Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds is an astonishing piece of architecture in Jaipur. It is located within the complex of the stunning City Palace. It was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Carved out in red and pink sandstone, the Hawa Mahal has enchanting architecture. It is a five storied building which was designed by a skilled architect Lal Chand Usta. The Hawa Mahal overlooks the streets of the bustling bazaars of Jaipur. The idea behind its construction was to allow the royal ladies to see the various processions held in the streets. For this purpose the walls of the Hawa Mahal were pierced with around 953 windows which were made attractive with lattice work. The queens would sit concealed behind these windows and peep through them. According to the tradition of the Rajput culture ladies are not suppose to come out in public. They remain in veil. The fresh air passing through the windows provided desirable comfort to the ladies even in hot days of summer.
Hawa Mahal is the most airy palace of Rajasthan. Through out the day, wind keeps dancing across its windows and keeps it well ventilated. The exquisitely arched roofs with hanging cornices (an ornamental molding at the top of the walls of a room, between the walls and ceiling) look very classy.
Hawa Mahal is under the supervision of the State Archaeological Department. The most favorable time to visit Hawa Mahal is at dawn when Sun rays illuminate the latticed windows.
