Do you know that the Jaipur city, founded in 1727, is the only city in the world to have been shaped in the form of a nine-part Mandala which is called as the ‘Pithapada’?
Jaipur Connection With Number Nine
Following the concept of Pithapada, the initial number of shops in the city were limited to 162 whose count came to 9 in total. The width of roads was also divided into three categories which were 54gaj( total count 5+4=9), 27 gaj (2+7=9) and 18 gaj (1+8=9).
Even the city’s foundation day was celebrated on November 18 where 8+1 comes to nine again.
The number Nine basically signifies the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac and it was thoroughly followed in all aspects while designing the city. Jaipur was divided into nine blocks. The Parkota was spread in nine square miles area. The city was geographically divided into nine quartets which were placed in nine blocks each. Each quartet was spread at 18 beegha of land where 8+1 counted to 9.
Founder of Jaipur City
As Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, was a great astronomer and a town planner, he discussed many architects before finalising the design of Jaipur.
Jai Singh sought advice from a Bengali Scholar, Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, a “Shaspati” ie a Hindu Priest architect for aiding him to design the city’s architecture.
Vidyadhar referred the ancient Indian literature on diverse streams including astronomy, books of Ptolemy and Euclid, and then discussed the city plan with the King.
Interesting Facts About Jaipur
Jaipur has a mystic charm with buildings along the road sides painted with Pink strokes. Going with the plan, three main deities of Hindu religion, namely, Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Laxmi were established in city. Maha Saraswati was made to sit at Chhoti Chopar and all intellectuals from the city were settled in this part of the city.
Maha Laxmi was established in Badi Chopar where Jauhari Bazaar was formed. All traders from across the world were made to settle here. Jai Singh’s daughter made a beautiful Laxmi temple here. Mahakali was established in Ramganj and all warriors, elephant riders and horse riders were settled here
After three deities were established, seven fortified gates in the city representing Lord surya’s seven horses were made. Then Kal Bhairon was established in Jaipur to ensure security of the city.
Walled city of Jaipur
The straight roads reflect the precise planning. All Vastu rules were kept in mind while designing the city as the king faced water crisis in his earlier capital Amber and hence planned to shift his capital city.
Following a smooth strategic plan, Jaipur’s construction started in 1727, following the principles of Shilpa Shastra, the Indian Architecture. In next 4 years, the major palaces, roads and square in Jaipur were built.
The commercial shops in the city were designed in form of multiples of nine(27). Out of the nine blocks in which city was divided, two amongst these consisted the state buildings and palaces, while the other seven blocks were allotted to the public. The seven rectangles’ central part comprised the city palace complex which contained the palace along with the administrative quarters, the Jantar Mantar and the women’s palaces.
As Jai Singh has had many battles with Marathas, he kept the security aspect of the city and encircled it with huge fortified walls which opened at seven strong gates. This time brought in an advanced architecture which blended with scientific background.
The entire city was then painted in pink colour which symbolised the colour of hospitality in 1853, when Prince of Wales visited Jaipur.