Question 1

When was it built?

Accepted Answer

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. He was very impressed by the architecture of the Khetri Mahal of Jhunjhunu, and hence he decided to re-create a better version of it in his own kingdom.

Question 2

How many windows are there in the Hawa Mahal?

Accepted Answer

There are 953 windows in the Hawa Mahal. They are the reason for the palace to be named ‘Hawa Mahal’ as it means the ‘Palace of Winds’. These windows were essential to create proper ventilation inside the palace, as Jaipur is a hot city.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the Hawa Mahal?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of the Hawa Mahal is the ‘Palace of Winds’ or the ‘Palace of Breeze’. Due to these windows, the palace is always cool and breezy resulting in naming the palace after ‘air’.

Question 4

Why are there so many windows?

Accepted Answer

The city of Jaipur is hot and dry compared to other places. So 953 windows were constructed to keep the air flowing in the palace to keep it fresh and windy. 

Due to which it became a summer retreat for the royal family.

Question 5

What style of architecture is it?

Accepted Answer

A delicate blend of Mughal and Rajasthani style is the architecture of the Hawa Mahal. It was inspired by the Khetri Mahal of Jhunjhunu. The entire structure is made from red and pink stone incorporated with white marbles and colourful glasses.

Question 6

What is the purpose of building the Hawa Mahal?

Accepted Answer

The purpose of building the Hawa Mahal was to give a separate place to the royal Ladies. The idea of structure was to let royal ladies watch scenes on the streets without being seen by the public as they needed to keep their faces covered while coming out in society.