This grand palace floating in the Man Sagar Lake in the middle of Jaipur city is not only beautiful, but also holds many secrets in its history. It is known as “Jal Mahal”. Today we will tell you when and who built this Jal Mahal, and what is the history behind it.
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Jal Mahal Palace Jaipur: History
In the Mists of History: The Story of Jal Mahal in the Mists of History
There is a slight disagreement among historians about the history of Jal Mahal. Some believe that its foundation was laid in 1596 AD, while some believe that it was built in the middle of the 17th century. The credit for building the Jal Mahal is also given to two different kings. Jaipur Sightseeing
First Claim: Some historians say that the Jal Mahal was built by Maharaja Man Singh I, the founder of Jaipur. At that time the Man Sagar Lake was also being constructed, so perhaps he must have decided to build this palace in the middle of this lake as a resting place.
Second Claim: On the other hand, many historians believe that the Jal Mahal was built by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh of Jaipur in 1799 AD after the weakening of the Mughal Empire. He used it for hunting, especially to hunt the ducks present in the lake.
Another Interesting Fact
There is also a belief that the Jal Mahal was built during a famine. At that time, this palace must have been built to provide employment to the people living on the banks of the lake.
History is Incomplete, But Beauty is Undeniable
No matter who built the Jal Mahal and when, it is clear that this palace adds to the beauty of Jaipur. Today, this palace may be closed for tourists, but its grandeur captivates even when seen from a distance. At night, when light falls on it, it shimmers like a dream palace.
Jal Mahal Architecture
Gleaming Marble, Grandeur of Kings
Mainly white marble has been used to build Jal Mahal Palace. When seen from a distance, this palace looks like a white swan floating on the lake. To enhance the beauty of the marble, flowers, leaves and geometric shapes have been carved on the walls of the palace. This carving shows a glimpse of the Mughal-influenced architecture of Jaipur. Top Tourist Places in Jaipur
The Five-Storeyed Wonder
The Jal Mahal is divided into a total of five floors. However, due to the water level of the lake, most of the time only the upper two floors are visible. The lower three floors are under water. What would be the atmosphere in these floors, only those who built it or those who have gone into the womb of history know.
Blooming Like a Lotus
The roof of the Jal Mahal has been made raised upwards from all sides. This shape looks like a lotus flower. The lotus flower is considered a symbol of purity and beauty in Hinduism. Perhaps this is why the designers of Jal Mahal wanted to give it the shape of a lotus flower.
The Magic of Jharokhas
The beautiful Jharokhas built on the walls of Jal Mahal Palace add to its beauty. Air must have come inside the palace through these Jharokhas and the people of the royal family must have seen the view outside. Today, even though we may not know the stories behind the Jharokhas, but these beautiful Jharokhas remind us of the royal architecture of that era.
Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Today
The Jal Mahal standing in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake may not be the one to tell the stories of kings today, but it never fails to fascinate tourists with its beauty. Come, today, let us tell you how the Jal Mahal of Jaipur looks in today’s era and what is its importance.
The Silent Jal Mahal Stands
If you have come to visit Jaipur today, then you will definitely go to Man Sagar Lake. Even if it is far from there, you will definitely see the Jal Mahal. This palace made of white marble presents a very beautiful view shining in the sunlight. However, now you cannot go inside this palace like years ago. The government has closed it for the public.
A Crucial Part of Tourism
Even though you cannot go inside to visit, Jal Mahal remains an important part of Jaipur’s tourism. Every day hundreds of tourists come to the banks of Man Sagar Lake and take pictures of it and admire its beauty. As the evening falls, the Jal Mahal looks like a dream palace glittering in the light of lamps placed on the banks of the lake. During this time, you can also hear stories related to the Jal Mahal from the vendors roaming around the lake, although it is difficult to find out their truth. Things to do in Jaipur
Restored History
A few years ago, the condition of the Jal Mahal had deteriorated a lot. But, recently it has been renovated. Not only has the palace been repaired, but the Man Sagar Lake has also been cleaned. Now it is expected that in the coming time, the beauty of the Jal Mahal will shine even more.
Lesser Known Facts about Jal Mahal, Jaipur
Jaipur’s Jal Mahal is known for its grandeur, but many unique secrets are also hidden in its history and architecture. Today we will tell you about those unheard stories, after listening to which your view of Jal Mahal will become even more interesting. So, get ready to know the unique secrets of Jaipur’s Jal Mahal.
Party Place of Kings?
Historians believe that Jal Mahal was not only the residence of the kings, but it also used to be their place of fun and enjoyment. It is said that the kings used to invite guests to Jal Mahal for parties. Here music was arranged on the banks of the lake and the guests used to enjoy the beautiful view outside from inside the palace.
Haunted By Ghosts?
Some people believe that Jal Mahal is haunted by ghosts. This story may have started because the palace remained empty most of the time and due to being in the middle of the lake, it also seemed a bit mysterious. However, there is no concrete evidence of this.
A Unique Way of Coastal Security?
According to an interesting story, Jal Mahal was built to escape from the Mughals. At that time, some part of the border of Jaipur state used to be near the lake. So it is possible that Jal Mahal was used as a guard place to inform about any attack.
The Palace Under Water
As we told you, three floors of Jal Mahal are under water. Very little is known about these floors. Some people say that there used to be a pool for swimming here, while some believe that these rooms were used to store luggage.
A Web of Hidden Tunnels
There are stories of many hidden tunnels (mashhoor – famous) in the forts and palaces of Jaipur. Some people also say that a secret tunnel emerges from Jal Mahal, which leads to some other part of Jaipur city. However, no proof of this has been found so far.
Attractions near Jal Mahal, Jaipur
- Kanak Vrindavan Mahal (1.4 km)
- Garh Ganesh Temple (3.7 km)
- Amer Palace (4 km)
- City Palace (4.4 km)
- Badrinath Temple (5.1 km)
- Anokhi Museum (5.2 km)
- Govind Dev Ji Temple (5.8 km)
- Albert Hall Museum (6 km)
- Jantar Mantar (6.1 km)
- Hawa Mahal (6.2 km)
- Jaigarh Fort (6.6 km)
- Bapu Bazar (6.7 km)
- Jaipur Zoo (7.4 km)
- Rambagh Palace (9 km)
- Birla Mandir (9.9 km)
Jal Mahal Information
| Location | Amer Road |
| Type | Palace |
| Also Known as | The Water Palace |
| Timings | Morning till evening; every day |
| Entry Fee | Not open to visitors; can only be viewed from the lake shore |
| Still/Video Camera | Free |
| Architectural Style | Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture |
| Commissioned by | Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh |
| Year of Construction | 18th century |
| Material Used | Red Sandstone |