Jaipur Museums
Albert Hall
Located
just outside the walled city is the sprawling Ram Niwas garden, which has always
been a place for recreational activities since the reign of Sawai Ram Singh
ji . This exquisitely designed garden with forcentry doors and a huge complex
with small pools and fountains, flourishing lawns and beautiful flower beds
all around was basically a famine relief project. It mostly attracted the British
families where they entertained their guest and families quite often with the
lavish gowns of the Men and formal colourful attires of the nobels and the high
society club members, this park would come alive with the setting sun.
Their individual 'BAGGIS' were parked outside in a line and the attendants served
around as helpers. The children basically had a gala timely playing around in
'JHULAS'(swing) etc. During day time it was opened for the common public and
by the evening it was opened for common public and by the evening it was available
for exclusive lots. Situated in the middle of the garden as a centre attraction
was the exquisitely built structure of Albert Hall, which was designed by sir
Swinton Jacob, a British architect who designed many palaces in Rajasthan.
Combining the elements of English and north Indian architecture known as the
pride of the New Jaipur opened in 1887 AD, it is a very well maintained and
impressive building displaying a rich collection of Art- de- fact like paintings,
carpet, ivory, stone and metal sculptures and colourful crystal works etc. Just
opposite the Albert Hall is one of the oldest ZOO in the country, harbouring
different species of birds and animals. Another piece of attraction near the
Albert Hall, is the Ravindra Rang Manch (theatre) with a modern art gallery
and an performing art theatre both indoor and open air. Recently added joints
of interest are streets dotted with food stalls which promises a delicious variety
of Indian fast food certainly relished by the tourists.
City Palace Museum
The
art gallery is located in the Diwan-I-Aam, which literally mean the Hall of
public audience. The exhibits here included some very precious and ancient handwritten
original manuscripts of Hindu scriptures. Particularly intriguing in miniature
copies of Bhagwat Gita made in this manner so that it can be concealed out of
sight of Emperor Aurangzeb’s onslaught on Hindu scriptures. Some very delicate
miniature paintings in Rajasthani, Mughal and Persian schools on various themes
including the Ramayana are very engrossing displays. Visitors must also take
a good at preserved painted ceilings. Also on display are elephant saddles called
“haudha”.
Between the armoury museum and the art gallery is the Diwan-I-Khas meaning hall
of private or selective audience. This is a marble paved pavilion and puts on
display the world largest sterling silver object two gigantic silver vessels.
These vessels were made for Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, who took in along
with him filled with water from River Ganga for drinking. As a devout Hindu
the Maharaja did not wish to risk polluted English waters. The ceiling also
has large chandeliers, which are mostly protected by dust covers and opened
only of festive occasions. The Guinness Book of Records accounts it has the
biggest silver objects in the world.
The Chandra Mahal Palace is still occupied by the royal family but visitors
can visit the ground floor where some exhibits are on display. However the visit
here is worthwhile for the exquisite Peacock in the courtyard outside. The present
day royal family that takes charge of the museum has done exceptionally well
in preserving this legacy in fine state maintenance and presentation. A visits
to the palace is enlightening one for its extraordinary occurrence.
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