Political centre or for
C Gates and walls
D Havelis and houses
The generic plan of a medieval Rajasthani

hill town- as in Dausa and Amber
The hill town of Dausa with an organic

layout guided by the topography
The medieval towns of Rajasthan were of military, agrarian, mercantile

or religious nature. The presence of a deity marked the reference point
for the rulers abode and the rest of the city. The name of the town
was usually associated with the political or religious centre (with the
Ambikeshwar temple in the case of Amber and with Sawai Jai Singh in
the case of Jaipur).
Unlike Dausa and Amber, the two previous capital cities of the
Dhoondhar region established on hill-top, whose planning was guided
by topographical structure of the areas, Jaipur city was revolutionary both
in terms of its grid-iron pattern planning and its location at the base of
the hills.
There was also a significant economic shift from an agricultural base in

Dausa and Amber to trading in the capital of Jaipur.
Amber Town with the Fort on top of the hill and the
walled town down the slopes
15
The site selected for establishing the new capital of Jaipur was a valley
located south of Amber and the plains beyond, a terrain that was the
bed of a dried lake. There used to be dense forest cover to the north
and the east of the city.
The physical constraints that informed the building of Jaipur city

included the hills on the north that housed the fort of Jaigarh and the
Amber palace beyond, and the hills on the east, which contained the
sacred spot of Galtaji.
To facilitate water supply to the new city, the Darbhavati river in the
north was dammed to create the Jai Sagar and Man Sagar (that later
housed the Jal Mahal) lakes. Later the Jhotwara river in the north-west
was diverted through the Amani Shah Nallah and a number of canals
were channelized through Brahmapuri and Jai Niwas to supply water
to the city.
The site with the natural east west ridge and the
surrounding forts as defense feature
18th century dimensional norms
16
The east-west axis of the town was divided by three

perpendicular roads into eight portions with the central
ones of equal size and the outer ones as per the remaining
dimensions till the Chand Pol in the west and Suraj Pol in
the east. A sawaya (a quarter extra) system of measurement
was used in the planning and details of Jaipur, with use of
dimensions that are a quarter more than a whole number.
The intersection of the axes to define the Badi chaupar (city square)
Division into eight portions, ends of the roads marked by gates in the
city wall
17
Later in the 18th and 19th centuries, there were additions in the
built fabric of the city and the palace such as the Hawa Mahal and a
number of temples added by Sawai Pratap Singh under whom the
Jaipur architectural vocabulary reached its peak in terms of stylization.
Two major contributors to the city development and establishment

of modern infrastructure were Sawai Ram Singh II (1835 1879) and
Sawai Man Singh II (1922 1969).
In the 19th century, with the accession of Sawai Ram Singh II, the
city extended beyond the old city walls, adapted newer modes of
transport such as the railways with a railway station located on the
western outskirts, started using gaslights on the streets and adopted
modernized drainage and piped water supply system.
There were interesting additions in the urban fabric within the

walled city with new buildings constructed in the Indo Saracenic
vocabulary such as the Mubarak Mahal within the Palace Complex,
the Naya Mahal or Vidhan Sabha and the Maharajas College in 1873
(now Rajasthan School of Arts); and the Ramniwas Bagh that was
later enhanced with the visual focus of the monumental Albert Hall
Museum to the south of the walled city.
The 20th century observed further modernization and urban

renovations within the walled city, including the restoration work of
the city walls and gates and, converting the inner temporary houses
in the sectors into more permanent structures; pioneered by the
famous Mirza Ismail who was appointed as the Prime Minister of
Jaipur in the early 20th century. A number of new colonies such as
the Bani Park came outside the walled city.
In 1947, the four largest Rajput states, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner

and Jaipur opted to join secular India. Jaipur then became the capital
of Rajasthan leading to further attraction of administrative and
economic activities. These factors led to increased development of
residential areas to cater to the growing population.
18
I9th and 20th century additions
URBAN FORM AND

ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY
Streets and chowks
Bazaars
Typology of faades
Construction materials
Gates and city walls
Forts and palaces
Temples
Havelis and cluster houses
Water structures
Public open space and gardens
Public buildings and memorials
URBAN FORM AND ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY

Streets and chowks
View of a main bazaar street - the width of the main roads was kept
39 1/4 gaz - 108 feet, secondary roads are half this size - 54 feet, the
tertiary roads are 27 feet and the inner mohalla streets are 13 feet wide
The main markets, havelis and temples on the

main streets in Jaipur were constructed by the
state in the 18th century, thus ensuring a uniform
street faade is maintained. The widths of roads
were predetermined.
According to a popular belief, the city was painted

pink to celebrate the visit of the Prince of Wales
in 1876, during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Ram
Singh II, lending the city the name of Pink City.
Junctions of the main axial streets formed the two

square public open spaces called chaupars (Badi
chaupar and Chhoti chaupar). The width of the square
chaupars was three times that of the main street.
Historically, the chaupars were outlets for intense

social use with water structures connected by
underground aqueducts, supplying numerous
sources of drinking water at street level. Presently,
the centre of each chaupar has square enclosures
with ornamental fountains.
The streets and chowks (central open squares

in a town) of the internal chowkries (sectors)
with numerous clusters or mohallas were not
predetermined; hence show a mix of grid iron and
organic pattern, with the basic unit of built form
being the rectangular haveli.
View of a chaupar today
20

Bazaars

Original markets in the city include Kishanpole bazaar,

Gangauri bazaar, Johari bazaar, Sireh Deorhi bazaar, along
the main north-south and east-west axes that intersect at
Chhoti and Badi Chaupars.
Typical architectural features of the bazaar streets are use of chhajjas (sunshades) resulting in strong horizontal
lines, projecting vertical blocks on brackets, a modular
system of arches filled with delicate latticed screens to
cut direct sun and glare of reflected sun in the street.
Bazaar streets have temples above shops with wide staircase starting
from pavement to the temple level. Space above shops at first floor level
originally functioned as galleries for watching royal processions, religious
festivals and public celebrations
Uniform planned shop fronts on bazaar streets with upper floors in

interesting juxtaposition
Defined street faade at a chaupar with sunshades and latticed

colonnades at upper floors and shop fronts on the ground floor
21

Typology of faades

Faades of Jaipur and surroundings typically have

gokhdas (sitting spaces) on either side of the
entrance.
The openings are often characterized by

the use of cusped, trefoil or pointed arches
with rectangular or chhatri (vaulted dome)
type framing, flanked with lotus columns. An
increased ornamentation is seen in later post
Jaipur Marwari patterned havelis as compared
to the Dhoondhari ones from the 18th century.
Stylistically, the bangaldar (curvilinear) roof

became prevalent in stone chhatris and chhajjas
(sunshades) and was later used in other areas of
Rajasthan too.
An elaborate entranceway with a gokhda and cusped

and pointed arch as important elements in the
streetscape, Goyal Bhawan, Chowkri Modikhana
22
Entrance with chhatri type framing,

the bangaldar chhatri was used
extensively in the Dhoondhar region
Entrances in Dhoondhar region, use

of arches with rectangular framing
The bangaldar chhatri with the sunshade

following the profile forms the focus of
the Chandra Mahal faade, in the City
Palace complex, that dates from the
period of the foundation of the city

Construction materials

Stone for construction is available in abundance in the

region. The earlier structures are of masonry in random
rubble or dressed form in grey metamorphosed stone, schist
from Ramgarh or stone from Ghat Ki Guni area. Later in the
19th century, Bansi Paharpur stone was used in Jaipur.
Stone walls are on an average 1 feet 6 inches thick and

plastered with lime. Columns are either assembled with laterite
stone or are monolithic with timber type joints. Use of stone in
beams, lintels, door and window frames is common.
Makrana marble is used for decorative components

such as carved columns and black marble from Kotputli
for inlay-work.
Roofing is usually of stone slabs except in a few cases where

bricks are arranged in a concentric manner called the ladao
roof. For thermal insulation, a layer of inverted clay pots used
between multiple roofing layers amounting to a total roof
thickness of about 1 feet 6 inches.
Typical finishes of this region include araish (slaked lime

smooth finish) on floors and walls. The havelis, palaces
and temples show excellence in stone work of jharokhas
(projected balconies), jaalis (latticed screens) and parapets.
Stuccowork in lime plaster is also found. Decorative
finishes include mirror work, stained glass, mother of
pearl inlay and silver inlay work frescoes, pannimeena and
dakmeena work.
A typical wall section in

Dhoondhar
A Haveli in Amber with random rubble

masonry, finished with lime plaster.
23

Gates and city walls

The walled city of Jaipur shows a 6 meter high and 3

meter thick crenellated masonry wall surrounding the
city that is pierced by nine gates seven original and two
were added later. The city gates were earlier closed at
night as a rule. The practice discontinued in 1942 due to
inconvenience to the travellers from the railway station
who reached the city late in the night.
Remains of fortifications of earlier capital of Amber in the

north and Ambagarh in the Ghat ki Guni area in the east
present an interesting landscape.
The fortifications at Jaipur
24
The fortifications at Amber
Typology of Gates in Jaipur
The walled central square

(Chowkri Sarhad) several high
walled courtyards sequentiall laid
out with a system of gateways.
Similar gateways can be seen in

the other palaces in and around
Jaipur such as the Amber fort
and palace.
Sireh Deodhi Gate royal ceremonial gate as
entry to the palace complex from the northsouth axis or the Sireh Deodhi Bazaar
Chand Pol The Suraj Pol and Chand

Pol mark the eastern and the western
ends of the east- west axis.
25

Forts and palaces

The true hill forts of Jaipur lie beyond its walled boundaries,
perched on strategic locations in the hills on the north, east
and west, namely the forts of Amber, Jaigarh, Ambagarh
and Nahargarh. All these forts have palatial royal residences
within the complex.
Amber Built over several centuries since it was established as the

seat of the Kachchwahas in the 11th century. The palace fortress was
in use till the shift of the capital to Jaipur in 1728
Nahargarh - Built in 1734 has many ruins but also houses structures with
architectural merit like Hawa Mandir and Madhavendra Bhawan
Jaigarh Built by Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1726, The Pride of Jaigarh the
Jai Ban canon is supposed to be the largest canon of its type. The Fort has
palaces, well maintained gardens, granary and a tall watchtower within.
26
City Palace Jaipur with Nahargarh in the backdrop The first Chowkri
to be developed in the city of Jaipur was Chowkri Sarhad that contains
the entire city palace with Chandra Mahal dominating the skyline
These include constructions by the rulers of Dhoondhar such

as Amber Fort and Palace, Jaipur City Palace, Nahargarh,
Raghunathgarh, Jaigarh, Ambagarh; as well as by the thakurs
(estate owners) within the region in their thikanas (land/estates)
such as Samode Chomu,Manoharpura, Achrol, Bishangarh. The
most exemplary in ornamentation are the Amber Palace, the Jaipur
City Palace and the Samode Palace for its mirror- work.
The Amber Fort with Palace structures
Plan of the Bishangarh Fort, a thikana fort
The City Palace Complex, Jaipur
27
The palace structures within the city palace complex of Jaipur comprise of the Badal Mahal, the seven storied Chandra
Mahal with highly ornamented interiors and the Sarvato Bhadra constructed during Sawai Jai Singhs reign (1700-1743).
Later additions include the Pritam Niwas by Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803), Diwan-i-Am, constructed in the 18th century
under Sawai Madho Singh I (1751-1768) or Sawai Pratap Singh (1778 1803) and Mubarak Mahal by Sawai Madho Singh II
(1880-1922) in 1896 for use by royal guests.
The pleasure palaces outside the city palace complex are the Jal Mahal within the Mansagar Lake and Ram Bagh Palace
and Raj Mahal that have been converted to heritage hotels.
Jal Mahal is a pleasure resort, built in the centre of an artificial

lake outside the city to the north-east by the road to Amber.
There is debate as to its period of construction either along
with the foundation of the city in 1734 or as late as 1799. The
palace has airy domes, pavilions and terraces around an old fruit
orchard. It was used by the Maharaja and his guests for shooting
migrating geese, grouse and duck
28
Chandra Mahal seven storeyed structure with symmetry and unity of massing
and synthesis of Mewar and Jaipur styles of palace architecture

Temples
This partial map is based on an earlier map of Jaipur that has been dated
in the reign of Pratap Singh (17781803) by Gole, (Indian Maps and Plans,
page 195). The original map is not to scale and was made just to show the
construction of a canal till Sanganer and was thus purely representational
in nature. However the underlying factors to be noted are the city wall
that also includes Brahmapuri as part of the town, number of gates and
locations of temples with shikhara on the main chaupars and in the Sireh
Deodhi Bazzar.
Jaipur and Amber, the earlier of capital of Dhoondhar capital are

renowned for their numerous historic temples. While Amber has
excellent stone carved temples with shikharas (spires) built from
11th century onwards, Jaipur became the precursor in building
haveli temples of the 18th century. The Jain and Hindu temples
form a significant part of the built fabric.
The planning of Jaipur is rooted in the centric Indian philosophy

with the temple of Govind Dev defining the centre that led to
the genesis of the city plan. The Govind Dev Temple, established
in a pavilion called Suraj Mahal, standing in between the Badal
Mahal and Chandra Mahal in the Jai Niwas Garden, continues to
be the most active temple even today.
Although there is no definite data, locals state that around

400 temples were built in Jaipur during its planning. There are
more than 1000 temples of various sizes in Jaipur with 606
within the walled city as registered temples with the Devasthan
department in 1973. All the important temple sites, specifically
on the main commercial streets had been marked in the Jaipur
plan during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh.
Even today, the important temples with shikharas can be observed

at four most important locations in the city along the cardinal axes
i.e. the Laxmi Narayan Temple at Badi Chaupar, the Rama temple at
Chhoti Chaupar, the Murli Manohar temple at Ramganj Chaupar
and the Kalka temple opposite to the main Sireh Deodhi entrance
to the Palace. It is interesting that in all these temples the idol is
facing towards Govind Dev, the main deity of Jaipur.
29
Typology of Temples in Jaipur
Entrance to a haveli style temple, Jaipur
30
Typology of Temples in Jaipur
Each mohalla (cluster of houses) has its own temple

presided over by the deity most appropriate for their
prosperity and protection. A relationship between
temples and wells (both constituting ritual spaces) can be
observed inside the chowkries in the layout of the sectors.
Most of the remaining temples inside the city were built

in the haveli temple style without shikhara. Sawai Pratap
Singh got numerous temples constructed within the city,
reflecting the stylized articulation of the period.
Map of Jaipur marking important temple locations within the walled city
and inside each chowkri area
31

Havelis and cluster houses

The havelis (medieval north Indian mansions belonging to nobles) of Jaipur range from a single courtyard house form to an
assemblage of multiple courts, depending on the status of the owner and number of family members. Majority of the havelis
have one or two courtyards.
The haveli forms the basic urban fabric of the towns in the Jaipur region. Palaces can be visualized as an extension of the
havelis. The haveli plots in Dhoondhar region conform to a rectangular or square shape, sometimes with offsets.
Shah Haveli at Samode
32
The court as the centre of the haveli - reflected in the

concentric articulation
Typology of Havelis in Jaipur
Bhatt Haveli with three courtyards
Natani Haveli with multiple courts,

Jaipur
The Tatterkhana House, Jaipur,

reflects a single family cluster
consisting of a single family and its
zenana (wing occupied by ladies
of the house) and infrastructure of
servants
The Shivdin Haveli, Jaipur with

typical two court planning
33
Johari Haveli, Ghat Ki Guni representing the unique subtype of a

garden haveli with rectilinear layout and stepped terraces overlooking the
Purana Ghat valley street on the eastern outskirts of present Jaipur
Chaumoo House- a later mansion in bungalow style
The Jaipur havelis not only provide a wide range and scale of this archetype but also present two unique typological
variations of the haveli i.e. the haveli temple type found as courtyard temples (with no shikhara) on the main commercial
streets as well as inner residential streets of Jaipur and secondly, the garden haveli type found on the Ghat Ki Guni valley
stretch located on the Jaipur Agra highway.
The association of a particular haveli with the temple or well in the cluster also emphasized the status of the owner. Group of
havelis formed mohallas number of mohallas formed a chowkri (sector) well defined as a geographical entity in the city. A
chowkri in Jaipur may comprise of up to 400 mohallas.
34

Water Structures

Water being scarce in the region, indigenous methods

for effective water collection have been evolved and
practiced across Rajasthan. A vast number of reservoirs,
artificial lakes, tanks, kunds (stepped ponds), step-wells or
baories, wells, ponds etc, have been built and renovated
over the centuries.
Panna Mian Kund in Amber
Water body at Galtaji
Well in community open space
35
Typology of Water Bodies in Jaipur

The surface water bodies Talkatora, Jai Sagar,

Man Sagar (Jal Mahal Lake) and the Ramgarh
Lake were important features in the city plan. The
artificial lakes were created in response to the
natural topography.
Important historic water bodies located within the walled city.

The two middle squares in blue were originally public water
tanks that were closed in 19th century when piped water supply
came into the city. These two locations called Badi Chaupar on
right and Choti Chaupar on left serve as public squares with
fountains today.
36
Typology of Water Bodies in Jaipur

The water structures such as step wells or

baories were important elements in the urban
fabric that reflected the importance of water
in the water scarce environment.
A unique water system of underground

canals was specially devised for the water
supply in the city and the square central tanks
were located in the Badi Chaupar and Chhoti
Chaupar. In the center of each chaupar, square
enclosures with ornamental fountains were
outlets for intense social use. Fountains were
connected by underground aqueducts
supplying numerous sources of drinking water
at street level. In the mohallas, the community
wells were used as water sources.
For both the mohalla and haveli, the well was

an important part of the social set up of the
community.
The water bodies, water structures and wells

all suffered due to the introduction of piped
water supply that replaced the indigenous
systems and to the rapid urbanization that
encroached upon the catchment areas.
37

Public open space and gardens

Public open space and gardens constitute another typical

element of Jaipur city planning. Just as the Govind Dev temple on
which the planning of the city was centred, the Jai Niwas garden
and the Chaugan were envisaged as a significant open space for
the city, meant for performances and sports witnessed by the
general public and attended by the royalty.
Chaugan is the public entertainment ground of Jaipur in

the west of the walled city where polo, elephant fights and
other sports were held between 1724 and 1921. Square in
plan, enclosed by high walls, the Chaugan was venue for Teej
and Gangaur fairs in earlier times and now houses the Zonal
Sports Stadium.
Jai Niwas Garden, the first garden to be established in the city by

Sawai Jai Singh II, is a symmetrical formal garden on double char
bagh pattern with fountains and water falls in Mughal theme
using natural slope of the terrain.
With British influence, later gardens such as the Ram Niwas Bagh
established in 1868 by Sawai Ram Singh II deviated from the earlier
Mughal planning of Jai Niwas and Ghat Ki Guni gardens.
The Albert Hall was later added in the centre of this English
pattern Ram Niwas garden. Even today, it is significant as the
second largest open space for the city. Located outside the walled
city, it sprawls across an area of 4 acres and was designed by
surgeon Major De- Faback. It is a well-laid out garden comprising a
zoo, a bird park, play ground, exhibition ground and a gymnasium.
38
The recently restored Raj Niwas Bagh, Ghat ki Guni, is planned on

the Rajput -Mughal garden concept (Source: Ajay Khare)
Street faade of Raj Niwas Bagh, Ghat ki Guni, lined with chhatris
Ghat ki Guni was a recreational area established by Sawai

Jai Singh II in 1739 on the outskirts of Jaipur, beyond Ghat
Lake, where water was available, a concept of which seems
to have developed with the Mughal influence at the time
of Akbar. It has three main gardens that demonstrate the
palace-garden Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh, Vidyadhar ka Bagh
and Raj Niwas Baghand haveli-garden typologies.
Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh Ghat ki Guni, comprises of terrace gardens

equipped with fountains, cascades and water channels sprouting from
natural springs.
Kanak Vrindavan a temple-garden complex, the temples and gardens

have recently renovated. Set within the scenic backdrop of the Jal Mahal
and the surrounding hilly area, the complex has become a favourite
excursion and picnic spot of tourists and locals.
Kesar Kyari, Amber is a stepped formal royal garden attached to the

Palace
39

Public buildings and memorials

Monumental structures such as the Jantar Mantar

Observatory, the Hawa Mahal, Old Vidhan Sabha Building
and parts of the City Palace Complex are important public
buildings in the city centre today.
Public buildings such as railway station, schools, hospitals,

theatres, museums, colleges were constructed in the 19th
century, starting with the reign of Sawai Ram Singh II
(1835 1879). These were built in the Indo Saracenic style
with the Naya Mahal or Old Vidhan Sabha exhibiting an
architectural style that is a fusion of local Rajput elements
with colonial pediments and arches.
Jantar Mantar - astronomical observatory by Sawai Jai Singh between

1724 and 1734. The yantras (instruments) were constructed in stone and
lime. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur is inscribed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2010.
Hawa Mahal reflecting

stylization at its peak under
Sawai Pratap Singh
40
Gaitor Cenotaphs - The prominent of the

cenotaphs is that of Maharaja Jai Singh,
built in white marble, comprising of 21
ornately carved pillars depicting scenes
and figures from Hindu mythology
The memorials include the royal cenotaphs at Gaitor with

significant ones being the Chhatris of Sawai Jai Singh II and
Sawai Madho Singh; and the cenotaphs of royal ladies and
the victory tower - Isar Lat.
Old Vidhan Sabha - variation in the Indo

Saracenic style with use of European features
such as the round arch
Jaleb Chowk -huge square court earlier had

single stories structures on all four sides. Sawai
Ram Singh II (1835 80) extended verandahs
and constructed a floor above
Albert Hall reflecting the Indo- Saracenic style adopted by the

PWD in the 19th century
The New Vidhan Sabha building
Jawahar Kala Kendra - Designed by Charles

Correa, the Jawahar Kala Kendra (1986)
The new Vidhan Sabha building reflects the continuity

from the 19th century colonial framework by the Public
Works Department by replication of architectural details
from the Jeypore Portfolio.
Jawahar Kala Kendra, a cultural centre designed by

Charles Correa in 1986 and the urban design for
Vidyadhar Nagar, a residential area in New Jaipur,
designed by the architect B V Doshi and established in
1984-1986 are an attempt to reflect the symbolism of
the Vastu Purusha Mandala (concept in ancient Indian
treatise emphasising on establishing harmony between
natural and human environment), which is said to have
formed the basis of the planning of the city of Jaipur,
according to several historians.
41
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
The city as a centre for arts and business
Arts and crafts
Building arts and crafts
Music and dance
Festivals
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
The city as a centre for arts and business

The important part of Sawai Jai Singhs planning included the

promotion of commercial activities of the city. As a result, merchants
were invited in 1729 through dispatched letters and given special
incentives and prime location to settle in the city. They were given
free land and given remissions and concessions on taxes.
Located on important trade routes, Jaipur thus became an important

and vibrant center for trade and commerce that fuelled its growth
further, housing large numbers of artisans, craftsmen and merchants
from distant parts of India. There were potters, utensil makers,
stone carvers, building craftsmen and builders, leather workers and
tanners, jewelers and precious stone cutters, ivory carvers, brass ware
manufacturers, enamellers; weavers, dyers and embroiderers, settled
in mohallas or group of mohallas occupied by families pursuing
similar trade or craft. The same guild system continues till date, as in
the proposed heritage walk area of Chowkri Modikhana.
The royal patronage to literary works, music, miniature painting

and the performing arts also resulted in huge collections in the
pothikhana (royal library) and has led to the evolution of the Jaipur
style of painting, music and dance and the encouragement of the
Dhoondhari language.
Chhattis Karkhane (36 departments) set up on Mughal or Persian

standards with Hindi names, gave state protection to learned men,
poets, writers, painters, musicians, dancers, artists and sculptors to train
them further, thereby enriching the arts and crafts traditions. Jaipur
became a hub for artists after the 1857 War of Independence, when
many of them who fled from Delhi found refuge in Jaipur.
The tradition of stone carving of the idols for the temples

continues till date in Jaipur
43
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
Arts and crafts

During the period of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh (1778-1803),

the Jaipur School of painting flourished with influences from
the Devgarh and Kishan garh painting styles. Sawai Jagat Singh
(1803 1848) was the last patron for paintings after whom the
traditional style deteriorated due to influences from western art.
Miniature painting continues however as an art today, drawing
from the Jaipur School tradition.
The Pachranga (five coloured) flag designed by Raja Man

Singh remained to be the identity of the Dhoondhar region
and the five coloured pagri (turban) was worn by the rulers
of Dhoondhar. The colours are an important aspect of the
Dhoondhari cultural heritage, with various dyeing techniques
and block printing of Sanganer having evolved in the region.
The tie and dye (leheriya) textile printing, textile block

printing of Sanganer, natural dyes, metal crafts, enamelling
(minakari), crafting silver jewelry and artifacts, stone crafts,
handmade paper and blue pottery are the most famous
handicrafts today.
Clay pottery displayed by a craftsman
44
Puppet making a craft that finds market in the tourists in the

present context.
Sawaya Pachranga flag of Sanganer has long been a centre for

Sawai Jaipur on Chandra block printed textiles since centuries.
Mahal, City Palace complex The picture shows the process of drying
of the dyed cloth that is to be printed
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
Building arts and crafts

The Dhoondhar rulers are known to be the patrons of

arts and crafts from the period of Raja Man Singh (1590
1614). Besides the buildings crafts of stone carving,
mirror works and inlays; an indigenous fresco technique
done on araish evolved, examples of which can be seen
in Bairat caravan serai, Bharmal Ki Chhatri from the period
of Man Singh (influence from the Mughal Court of Akbar),
and in Ganesh Pol (1639), Amber, from the period of Mirza
Raja Jai Singh with Mughal influences later absorbed to
develop integrated style.
Intricate glass inlay work inside Amber Palace
Building crafts stone carved columns and screens
A floral motif fresco from the Amber Palace
45
The Ganesh Pol demonstrates the indigenous fresco technique with evident
Mughal influence in the decorative patterns around the subject Lord
Ganesha and fine stone carved lattice screens, Amber Palace
46
Frescoes in ceiling of Sita Ramji Temples at Galtaji
The continuity of stone crafts till date with use of the traditional knowledge systems
47
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
Music and dance

The city has well developed folk music and dance forms, such as
Dhudhadi, that is the Jaipur style of Galibazi (verbal art form traditionally
used as medium for social awareness and reform) and Tamasha, a style
of musical folk play introduced to the city during the reign of Sawai Ram
Singh II (1855 1880).
Traditional attire adorned by girls to perform a form of

folk dance
A dance form being presented as a part of the current initiatives to showcase the cultural
heritage of the region
48
INTANGIBLE HERITAGE
Festivals

Fairs and festivals are an important part

of the entire region. The integration of the
festivals with royal traditions followed since
the establishment of the city, making the
festive celebrations of Makar Sankranti,
Teej, Gangaur, Holi and Dusshehra special
for the city of Jaipur, as processions
and performances take place with the
involvement of the royal family. The game of
polo is a modern version of Chaugan (means
a hockey like stick in Persian that was used
in the Mughal period to play a sport of the
same name with a wooden ball, on horse
back) that brought international recognition
to Jaipur during the period of Maharaja Man
Singh II.
The annual Jaipur Heritage International
Festival, started in 2002 by the Jaipur
Virasat Foundation is a week long
event, presently called the Rajasthan
Day celebrations Jaipur Festival in
partnership with the Government of
Rajasthan and endorsed by UNESCO
New Delhi. The celebrations provide an
international cultural platform to the living
traditions of Rajasthan, now an integral
part of the social fabric of the city.
Celebrations during the annual Jaipur Heritage Festival
A painting in Pundrik Haveli depicting

festive celebrations in Chogan area
49
PROPOSAL FOR HERITAGE WALK:

Chowkri Modikhana

Proposed itinerary
Mapping socio-cultural activities
Listing built heritage
PROPOSAL FOR A HERITAGE WALK: Chowkri Modikhana

Proposed itinerary

A proposed itinerary lies within the Chowkri

Modikhana, starting from the Rajasthan School of
Arts, Kishanpol Bazaar and ending at Chaura Rasta.
As one of the historic Chowkries designed of the 18th

century planned city of Jaipur, Chowkri Modikhana
is a unique representative of the living heritage of
Jaipur. It derives its name from the Modis (trader)
as the area was traditionally housing Jain and Hindu
traders. It was also a residential area of the officials.
With interesting havelis, temples, public buildings,

museums and craft productions, the Chowkri
Modikhana provides to the visitors an encounter
with Jaipurs traditional communities, lifestyle, crafts,
stories of each street and entry into historic buildings.
The proposed itinerary is based on the survey works

of the local NGOs, Jaipur Virasat Foundation and
DRONAH, who undertook the mapping of the social
activities and the inventory of the historical buildings
of the area, along with the listing of infrastructure
development needs.
The same proposal has been presented to the local

community of Chowkri Modikhana for their feedback
during an exhibition held in March 2007 at the time
of Rajasthan Festival in Jaipur.
The walk within the Chowkri Modi Khana with the different streets
defining different socio- cultural entities
51
The Heritage Walk starting from the Albert Hall
Street condition noted in a survey
52
Initiatives by Jaipur Virasat Foundation to revitalize the walk

area include street plays and performances in public spaces
such as the Film Colony chowk
Exhibition in Mahavir Park at Chowkri Modikhana held for participatory design development
53
Proposals exhibited in Mahavir Park at Chowkri Modikhana for community feedback. Residents from the neighbouring chowkries visited this exhibition
and appreciated the suggestions too. Thus the exhibition at Chowkri Modikhana had a wider impact leading to increasing heritage awareness in the
walled city of Jaipur
54

Mapping socio-cultural activities

Though a decline in the population of

the walled city has been noted in the
2001 census, a primary social survey has
shown that the Chowkri Modikhana has
a growing population and the residents
have still kept strong socio-cultural bond
with the area.
The area is a vibrant hub of intangible

heritage in terms of traditional
knowledge systems and craft activities.
Crafts such as manufacturing of lac
bangles and making brass metal
utensils is continued by the local
artisans settled in the houses in
Chowkri
Modikhana
area
since
centuries.
The social fabric is defined by the

names of the streets, such as the
Thatheron ka Rasta that groups
together low income group artisans
(brass workers or thatheras). These
historic definitions continue till date,
with existing examples of the same
occupational patterns being followed
from generation to generation, passing
on the traditional knowledge systems.
Cultural Map of the walk area
55
Local small scale food stalls
People maintain strong sense

of attachment with religious
structures, as well as with streets
and havelis, as they are linked with
important personalities associated
with the royal court.
The personal collections of

manuscripts, such as showcased in
the Sanjay Sharma Museum within
the walk area have significant
cultural value. The Museum itself
draws visitors and acts as a means
of dissemination of significance of
the area.
There is scope for revitalization of

local informal entrepreneurial set
ups through the heritage walk as
in the case of small scale food stalls
and craft retail existing in the area.
Manufacturing of lac bangles
Thatheras at work in Thatheron ka Rasta and Nanga Thatheron Ki Gali, continuity of traditional craft over generations
56

Listing built heritage

The area covered under the itinerary of the proposed Heritage Walk
comprises of 106 structures, of essentially residential and commercial nature.
Bajjo Ki Haveli and Natwar Lal Shastri Haveli as well as houses dominate
the fabric, with courtyard temples such as Shri Digambar Jain Mandir
Sanghji, Baij Ji Ka Mandir and Shri Anant Deviji Ka Mandir as landmarks.
Most of the structures are ground plus two floors, any further floors are
later additions.
The structures are separated by thin lanes called gandi galis that were
supposed to function as shafts for cooling.
The Rajasthan School of Arts is a significant structure conforming to

the pink colour code and urban faade of the Kishanpol Bazaar street.
Unlike the main bazaar streets such as Kishan Pol Bazaar and Chaura
Rasta, the internal streets covered under the itinerary of Hertage Walk
were not meant for commerce and the workshop of the artisans are
accommodated in the house. The faades of the buildings are usually
introverted, with projected balconies on the first floor.
Natwarlal Shastri Haveli
57
Baij Ji Ka Mandir
Kishan Pol Bazaar
58
Sangakon Ka Rasta
Ceiling detail Bajjo Ki Haveli
Decorative stucco and painting Bajjo Ki Haveli
The chowks such as Digamber Jain Mandir Chowk earlier formed community spaces attached to temples or held common
facilities such as the well area i.e. Sanghi ji ka Kuan. The Mahavir Park is the only large open space in the area.
Digamber Jain Mandir Chowk used currently for parking
Proposal for Mahavir Park to be used as a community

space prepared by students of Oxford Brookes University
during a study programme in Jaipur
South Elevation, Sangakon Ka Rasta
59
Elaborate gateway with ornamentation

borrowing Rajasthani, Mughal and Colonial
elements - Goyal Bhawan
Mughal style entrance gateway of haveli in

Thatheron Ka Rasta
North Elevation, Sangakon Ka Rasta
60
Internal space from courtyard Khinduka

Haveli
CHALLENGES TO HERITAGE-BASED
URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Lack of awareness towards heritage

Poor implementation of regulatory and
legislative framework
Sustaining intangible heritage
Solid waste management
Water infrastructure
Electricity wiring and services
Fire safety
Vehicular traffic and parking
Management of stray animals
Insufficiency of tourist facilities
CHALLENGES TO HERITAGE-BASED DEVELOPMENT

Lack of awareness towards heritage

Lack of interest and awareness of the people towards

heritage conservation has led to deteriorating condition of
the heritage buildings. A number of monuments are poorly
maintained. Violation of rules and regulations for the
conservation of heritage buildings and their surroundings
is a common phenomenon.
Insensitive repairs in Chowkri Modi Khana
62
Later interventions shop fronts and adding new windows with

evident use of cement Nataniyon Ka Rasta

Poor implementation of regulatory and legislative framework

The Government of Rajasthan has put into place

a numbers of regulations and byelaws which
aimed at protecting heritage monuments and
structures. These include the Rajasthan Monuments,
Archaeological Sites and Antiquities Act 1961 that
applies on any state protected monument under
the jurisdiction of the Department of Art and
Archaeology and Heritage Byelaws for properties
within Walled City as outlined in the Master plan of
Jaipur 2011.
The implementation of the byelaws is however

poor, with the local population clearly flouting
them giving in to pressures of commercialization,
need for modern conveniences and growing
population. 35% of high-class houses were
demolished in 1971-81 and replaced by their
owners.
Encroachments onto the street

Nataniyon Ka Rasta
New structures replacing old ones;

services added on to faades
Maniharon Ka Rasta
There are multiple reasons for poor implementation

of the byelaws, such as insufficient data base on
heritage buildings, with different sources quote
different number of heritage structures; lack
of specific legislative and regulatory measures
according to each street or typology that requires
detailed studies and analysis of the existing
fabric of the city; and lack of clarity of division of
responsibilities in the implementing agencies.
63
Guidelines for signage in the historic areas need to be formulated and implemented as excessive display of advertisements
due to commercialization impacts the urban ambience on the main streets and chowks as well as the inner lanes.
An inner street with evident visual clutter due to excessive commercial advertisements, electrical wires and cables and
encroachment by parked two wheelers
64

Sustaining intangible heritage

Traditional craftsmanship which has given life

to the streets of Jaipur is under the threat of
disappearance due to the poor living conditions of
the artisans and to the pressures of growing family
needs. A solution needs to be found to sustain
these small-scale industries.
The fairs and festivals have been an important

part of the citys cultural heritage and with the
diminishing role of the royal family, there is a need
for revitalization of the same not only for tourists
but also for the local community.
The Thathera community of brass craftsmen works in difficult situation

within their tiny home spaces in the walled city area
65

Solid waste management

Solid waste management has

emerged as one of the most pressing
urban environment issues for the
city as the majority of the city does
not have a primary waste collection
system. The problem is particularly
serious in the walled city area such as
Chowkri Modikhana, where the solid
waste is left on to the street, spread by
stray cattle and dogs and accumulating
over months in the open drains and
narrow lanes (gandi galis) that divide
the various property lines. Gandi
Galis are cleaned only once a year.
This is a major cause of water logging
and unhygienic living conditions. The
accumulated waste is a threat to the
historic structures in many instincts.
The narrow space dividing two structures gandi gali with accumulated solid waste
Waste management is absent in slums

and kacchi basti areas where waste is
dumped into nallahs. Even in the areas
where there is a solid waste collection
system in place, there is no system
of segregation of biodegradable
waste from the non biodegradable,
and the city does not have a proper
designated sanitary landfill site.
66

Water infrastructure
Sources of water

With piped water supply introduced in the mid 19th century, the traditional water systems like baories and Jhalaras suffered
gross neglect. At present, most of the baories in Jaipur are defunct.
The embankments of the lakes have been encroached by the built form accommodating the growing cities, and the natural
drainage channels carry the sullage and waste water into the lakes polluting and stagnating them.
During the period of Sawai Ram Singh II, the Jai Sagar Lake was made a garbage land fill area on which urban growth
sprawled; the Ramgarh Lake, which used to be the main source of supply more than 30 years back, produces insignificant
quantity of water now.
The Man Sagar Lake is heavily polluted at present with the city sewage flowing into it through two nallahs, Brahmapuri and
Nagtalai. The Talkatora which once recharged ground water of the city is now dry. Old Check dams, which used to recharge
ground water in the city, have been broken down over the years and as a result water levels in the city have decreased
alarmingly.
Ground water is the only source of water for parts of the city that do not get piped water supply.
Piped water is also not entirely safe due to contamination with sewerage. Due to loss of systems of recharging ground
water, there is drastic depletion of ground water and Jaipur faced a water crisis in 2009-2010. It is hoped that with the heavy
monsoon in 2010 and recent government initiatives of mandatory rain water harvesting for property owners may improve
stituation in next few years.
Ground water in the city has been found to be contaminated due to several reasons like over extraction and seepage
of wastewater, from soak pits used in the septic tank system, into the ground water. All these factors have resulted in an
increase in the concentration of nitrates and fluorides in ground water.
67
Sewerage and drainage

Sewerage system was laid inside the walled city in

1930s.
At present, nearly 80% of the population is

covered by a sewerage network.
The issue lies in the disposal of the sewerage

as there is no sewage treatment plant and the
sewage flows through the natural drains into the
Mansagar Lake polluting it.
The drainage situation in the city ranges from

average to poor with water logging being a
very common phenomenon in Jaipur. Even with
less amount of rain, roads and open areas get
waterlogged. Water logging could be attributed
to choking of drains with solid waste or later
interventions and inadequate design of drains
irregular slope and form.
Garbage and sewage in Sangakon ka rasta
68

Electrical wiring and services

The overhead wires and cables for electrical supply, telephone

wiring and television cables in the walled city area not only cause
an aesthetic issue for the built heritage as they are loose and
unorganized obscuring the building faades, but are possible sources
of electric and fire hazard. Another threat is main transformers
situated in dense areas without sufficient setback from the street
creating a fire and safety hazard.
Film Colony, Chowkri Modi Khana

transformer at inappropriate location
Mathuresh Bhawan, Chowkri Modi Khana loose hanging cables and wires are a
visual and physical threat
Electrical poles at irregular frequency blocking

heritage faades; street lights, high tension
cables, transformers and distribution boxes
and air conditioning and desert cooler ducting
affixed to the exterior walls of the heritage
structures are insensitive interventions that
create visual clutter and are a threat to the built
fabric at times.
69

Fire safety

Jaipurs vulnerability to fire hazard is likely to increase

with growing population density and as the urban fabric
becomes denser. At present, around 1200 fire accidents
occur annually resulting in a loss of Rs.10-15 Crore.
The infrastructure and manpower of the Fire Department is

grossly insufficient and the internal areas of the walled city
are at further threat, being inaccessible to fire trucks due to
road widths. Major uplift of the infrastructure for fire fighting
and devising of indigenous solutions for the walled city
areas are urgently required.
The inner lanes with unorganised electrical cables wires and fittings
and narrow width make them high risk with regards to fire safety
70

Vehicular traffic and parking

The longer east- west axis of the city that is marked by

Suraj Pol and Chand Pol is about three kilometres in length.
Hence, the entire walled city was meant to be accessible to
the common man on foot. The main roads were used by
elephants, carriages, horses and camels and footpaths by
pedestrians; and the internal chowkries were a composition
of self sustaining clusters, with narrow road widths.
This equation has changed now with cars and two

wheelers parked on both sides of the main streets and in
open spaces and squares in front of heritage structures,
encroaching upon the movement and spill over spaces.
The narrow internal streets are also encroached upon
by parked two wheelers on both sides and cars in open
spaces that were meant for community use.
The situation is worsened due to commercial activity,

as 60% of the total wholesale units of the city lie in the
walled city. The presence of wholesale units is closely
interlinked with goods handling in terms of loading,
unloading, storage etc. Since adequate space is not
available within the walled city for all these activities,
it spills onto the roads increasing congestion. The
encroachment by hawkers also claims the space for
vehicular and pedestrian movement. These factors are a
detriment to the urban environment in the walled city
in areas around tourist attractions, the main commercial
streets and in the inner lanes of the chowkries.
Traffic situation at the chaupar segregation of pedestrian and

vehicular traffic required along with heritage walkways
71
The lack of a good public transport system, traffic planning (such as one way streets, sufficient designated parking space and
environmentally friendly transport options), traffic norms and regulations in the city enhances the problem with no specific
pedestrian areas (such as heritage walkways) demarcated; affecting both the tourist and the local community negatively.
Chowk in front of Bajjo Ki Haveli encroached

upon by car parking
Parking in thin inner lanes of Chowkri

Modi Khana
Commercial activity with two wheelers parked on either side of the street
creates chaotic situation during peak market hours
72
Congested Roads due to parking of 3 wheelers

and four wheelers
Open spaces meant for recreational use have been encroached upon
as parking lots, as seen in the heritage walk route, in open space in
front of the Digamber Jain Temple Sanghiji in Chowkri Modi Khana

Management of stray animals

Stray cattle, dogs etc. cause regular nuisance and traffic

obstruction in addition to soiling street surfaces.
Stray cattle adding to the congested street situation
Open spaces meant for recreational use encroached upon by stray cattle as seen in the
heritage walk route, in open space in front of the Digamber Jain Temple Sanghiji in Chowkri
Modi Khana
Stray cattle along with encroachment by informal

commercial activity on to the streets
73

Insufficient tourist facilities

The influx of tourists has brought pressures on the urban fabric and infrastructure. There is a need to carry out studies
to assess the carrying capacity of popular tourist destinations with a view to regulate tourist traffic. The conversion of a
number of historic palaces and havelis into heritage hotels is a positive accomplishment. However, there is still an acute
shortage of budget hotels during the tourist season.
Quality of tourism facilities is much to be desired. The issues include poor heritage interpretation, encroachment around the
heritage buildings by cars and informal shops, absence of planned pedestrian walkways and inadequate/insufficient basic
infrastructures, in addition to noise and pollution.
A dilapidated building in Chowkri Modikhana. The owner of the building is keen to convert it into a Bed and Bath facility and a proposed view of the
building after restoration is shown.
74
VISION FOR PLANNED

GROWTH
VISION FOR PLANNED GROWTH

This
section
simulates
the original form, studies
transformations in built form
over time and demonstrates
possibilities of enhancing
the built heritage through
planned intervention and
architectural guidance.
The bazaar street as it was originally planned
76
Later additions include incongruous multi storeyed structure in the background of the street faade, that take away from
the ambience
77
New structures replacing the historic fabric
Addition of incongruous new floors on top of historic structures and shop

fronts with roller shutters
78
Changing built form of the inner streets
Due to the lack of awareness and implementation of regulatory and

legislative frameworks, loss of architectural character is a common feature
with new structures replacing old ones
Bajjo ki Haveli in Chowkdi Modi Khana as it must

have been originally, without addittions and alterations
The current condition of the Bajjo ki Haveli in Chowkdi Modi Khana with lack of maintenance
and addition of two incongruous floors
79
The Bajjo ki Haveli in Chowkdi Modi Khana, a visualisation of how the addition of the two floor could have been made without loss of character with
planned intervention and architectural guidance
80
Later subdivisions visible in the faade treatment
Proposed planned development to respect faade elements of heritage

value and reflect the undivided original form in the faade
81
Proposed view of Ghat ki Guni, Jaipur
Proposed view of Mirza Ismail Road, Jaipur
82
Existing condition and proposed view of Shr Radha Damodar

temple, Chaura Raasta
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION

Heritage awareness programme
Interpretation of heritage resources of the city
Legislative and regulatory framework for heritage
conservation
Incentive mechanisms for heritage management
Adaptive reuse
Mainstreaming local crafts into the modern market
Infrastructure improvement through community
participation and public private partnership
Improved physical access to the heritage resources

Heritage awareness programme

Heritage awareness programmes, such as those initiated

by NGOs like Jaipur Virasat Foundation and INTACH that
give an opportunity to the local community to be a part of
the heritage movement and get a feeling of pride for their
heritage, need to be encouraged.
More publications and the audio visual and print media to be

brought out in innovative ways for the awareness - raising of the
city resident, heritage property user and owner.
Heritage education to be made part of the school curriculum

to inculcate awareness towards heritage in the up coming
generations.
An existing and proposed view of a street passage and gate in Chowkeri Modikhana area
84

Interpretation of heritage resources of the city

Interpretation of the heritage resources

through heritage walks with different themes
such as historical phases, water systems,
religious association, association with specific
personalities, crafts, architectural styles,
catering to various age groups and visitor
types need to be developed to address the
multiple facets of the city.
Interpretation of the natural heritage, with

adventure and nature trails around the city.
Educational value of complexes such as the

Jantar Mantar should be interpreted targeting
school children and other educational
institutes.
Interpretation centres at various access points

into the city including city gates, railway
station, airport, bus terminals, and the major
tourist destinations, need to be set up.
Proper signage and interpretation plaques

are required for identification of heritage
structures and cultural associations.
Re-planning of museums such as the Albert

Hall and City Palace Museum with more
communication and interpretation can turn
them in to heritage resource centres.
Proposed street signage designs and better interpretation of the streets to guide the
visitor and inculcate a sense of pride in the residents
85

Legislative and regulatory framework for heritage conservation

On the basis of the surveys and analysis of the entire historic

core of the city, byelaws and regulations to be developed that
specifically cover aspects such as planning and architectural
typologies, street faades and land use (to prevent over
commercialization).
Detailed database to be developed, preferably with use of

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) that documents the
current built fabric.
Strict implementation of the byelaws and regulations with

the use of the GIS and capacity building and sorting out of
responsibilities in the administrative framework, with heavy
fines for flouting the same.
Street furniture, hoardings, signage to be controlled by

design guidelines and regulations.
Areas outside the walled city that are proposed to be tapped

as heritage resources to undergo detailed surveys (built and
social) and impact assessment studies, to develop byelaws for
controlled development in a planned and sustainable manner.
86
Faade surveys of Chaura Raasta, Jaipur showing layers of historic

fabric from 18th, 19th and 20th centuries

Incentive mechanisms for heritage management

Easy availability of loans for restoration of historic

structures to enable the middle and low income groups
to invest on the maintenance of the historic fabric.
Tax deductions for expenditure on heritage properties to

target the service class and high income groups.
Dilapidating fabric of Thatheron Ka Rasta housing low and middle

income artisans reflects need for developing financial mechanisms for
enabling the proper maintenance of such structures
Haveli in Chomu lying vacant interest of owners needs to be developed

in the restoration and the re-use of such structures through incentives
87

Adaptive reuse

Use of the heritage structures such as the city gates as information kiosks, and others as interpretation centres or
accommodation of basic amenities for visitors (such as rest rooms) in the heritage destinations (including temples where
pilgrims are the target group) in a planned manner.
The adaptive reuse of the houses and havelis should encourage only concepts such as the bed and bath, bed and breakfast
and personalised displays to ensure that the residents continue to reside in the walled city and the walled city does not
become a gentrified commercial asset losing its social fabric.
Underused public structures such as the Naya Mahal (in Jaleb Chowk) present opportunities for reuse for tourist
infrastructure and interpretation, conference and exhibition purposes.
Adaptive reuse of thikana forts such as Bishangarh can generate good tourism revenue as heritage hotels, resulting in
enhanced tourism revenue for the surrounding villages.
Proposed reuse for Roop Niwas Bagh as a cultural and recreational space, Ghat ki Guni, Jaipur
88
The potential of community

participation in revitalization
of the area as studied in the
Chowkri Modi Khana Heritage
Walk area needs to be
replicated for the rest of the
walled city as well.
Possible tourist facilities that can be incorporated in the existing fabric through involvement of the local community,
enabling the revitalization of the area as demonstrated for the walk area, Chowkri Modi Khana
89
Sri Anant Deviji ka

Mandir, 1480
Nataniyon ka Rasta
PROPOSED USAGE:
House open for tourist
visit
Terrace, Kirodilal Gupta
Sri Anant Devi Ji Ka Mandir on the current heritage walk route is an

example of a mohalla level haveli temple. Opening the stucture for tourist
visit can create incentive for its maintenance and revitalization
Proposed roof top cafe

Proposed roof top terrace in the walk area involving
participation of the owner to add tourism infrastucture
and in turn help revitalize the area
90

Mainstreaming local crafts into the modern market

The crafts such as that of metal beaters (thatheras) need to be

integrated into the mainstream with exhibitions, and workshops
that interpret the crafts better and create a dialogue between
the craftsmen and other sectors such as industrial designers to
revalidate the crafts in the present day context.
Stone crafts and other building crafts to be organized as a resource

to ensure the access of the craftsmen, their crafts and traditional
knowledge systems to on going restoration works.
Strengthening of the concept of craft villages/ destinations such

as Sanganer to encourage the maintenance of the traditional
knowledge systems with tourism encouraging their economies.
Use of recycled glass and metal by craftsmen at

Chandpol Bazaar, to be identified as living cultural
resources
Stone crafts to be organized as a resource
91

Infrastructure improvement through community participation and public
private partnerships

The recharging of the ground water through revitalization

of the traditional water systems of rainwater harvesting,
wells, baories, the water systems at the chaupars, and
lakes such as Ramgarh, Mansagar, Talkatora may be
undertaken with community involvement and Public
Private Partnerships.
Community participation to be used for proper solid

waste management at community level. The role of the
informal sector Kabadis and rag pickers also needs to
be addressed as they are existing means of recycling of
waste.
Public Private Partnerships to be tapped as funding

resources for the major investments in the infrastructure
reorganization such as underground cables and wiring,
sewages network and treatment plants, drainage and
water supply, and city level management of solid waste.
Fire safety measures require community participation as

well as PPPs with indigenous systems to be devised to suit
the inner historic fabric of the walled city.
A sample exhibition panel used for Vikas and Virasat

Exhibition in Jaipur to promote public participation
92

Improved physical access to the heritage resources

Traffic and transport needs to be reworked with parking pools and pedestrainised pockets. Judicious use of public areas
such as the Jaleb Chowk might partially help in resolving the parking problem of the walled city area.
Other sustainable modes of transport for the walled city such as solar rickshaws should also be considered.
Better public transport systems to be developed with organized movement that helps the parking situation in and outside
the walled city.
Parking of two wheelers in clusters in the

internal streets with shop fronts
More than half of the width of the street is used for

parking cycles/scooters, leaving only the other half for
pedestrian
Possible parking solutions to save
on space
93
SOURCES AND CREDITS

All photographs and drawings are credited to DRONAH
(Development and Research Organization for Nature, Arts and
Heritage) and JVF (Jaipur Virasat Foundation) except for the ones
mentioned below:

P. 17 Jaipur map sourced from Survey of India
P. 24 Map of Jaipur, Satellite image. Sourced from Google

Earth
P. 26 Map of Bishangarh Fort, Sourced from royal family of

Shahpura
P. 28 - Map sourced from Princely Terrain: Amber, Jaipur and

Shekhawati. Edited by Shikha Jain (Shubi Publications, 2006)
P. 31-33- Drawings sourced from Havelis: A Living Tradition of

Rajasthan by Shikha Jain (Shubhi Publications, 2004)
P. 58 - Proposed Plan of Mahavir Park sourced from Dr. Aylin

Orbasali, Oxford Brookes University, UK
94

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IN/2011/CL/35

Shri Armoogum Parsuramen

Shri Shanti Dhariwal

UNESCO Survey Team Members

Dr. Shikha Jain

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Entrance of Samrat Haveli, Jaipur

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Proposal for heritage walk ..........................................................................................................................................................50

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

INDIAN HERITAGE CITIES NETWORK

Founded in 2006 as a programme of UNESCO New Delhi office

By becoming a member of the Network, the cities are expected to

The present document accordingly provides an analysis of the

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

INDIAN HERITAGE CITIES NETWORK

A heritage walk through a selected segment of a

A heritage walk is also an important tool for

Thus a heritage walk can be a micro project that

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Jaipur History of a City

JAIPUR HISTORY OF A CITY

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

The current district of Jaipur lies in Eastern

From the 10th century onwards, the district

In Aryan epics, Dhoondhar region (called

From the 11th century onwards, however, the

The Kachchwaha Rajputs trace their descent

Kakil Dev (1036-1038) who succeeded

By the 17th century, the Kachchwaha Rajput

Sawai Jai Singh II (1700 1743) who outlived

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Political map of Rajasthan in 1595 with Jaipur under Mughal

Part of the Golden

Important tourist destinations within the state of

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Political map of Rajasthan in 1931 as Rajputana agency

In the past decade, the arrival of both domestic as

CITY AND ITS

CITY AND ITS EVOLUTION

The foundation of the city of Jaipur was established by

The city planned in the gridiron pattern was built with

It included innovative concepts in traditional planning

Two significant facts responsible for the origin of the city

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

A Religious centre or temple

The generic plan of a medieval Rajasthani

The hill town of Dausa with an organic

The medieval towns of Rajasthan were of military, agrarian, mercantile

There was also a significant economic shift from an agricultural base in

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

The physical constraints that informed the building of Jaipur city

18th century dimensional norms

The east-west axis of the town was divided by three

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

Two major contributors to the city development and establishment

There were interesting additions in the urban fabric within the

The 20th century observed further modernization and urban

In 1947, the four largest Rajput states, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner

Rajasthan Jaipur Indian Heritage Cities Network

I9th and 20th century additions

URBAN FORM AND