Part of: Rajasthan Gk set 33

Who build the hawa mahal in Jaipur

Category: Rajasthan Gk

Hint: Consider the timeline of the construction of Hawa Mahal.

Correct Answer: D) Sawai Pratap Singh.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, is a significant architectural landmark located in Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, India. It was constructed in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh, who was the ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty at that time. The palace is renowned for its unique design and intricate facade, which features 953 small windows known as jharokhas. These windows were designed to allow cool breezes to pass through, providing a comfortable environment for the royal ladies who lived in the palace.

The construction of the Hawa Mahal was part of a larger urban development project initiated by Sawai Pratap Singh to modernize and beautify the city of Jaipur. The palace was built in the form of a beehive, with five stories and a semi-octagonal structure. The facade is made of red and pink sandstone, which gives it a distinctive appearance. The interior of the palace is less elaborate compared to the exterior, as it was primarily designed to provide a cool and comfortable space for the royal ladies to observe the city life without being seen.

It is important to note that the Hawa Mahal was not built by other historical figures such as Maharana Pratap, Uday Singh, or Madho Singh. Maharana Pratap was a ruler of Mewar, not Jaipur, and lived in the 16th century, long before the construction of the Hawa Mahal. Uday Singh, the founder of Jaipur, lived in the 16th century and did not build the Hawa Mahal, which was constructed in the late 18th century. Madho Singh, another ruler of Jaipur, lived in the 18th century but did not commission the construction of the Hawa Mahal.

Understanding the historical context and the timeline of the construction of the Hawa Mahal is crucial for correctly identifying the ruler who commissioned its construction. Sawai Pratap Singh, as the ruler of Jaipur in the late 18th century, was responsible for the construction of this iconic palace, which remains a significant cultural and architectural landmark in Jaipur today.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Maharana Pratap was a ruler of Mewar, not Jaipur, and lived in the 16th century, long before the construction of the Hawa Mahal. This option is incorrect.
  • Option B: Uday Singh was the founder of Jaipur, but he lived in the 16th century and did not build the Hawa Mahal, which was constructed in the late 18th century. This option is incorrect.
  • Option C: Madho Singh was a ruler of Jaipur, but he lived in the 18th century and did not build the Hawa Mahal. This option is incorrect.
  • Option D: Sawai Pratap Singh, the correct answer, was the ruler of Jaipur who commissioned the construction of the Hawa Mahal in 1799. This option is correct.

Mnemonic: Hawa Mahal, Sawai Pratap Singh, 1799

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