Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is also known as the pink city. The city was also the former capital of the princely state of Jaipur. The city had its foundation in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the then ruler of Amber and is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan. It is bounded by Sikar and Alwar in the north, Tonk, Ajmer and Sawai Madhopur in the south, Nagaur and Sikar in the west and by by Bharatpur and Dausa districts in the east. The city enjoys a semi-arid climate although it is fortunate to receive more than 50 cm rainfall annually. The main reason behind this is that the rainfall, due to the proximity of Thar desert, is foussed in the monsoon months between June and September. Its strategic location is at 26.92° N 75.82° E and has an average elevation of 432 metres (1417 feet).
 Jaipur was established in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II as the new capital of the Kachwaha dynasty. In the subsequent period the capital was shifted from the historical capital Amber. From the very beginning the city appeared to be an ideal specimen of architecture built of pink stucco in imitation of sandstone and with a modern outlook. For this reason the city's wide boulevards were paved and lit with gas along with the presence of all modern amenities. The city is also well-known for the width and regularity of its streets divided into six quarters. The streets are also separated by broad streets 111 ft (34 m) wide. The most notable structures of the city are Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort that glorifies the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. In addition, the observatory of Swai Jai Singh, Jantar mantar also attracts people very much. The city is indeed reputed as one of the most important heritage cities in India.
 Economically the city was self-dependent from the very beginning and had a good industrial climate of metals and marbles. This has been continuing for ages together with other traditional industries and nowadays the overall infrastructure is in the path of greater development. Even this is posing a challenge to that of the well-known metros of the country. The city of Jaipur is also becoming the next destination of IT investment and already can boast of its infrastructure that is necessary for the efficacious peformance of BPO operations. Companies like Genpact, Infosys, IBM, Wipro are already interested and setting up operations here.
|
Jaipur
