History of Jaipur, India

Founded by Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is one of Rajasthan's most flamboyant and younger cities. Jai Singh II succeeded to the throne of the in Ajmer ruled at that time by the Kachhawaha Rajputs.

The Kachhawahas ruled over a large area and shared its border with the kingdoms of Mewar (Udaipur region) and Marwar (Jodhpur region). They were the first to recognize the expediency of aligning with the powerful Mughals who were dominating the Indian political landscape. The next step in this direction was cementing the relation with matrimonial alliances. Though this invited contempt and odium from other Rajput clans, it went a long way to make the Kachhawahas bloom with prosperity.

Jai Singh was a supreme genius. He was bestowed the title of "Sawai" (one and a quarter) by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The title implies superlative potential. An in fact, Jai Singh rose to the expectations. His military prowess as well as his penchant for art and astronomy are equally recognized. With a view to found a new capital in place of the existing one at the cramped hilly area of Amber, Jai Singh drew up plans for the new city of Jaipur, in accordance with the ancient Hindu treatise on architecture Vastu Sashtra.

So the city of Jaipur came into being in less than eight years. He was aided by the famous Bengali architect Vidyadhar Chakravati in his endeavor. The famous observatory Jantar Mantar and the city palace were designed by the astronomer king himself.

Jai Singh's fruitful 43-year reign was followed by complete turmoil. The inevitable battle for succession to the throne among the various offspring ensued. As a result the state was thrown into total disorder and chaos. Taking advantage of the confusion that was reigning supreme in the kingdom, the Marathas, Jats and the British tried to control its fortunes. The British entered into an alliance with the ruling party and gained their loyalty. The rulers of Jaipur paid their obligation by remaining neutral during the Great uprising of 1857(often called "the First War of Independence") Following the Indian Independence, Jaipur became capital of Rajasthan in 1956. Today, with a population bordering on two million, the state's most advanced commercial and business center is as prosperous as ever.