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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