Beloved's Courtyard

Jaipur City Palace is one of the top places to visit and a significant landmark in Jaipur.
One of the many architectural wonders in Jaipur, the royal complex is made up of a series of gardens, courtyards, and buildings.

The original structure of City Palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh II who started with the outer wall. Over the decades since then, buildings and courtyards were added to the premises and so all the structures inside the palace bear a different time stamp.

Pritam Niwas Chowk more commonly known as the Gates of the Four Seasons!

It is these gates of the Chowk that are the main attraction! From Peacock designs to floral patterns these profusely decorated stucco and painted doors are breathtaking!
Here, there are four small gates known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol (Pol ~ gate), that are adorned with themes representing the four seasons and Hindu gods.

The gates are the Northeast "Mor" Peacock Gate  with motifs of peacocks on the doorway representing autumn and dedicated to  Lord Vishnu. Painted peacocks surround the statue of God and other designs are beautifully painted!
There are intricate 3D images of peacocks on the gate which makes for a great background for taking pictures! The most admired gate!

The Southeast Lotus Gate with continual flower and petal pattern suggestive of summer season and dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. The beguiling colours and detailed Lotus flower work all over the gate will leave you amazed!

The Northwest Green Gate, also called the Leheriya ~  " waves", in green colour suggestive of spring and dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Motifs of waves surround Lord  Ganesha's  statue!
Leheriya is a kind of print that is unique to Rajasthan and is worn by ladies in the spring season itself.

Lastly, the Southwest Rose Gate with repeated flower pattern representing winter season and dedicated to Goddess Devi. Rose motifs painted in hues of pink is so attractive!

It is the inner courtyard, which provides access to the Chandra Mahal. You have an imposing view of the Chandra Mahal from here!

Pritam Niwas Chowk is also surrounded by beautifully painted walls and overlooked by elegant wooden balconies. The balcony above the gates were used by performing singers.

All this makes the entire Pritam Niwas Chowk or "Beloved's Courtyard" a remarkable structure left behind by history!

P.C. Pranati Kamani