Monuments In India

Jal Mahal

Literal meaning of Jal Mahal is ‘Palace in Water”.  Location of this Mahal is the capital city of Rajasthan i.e. Jaipur.  This Mahal was constructed before Maharaja Jai Singh but Maharaja of Rajasthan is considered as constructer of this Mahal.  According to history, this palace was constructed during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amer.  Before his reign, the Mahal was existed but there was only a building erected inside the water and the water was not properly managed.

History

In 1596, the Jaipur area faced a sever lack of water and the matter came to the situation of draught.  In that area Maharaja Jai Singh II was ruling.  It was felt to construct a dam for water supply to the areas for better and necessary survival of the population.  A dam was constructed having the measurement of 300 mtrs length and 28.5 mtr width.  In the dam water was stored in proper way and three large sluice gates were also provisioned to release and control the discharge of water.  This water was released for irrigation purposes.  The reservoir made as a result of this dam is the base of this Jal Mahal.  During the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh, Jal Mahal got new flavor and renovation.

Architecture

 To make the Jal Mahal enriched with wooden work, the traditional boat makers contributed well and better carving is done in this Mahal.  The foundation of Jal Mahal was made thicker and upto 13ft wide.  On both side of the walls, plastering work has been done with the help of lime, mortar and Urd pulses.  Internal part of the Mahal has more than 60 percent works with wooden carving.  Entrance and approach path is designed in such a way that water level does not cross it.  The level of water and pathway till entrance gate is upto the mark and gives the feeling of walking on water. Inside the Mahal, there is a Sheesh Mahal made of Belgium glasses.  Architect to construct the Sheesh Mahal was hired from Iran. Inside the Mahal a dome (small dome) is created with interlocking carvings in the style of north Indian construction of palaces.  Some portion of the Jal Mahal is also looks like Dravidian style construction but majority of the building is built on Rajput style of architecture.  A corridor from left side of entrance gate is gone to the central portion of Mahal.  This corridor is well supported by wooden and glass work.  Dignity and gravity of this Mahal is also hidden in classic wooden work done inside.  Upper storey of the Mahal has a wide terrace and lattice work with marbles.

How to Reach

The water reservoir where this Mahal is located is called Shan Sagar and is easily reachable by all the means of transportation available.

By Air

Jaipur is the nearest airport to reach this location.  This airport is well connected with Indian cities as well as abroad too.  Various routine domestic and international flights are operated from this airport

By Rail

Jaipur is the nearest railway station and located at 6 kilometers from this place.  This place is well linked with other cities of India by major and express trains.  Broad and Meter Gauge railway lines are available from this station.   Sriganganagar, Churu and Sikar districts are well connected with this station.  Especially for tourists, a special and Luxurious train namely, Palace on Wheels is also in operation for creating better image of the area on visitors.

By Road

This Mahal is located at National Highway No 8 Delhi-Jaipur road and easily accessible by road.  Various means of road transportation are available as per accommodation class. State road transport and private tour operators also provide their services to reach Jaipur from nearby cities like Delhi, Gurgaon and cities of Rajasthan.  Road conditions of Rajasthan is best in all over India, whether National Highway, State Highway, Link Road, Approach Road or event pathway.

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