the pink city

Jaipur is a city surrounded by walls painted pink, the color of hospitality, as instructed by Maharaja Ram Singh to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. the Hawa Mahal is Jaipur's most distinctive landmark, an amazing display of Rajput artisty, built to enable ladies of the royal household, or shall we say harem, to watch the life of the streets below without being seen. the City Palace is an architectural marvel as well, combining both Rajasthani and Mughal elements of design. Azfar joined us on this royal tour. he was most fascinated with the palace floorplan which provided 12 suites for 12 wives. the 365 mistresses were housed outside the palace gate, eagerly awaiting their summoning from the Emperor. seems a little excessive in my opinion...