Hawa Mahal

For the radio show, see Hawa Mahal (radio program).

Hawa Mahal
Eastern façade of the Hawa Mahal, 2022
Location within Jaipur Location within Rajasthan Location within India
Alternative names	Palace of the Winds, Palace of the Breeze
General information
Architectural style	Hindu Rajput Architecture
Location	Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Coordinates	26.9239°N 75.8267°E / 26.9239; 75.8267
Completed	1799 (1799)
Technical details
Structural system	Red, yellow, black, rainbow and pink sandstone
Design and construction
Architect	Lal Chand Ustad
Main contractor	Pratap Singh of Jaipur
Other information
Public transit	Pink Line Badi Chaupar
Website
https://myrajasthanivlog.com/hawamahal_jaipur.html

The Hawa Mahal is a palace in the city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Built from red and pink sandstone, it is on the edge of the City Palace, Jaipur, and extends to the Zenana, or women's chambers.

Hawa Mahal, also known as the "Palace of Winds", was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. The palace is known for its honeycomb-like façade, featuring numerous small windows and balconies.

Hawa Mahal derives its name from its 953 windows, known as jharokhas, which are arranged in a honeycomb-like pattern. These openings facilitate natural ventilation, helping to keep the interior of the palace cool during the summers. The structure was built in 1799 by the Rajput Emperor Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, grandson of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of the city of Jaipur of Rajasthan. He was so inspired by the unique structure of Khetri Mahal that he built this grand and historical palace.

It was designed by Lal Chand Ustad. Its five-floor exterior is akin to a honeycomb with its 953 small windows called Jharokhas decorated with intricate latticework. The original intent of the lattice design was to allow royal ladies to observe everyday life and festivals celebrated in the street below without being seen. This architectural feature also allowed cool air from the Venturi effect to pass through, thus making the whole area more pleasant during the high temperatures in summer. Many people see the Hawa Mahal from the street view and think it is the front of the palace, but it is the back.

In 2006, renovation works on the Mahal were undertaken, after a gap of 50 years, to give a facelift to the monument at an estimated cost of Rs 4.568  million. The corporate sector lent a hand to preserve the historical monuments of Jaipur and the Unit Trust of India has adopted Hawa Mahal to maintain it. The palace is an extended part of a huge complex. The stone-carved screens, small casements, and arched roofs are some of the features of this popular tourist spot. The monument also has delicately modelled hanging cornices.