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Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

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DOI: 10.17051/ilkonline.2020.04.764647

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 Ilkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online, 2020; Vol 19 (Issue 4): pp. 2791-2801
http://ilkogretim-online.org
doi: 10.17051/ilkonline.2020.04.764647

Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

Dr. Sumbul Halim Khan, Associate Professor, AMU Aligarh
Dr.Farhat Kamal, Research Scholar, AMU Aligarh

ABSTRACT- Jaipur was declared the heritage city of Rajasthan in February 2020, earlier there had been heritage sites in
Rajasthan. Jaipur is famed in history as pink city. It is believed this name was derived from the pink paint applied to it as a
mark of welcome to Prince Albert’s visit to Jaipur. Later a law was passed for the residents to paint their houses pink to
keep the colour scheme intact. Jaipur was the first planned city of India.The Jaipur city and its marvellous town planning
is a living legacy of Indian heritage. It testifies the glorious engineering tradition of Indian subcontinent.

Keywords: heritage sites, Jaipur city

I. INTRODUCTION
Bearing in mind such a pivotal position of the city, one has to probe as to how this city came into being. It
would be interesting to explore its geographical spread and significance of its locale. Considering its perfect
plan structure – how was the idea generated? Were there external inputs from across the world? How far
Hindu sacred texts were applied? It would also be interesting to consider the bulwark power and resources of
Sawai Jai Singh-how and what he contributed, the vision he outlined, the men and material he employed. One
would also investigate the contribution of chief architect and also considering the colossal planning and
building spree undertaken within the constraints of medieval resources how was the idea of Jaipur translated
to reality.
In this paper an attempt is being made to highlight the planning of Jaipur (Journey from Sand to City),
and its main features in the light of original documents like Kapaddwara maps and notes, ArhsattaImarti,
JamakharchImaratkhan, Baghayatkharch documents andBuddhivias. These documents provide the
information regarding the step by step development of the city.
We are fortunate enough to possess the Kapaddwaradocuments as a valuable source of information.
They are collection of an exceptionally large mass of maps, plans and notes on the planning of the Jaipur
city. These documents belong to 1589-1803 and are presently preserved in the city palace Museum,
Jaipur. These map plans and notes are in Persian and Rajasthani language. These maps and notes reveals
the detail information which is related to step by step development and construction of the city. These
maps and notes are classified into may categories like map of Royal buildings, map of specific localities,
map of prominent houses and Havelis of Rajput Thakurs, traders, Rajawat, Nathawat, artisans, map of
bazars, chowks, choupars, map of gardens and map of water reservoirs. Kapaddwara also reveals that
the regularity and uniformity of buildings was maintained by the state.
The other documents like ArhsattaImarti, JamakharchImartiPapers contains statistical information on
building construction, renovations, repairing’s, raw material and wages of artisans.Baghayatkharch
documents contain the information about bostan, gulistan and orchard garden of Jaipur city and also gives the
detail account of its expenditure which incurred on its maintenance.

2791| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

The Visionary Sawai Jai Singh
Sawai Jai Singh was not only a statesman but also a visionary. He was aware that Amber did not have enough
space for further growth and experienced severe water scarcity therefore he founded the new city in a
nearby region which was covered with lush forest used for hunting purpose . He consulted Greek treatises,
Arabic and European architecture for planning the new city.Large number of such maps, literature and plans
from other citiesare now housed in pothikhana (library).

Embarking on the new project,firstly the Amber city was repaired,then working charts,plans and maps or
plans(trah) were meticulously prepared for the new city- Jaipur. This was how the Sawai Jai Singh’s dream
city was given a practical shape. Extensive research resulted in charting maps and plans. These can be
classified into many categories like map of residential area, water resources, markets, main buildings which
were constructed during 18th century. These maps had detailed literary notes attached to it. They provide
information on town planning and guided to step by step progress of construction of the buildings of Jaipur.
The regularity and uniformity of the buildings was maintained by the state and meticulous instruction
regarding the construction of the buildings was given, as can be inferred from eachmap.A number of trahs or
plans were prepared before the construction of any buildings. These trahs or plans give the dimensions and
measurement of each building.

These maps also includespecific instruction for constructions such as -tibakichotiutari- given for laying these
streets by pulling down the sand dunes. These principle streets converge at right angles, and minor streets
also align at right angles, in order to subdivide the wards. The instructions are constantly recorded to
maintain the width (chaursai) of the streets. Main streets were connected with the small streets
(barharastasuchhotarasta tai rastahamwarkiyo). Bazars and wells were provided in these street plans .The
map also shows that the city gates were connected with these streets. These streets were lined with bricks
(rastoithase hamwarkiyo).These precious documents are extant to us in Kapaddwara collection.

The chief Architect Vidyadhar

The manner in which Jaipur was built earned the positive appraisal of travellers and scholars.
Vidyadhar’slandmark contribution to Jaipur architecture during foundational period is noteworthy.
Vidyadhar was a Bengali Brahman.In 1718 he was appointed NaibDarogha of Mustaufikachehri (deputy of
Accounts department), later in 1729 he was made the deshdiwan(judicial and executive minister). He is
credited to have accomplished the task of constructing the Jaigarh fort in 1726, he also constructed the city
palace in 1734 and was responsible for tapping the Darbhavati river to Jaipurin 1735. He was duly rewarded
by special honours for these memorable feats.
The Jaipur city was built according to the plan made under this chief Architect Vidyadhar. Tahvildars were
also appointed by DeshDiwanVidhyadhar to ensure regular supply of raw material which was used in the
construction and also responsibility of the wages of the workers were responsibility of tahvildars.
Prastara plan
The city was designed with streets and lanes intersecting with each other at right angles. The map shows the
irregularity in the North-Western portion of the city. There is variance of opinion regarding the planned city,
some scholars tend to think that it was fully planned based on Prastara, others reject this theses.Chandarmani
Singh mentions that Sawai Jai Singh planned the city in geo-astronomical form of navagraha columns.
But we cannot deny that Sawai Jai Singh made the plan on paper before the construction of every area and
apart from the irregularity in the north-west part of the city (because of uneven terrain of hills) other blocks
of the city are square or rectangular in shape. A close study of Jaipur city indicate that the city was based on
Prastara plan mentioned in the ShilpaShastra.
Grid pattern
Streets of Jaipur firmly laid out in a grid pattern was a fine example of a planned city in India. The plan of the
city can be comprehended by keeping in mind the central street running from west to the east end of the
city.This street is intersected at right angles by a couple of other streets .The cross roads are further

2792| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

intersected and yet again intersected to end up in rectangular grid pattern.The centre at which streets aligned
were termed chowk, the oft repeated chowks were-manikchowk , chandnichowketc. Four such chowks were
part of initial plan of the city.Chaupar was the term applied to further bifurcation of chowk like
badichauparchotichaupar. These chauparscontained bazars like Johri bazar, Ramganj bazar etc.
One has to acknowledge certain deviations in the grid pattern towards northwest and southeast sector. At
the north-west portion the hill of the Nahargarh was possibly the cause for the incomplete grid, while at the
southeast a whole chowkri breaks away from the square. The central part of the city is occupied by the palace
and JantarMantar.
Geographical condition

Sawai Jai Singh has carefully chosen the site which is in the plane area in South of Amber. The Geographical
condition of the city was most suitable and the city was protected by the natural hills from three sides and
these hills acted as a natural barrier which safeguarded the city. According to the Tehsil records, the site of the
Jaipur city was covered by the six villages viz, Nahargarh, Talkatora, Santoshsagar, Motikatla,
GaltajiandKishanpol.

The region of the Jaipur city which lies in the eastern part of Rajasthan, has unique features, the centre is an
elevated table land of triangular from 1400 to 1600 above the sea level. On the southern side, the city of Jaipur
is bound by a base line running west from the city. The eastern boundary of the city consists of hills stretching
from the north to the south along the Alwar border, towards the North and the west of the region is beautifully
bound by a broken terrain of hills, which is a portion of the Aravelli range, there is triangle near Khetri. The
hills on the north-west, forms a natural boundary between the Shekhawati (sandy desert tracts) and Bikaner
on the one side and the fertile soil of Jaipur on other side. In the east of Jaipur city beyond the range of hills,
there is a rapid fall of three and four hundred feet in the two or three miles and in the extreme east there is a
gradual fall along the Banganga River to the Bharatpur city border. The eastern portion of the city consists of
many low ranges of the hills and there are many ravines near the Karauli border.

The soil of Jaipur is sandy but still it varies from one place to another. In the west, north and east, of the Jaipur
city the soil is generally sandy but in some places it is mere barren sand. In the west ward region especially
along the Banganga valley, the soil is rich and fertile. The southern part of the Jaipur is very fertile and soil is
highly productive and the tract to the extreme south which included Banas river is the most fertile portion of
the state.

Susan Gole gives the concentric map which clearly demarcates the area of Jaipur city directionwise and this
map is partial translation of an earlier revenue map of Jaipur.Maps of Susan Gole mark various important
places such Raghunathgarh, Bagaikagarh, Baksakhogarh and Madhavgarh in the east, Sudarshangarh,
Jhotwara, Kalgarh in the western side,Achrol, Amber and Jaigarh in the north, Sankargarh and Chandoli in the
south apart from others.

Adequate Drinking water and Drainage system-Scarcity of water was borne in mind before planning the
city. Kapaddwara documents is a valuable source of information which indicate the systematic planning for
water harvesting and water resources carefully studied before tapping it for the city.Sawai Jai Singh was very
concerned for the water supply of his newly built town. When he laid the foundation of the city, he closely
studied the areas which needed to be catered and how they could be water fed. Availability and sustained
water supply was the prime concern. The proposed city was intended to benefit from topographic features that
allow natural drainage and storm water runoff by high percolation rate. After studying the maps of the
KapadDwaradocument it appeared that he had the vision of the colossal task of tapping the different water
resources. Related map show the pillar were built at different distances for estimating the depth of water.

The natural source of water is rainfall and nearby rivers. We find less rainfall in Rajasthan region so it is
necessary to accumulate water by planning canals, step wells, tanks and dams. The other natural source of
water was rivers. Understandably water seems to be the focal concern in both rural and urban areas.The

2793| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

natural water resources according to kapaddwaraBanganga, Banas, Dharbhavati river,Bandi and Badodiya
river.

Darbhavati River had hitherto escaped notice,was later brought to notice in a study of Jaipur
cityKapaddwara maps indicate the running course of its river. Darbhavati river flows from the Saiswara
gate and there were sand dunes due to which the water can be drawn by two charas,Water from
Bhavsagar is brought from the Pali river. Similarly water flowed into Bandiriver by ten charas (water
lifting device) and also canal starts. The area which benefited was Rajwas, seat of Ramchelas,
HarRamayan-Ko-bas, Chouki of Budharan, Nindar, Nagal-Sirasra-Ko and Govindpur.Ishwar Vilas
Mahakavya identified Darbhavati river with Bandi river. It has been observed that water was not tapped to
the city from Bandi river but from the Amani Shah nala.It starts from the northern side of Jaipur city. Water
was flowed in to tank (howd) through the channels.

Tanks, artificial reservoirs, wells, step wells, Dams and canals constructed for tapping the water for the city.
Sawai Jai Singh had planned many reservoirs for catering the need of water at the time of foundation. Amani
Shah kanala,BishanSagar and JagannathSagar after the name of samratJagannath (guru of Sawai Jai Singh) and
Mansagar were constructed for tapping the water for the newly built town.A canal especially constructed for
gardens (nahribagh k baste). This canal’s water flowed to the prominent gardens mentioned in Kapaddwara.
The other canal especially constructed for Jai Niwas garden in the second quarter of 18 th century
(tarahnahribagh Jai Niwas me awai).

Kapad-dwara contains information of wells and andNala (rivulet) which were constructed to carry the water to
Jaipur. Water of wells (kuwa) was mostly used for drinking purpose. There is information pertaining to wells
viz, ShyamKuwa, RamKuwa.Kapaddwara document reveals that one such well (kuwa) was connected with the
hammam of Raj Mahal. A significant map is mentioned in Kapaddwara which pertains to the area of Galta,
babdi. A well is also depicted in this map.

Buildings and edifices forRoyalty

The nucleus of Jaipur city was the palace and Jai Niwas Garden which foundation was laid out in 1725 and
then followed the building of Chandra Mahal but actual construction of the entire city is started from the year
1727. SiyahHuzuri papers give information that Sawai Jai Singh started construction of building below the
Northern edge of the plane, with a palace which was constructed in 1726. The list of palace maps mentioned
in Kapad-dwaraincludes the construction plan of Chandra Mahal (Satsargha), BadalMahal, Sarvatabhadra
(Diwan-i-Am,Diwan-i-Khas), MotiMahal, HawaMahalandMadhovilas. Budhi Vilas andGirdhariBhojansargives
the testimony that Sawai Jai Singh performed a ritual ceremony at the time of foundation of the city.
When Jaipur was formally founded, the three structures Chand Mahal (political centre), GovindMahal / Surya
Mahal (religious centre) and BadalMahal were complete. This is the groundwork for the planning of the city.
The plan of the city also shows the Chandra MahalandGovindDevtemple in the centre of the city. The Jaipur
plan shows that Palace area occupied two blocks and seven blocks vizPuranibasti, TopkhanaDesh,
Modikhana, Vishesverji,GhatDarwaza, TopkhanaHazuri, Brahmapuri werethe part of rest of the city.
Residential Houses for other communities-
The other most important concern of Sawai Jai Singh was settlement of the communities. Some plots were
reserved for Thakurs, Rajputs, Nathawat, kachwahas and traders and artisans in the newly built town.
Kapaddwara documents reveals specific localities of these communities in Jaipur. Land was allotted to them
for the construction of houses in the city.
We are fortunate to have kapaddwara documents provide evidence to settle down of most prominent persons
in the city. The name of these prominent persons also mentioned with their havelis name.The grand havelis
constructed after many prominent Rajput Thakurs for instance Samode Haveli in Jaipur.Girdhari refers that
havelis were constructed in Jaipur after levelling the sand dunes.Kapaddwara indicates the construction of
Thakurs havelis near the kot area of Jaipur. The map and notes of kapaddwara reveals about the Muslim
havelis for instance Hakim jiki Haveli.

2794| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

The prominent trader KarimMultani was invited from Sanganer likewise many other traders. Sawai Jai Singh
also assigned free of cost land to prominent traders and also exempted from toll tax (hasilrahdariwamapa) for
carring their business for instance GhasiramMurlidhar trader was invited to settle down in city with their
family and concessions were also provided to entice him.
The map and notes of Kapaddwaradocuments clearly indicate the caste wise locality like Mohalla of Gujrati
printers (chippas), colony of gujars, Brahmans, potters (Kumars), and houses of weavers (julahas). The
locality also named Brahmapuri in which Brahmans settled. The other notes of kapaddwaraalso shows
specific localities of artisans.
Bazars, Chowks and Chopars-
Kapaddwara documents contain the maps which pertaining to the construction of bazars. The map indicate
that the area of bazar has been levelled (tibakichotiutari) for maintaining the width of bazar. The work of
circular enclosed market (Raoikakatla) has been completed. Bricks were lined out for making the street from
Ramganj to Rampol. The other map shows new katla was built and shops (hatya) were constructed on raised
plinth (kursya tai). Streets and roads has been laid out from new katla towards Topkhana and Dungri
(hillock). The map and notes no 204 shows plan of Ramganj bazar shows the foundation of shops (hatya)
onboth sides of roads after levelling the area. Small Roads were connected to big Roads.
Girdhari refers the information on the commercial activity in the market, shows that thousands of shop on
chopars became famous for business and many traders who came from neighbouring areas started their
business in the city.
Budhhi Vilas provides a picturesque description of market. It contains the description of gold shop,
embroidery and iron tools. The artisans and traders were involved with their works like goldsmith smelting
gold and iron-smith making iron tool by melting the iron. Jaipur market earned fame for embroidery
(paricha,jarwaf) and tinsel work (jardozi). The traders were taking money in form of Mohar and rupees.
Mahmudi, Khasa and tansukh variety of cloths were purchased by the traders in the market.
Kapaddwara contains the construction of chowks (tarahSawai Jaipur kechowk, bazar wagairah). It refers the
name of Ram chowk, ChandnichowkManikchowk and PaharganjChowk.ArhsattaImarti and SiyahHuzur
Papers shows about Chandnichowk, Manikchowk, PaharganjChowk, Ram Chowk.
Chaupars were made by the alignment of lanes and bazar streets.Chotichoupar, Bari choupar and
Ramganjchoupar were constructed which connected with the market like Ramganj bazar, Surajpol, chandpole
and Tripoliabazar by the passing streets.
Gardens-
Gardens were an important part in the planning of Jaipur. In order to accomplish this dream, the city was
blossomed with gardens. The significance of these gardens in beautifying the newly built town is immense. Jai
Niwas garden was the nucleus of Jaipur city which was founded in 1725. According to the account of
Bhojansar, “Sawai Jai Singh instructed Vidhyadhar that Jai Niwas should come within the city.”
Jai Singh Sawai was inspired by the Mughal pattern of gardens, hence Jaipur gardens were laid out on
symmetrical /Chaharbaghpattern with central water channels. Babur had introduced this pattern in India.
According to this pattern, a square or rectangular area is divided into four quadrants with two axes which
comprise water channels and pathways. These water channel, irrigate the gardens under gravitational
pressure. The water channels and irrigation system was linked to the four fold plot. While planning Jaipur city
number of gardens were laid out for Amber Raja and his nobles.Mentionworthy in this context are Jai Niwas
garden, VidhyadharkaBagh, and Sisodia Rani KaBagh. KarkhanaJamakharchBaghayat document also provides
interesting information about garden of periphery areas as well as Jaipur gardens.
Kapaddwara provides some maps of Jai Niwas garden, these indicate the provision of its luxurious setting
having female quarter, dining area, and bath, wells and ponds details are as follows, Map No-276 Tarah-Jai
Niwas-ki (Plan of Jai Niwas garden). The map shows the full view of the project. Some place names are also
mentioned to it for example; Kothi- Badwali –ki,MotiMahalki,KothiSiblaki, ZananiDeorhi, length of the

2795| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

MatibaMahal-156, Muratib length-112 gaz, width 22 gaz, Bagh (garden) length 305 gaz, width 258 gaz,
Hammam, Kuwa (well), Sanginhowd, Bhojansala, length of Raj Mahal -58 and width 26 gaz, Ram Kuwa,
Shyamkuwa (well), big howd length 88 gaz , width 58 gaz, Chabutralength 112 gaz, BadalMahallength 32 gaz
and width 21 gaz , Talab (pond) length 288 gaz, and width 286 gaz.
Techniques of Architecture
Climate was given due importance because of extreme heat of desert region, hence cooling and ventilation
was taken into account otherwise it would have been inhabitable. Techniques for cooling palaces and forts by
cross ventilations as in Jaalis, jharonkas, wind tower etcwere applied. Shading device were also effectively
employe. Jaalis(translated literally means window net) were like apertures in walls, made of stone which
provided sun, wind and light and facilitated both view and ventilation. Jaali helps in lowering the temperature
of the wind by compressing the air through holes when air passes through these openings its velocity
increases giving a sense of cooling.
Inlets and outlet area in a room/halls are located opposite to each other for cooling effect while other
rooms/halls were cooled by chimney effect. The latter is where cool air enters at lower level absorbs heat of
room becomes lighter, rises and exits through windows or ventilators at the upper portion.
Building material
Studies on buildings and town planning of Jaipur have always aroused great interest of scholars therefore
considerable researches have been conducted on these aspects. However an important aspect, the building
material has been overlooked by scholars. Jamakharchimaratkhanais a record of such micro level daily
entries of multifarious expenses incurred in the building constructions.Similarly Arhsattaimartioffer
exceptionally comprehensive detail of raw materials used, and expenditure incurred, its construction and
renovation.
As far as the building material is concerned bricks (itha), stones (sang), and woods (choblakdi) were the
essential ingredients.Bricks are the basic need of buildings. Bricks used in walls were 400- 800 mm thick and
this lent a thermal value which allows inherent cooling effect.
Bricks are calledKhistAjur in Persian. Ain categorizes them into three kinds of bricks (1) Pukhta (burnt), (2)
NeemPukhta (half burnt) and (3) Kham (unburnt, unbaked)There is large quantity of bricks and its
expenditure mentioned in Arhsatta like unbaked bricks (Kalib, kachchiitha), used in the construction of
Market (bazaar) shops (hatya).
Tillotson has adequately surmised information about stones and mentions that the palace of Amber is mostly
built of the local stone, rendered and painted cream.Though some individual parts of the palace were built of
high quality. The Diwan-i-Am is built of red sandstone. As far as sand stone is concerned it is made of quartz
and other minerals. Because of thermal resistant properties it was suitable for carving and making windows
or jaalis.Sang surkh wasextensively used in the structure of Jaipur. The expenditure incurred on sang surkh
was Rs 3129 for Jai Niwas Garden.
Kurand is a white stone or corundum stone.An amount of Rs 6/- was incurred in Jai Niwas. Yellow stone
(Pilapaththar) was used in the haveli of Fateh Singh. It is also called sang zard.Sang safaid(white stone) was
used in the construction of Raj Mahal and also other buildings for instance Rs 360/- was incurred on it for the
structure of Jai Niwas.
We have information indicating that woods were brought from neighbouring areas like Ambli
(TamarindusIndica) and Nimb (AzadirakhtaIndica) were brought from Sanganer and Mohanpur in 1727 A.D
for the construction of Santoshram Haveli.ArhsattaImarti also refers to types of wood such as the Babul and
Gul (bassialatifolia) etc. These were used for making the doors (kibad) and Barsa (door frame) were procured
for the purpose of hatiya (shops) of katla market.The big and small bamboo stick (ballibadi, ballichhoti) were
used for roofing purposes.
Other building material include iron, cement and plaster products, products of white washing and painting,
string and ropes for tying purposes, resins for adhesion of whitewash, paints and pigments for colouring is

2796| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

exhaustively dealt in records. The document also refers the iron tools which were used in the digging purpose
for buildings such as kusi, saklikudal, taki, khardi, cheeni etc.ArhsattaImarti gives information of tiles used in
the construction of roofs and states that it was brought in large quantities from neighbouring area like
Pohkar.
Good quality of cementing material was used in order to strengthen the construction of the buildings and
develop very delicate architecture of that time. Mithigach was the mortar for brick laying and plastering is
often mentioned in ArhsattaImarti Document. It is mostly boiled out of kangur, a kind of solid earth
resembling stone in hardness.Mithigach was used in the repairing of Jai Mandirand Jai Niwas garden in 1733
A.D.
The information of different stages of finishing for example plastering (rekhta), stone work (sangkari) and
white washing for walls and ceilings (gajkari) and the area where they were used in the portion of the
buildings are also mentioned in ArhsattaImarti.Chuna (lime)was extensively used for whitewashing of
temples and Havelis. 22540 man lime was procured for the purpose.
The colour pigments used for whitewashing purpose were Indigo (Nili) whichwas used in Gourai Baal
KishanandGokulNathhaveli.Multanimitti clay is a soft saponaceous earth varying in colour, is employed as a
pigment colour. There is the example of one haveli ofBudh Singh Kumaniin which Gadimittiandnalimitti were
used.
The raw material which were used for paintings and white washing were also mentioned in our
documents.Hirmich (geru or red ochre coloured earth) was also mixed with an improved effect of white
washing.Nousadar (Ammonium chloride) was frequently mentioned in the documents with raw material of
colouring and it was used in the white washing of Jaipur buildings such as Dila Ram Baghand Jai Niwas
garden.
Ajwainwas used with colour or whitewashing for resinous purpose.The expenditure incurred on it according
to the Arshattaimarti was Rs. 62.50/.It is also used for brilliant colour and lend gloss to the surfaces of the
buildings.
Hinglu (Mahongany tree) yields a gum which produce liquid and this was extensively used in the buildings of
Jaipur.Jasat (zinc pewter), suhaga (borax) tamba (copper) jangar (oxide of copper) and maida (fine flour)
were used in Jaipur Buildings for renovations and white washing.
The personnel involved in building construction
Imaratkhana(building department ) dealt with construction of private and public building.There were
officers and master builders under whom building construction was carried out. Apart from advanced
knowledge of construction these personnel’s were well versed in accountancy. They hadto ascertain the
number of bricks (Khist) required according to the fixed units of measurement, and wereaware of the
builder’s wages (Me’mar) as also prices of building materials.
There were number of ustager (architect) mentioned in Arhsatta like Dayaram, Kushpal Kumar and Sitaram
Kumar etc. These men were fairly literate to chart out and follow a blue print (trah) of buildings, canals and
bazars etc.Literary notes were appended on the map for their convenience.The detailed working chart of
these trahs confirm that they had considerable knowledge of draftsmanship, engineering and architecture.On
the administrative side Khan samaan was the highest officer of the buyutat and one of his duties to oversee
the plans and building belonging to the state.Besides these there were the darogha and Mirimarat. There
were also other officers under whom the construction carried out such asmushrif(accountant)
andmustaufi(auditor)etc.The Superintendent (darogha) took the raw materials and the unfinished articles
from the tahvildar and distributed them to the artisans. They kept the records of regular entries of artisans
work besides the articles or building material which provided to the artisans for the building construction by
them. After completion of the work of artisans, calculations were made of total number of days for its
completion and on the basis of their work the wages of artisans were paid.
It is interesting to note that tahvildar and daroghasent all records to diwan, whether it is related to artisan
wages and raw material.The wages were distributed under the supervision of tahvildar and superintendent

2797| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

(darogha) as we have an example ofMohanramTahvildar who was responsible for wages distribution in 1738
A.D and Santoshram was in 1739 A.D.The name of artisans and also the name of darogha and tahvildar under
whose supervision work has been done was recorded for instance artisans Shah Pratap Singh and Sahab Bula
Ram had worked under the supervision of Vijay RamDarogha and Vijay Anand Ram andJagramhad worked
under Shah Sahib Ram Darogha.
When the construction of building was completed, tahvildar and darogha kept records of expenditure
incurred on the wages of artisans and on the raw material used for a particular buildings. For instance Rs 20.
34 was incurred on the wages and Rs 21.8 on raw material for the renovation of SawaiMahalBarahdari.
O
ther officers who are listed in the document like potdar and kotwal. They also noted down the detail of
wages, the number of bricks (itha) and tiles (thokra) as well as the variety and size of stones and the quantity
of other material used for particular dimension. Screens (jali) and raised plinth at entrance (gokha) were
built of sang danau in the haveli.
ArhsattaImarti refers to the various types of artisans (karigar), carpenters (khati), labourers (majur), brick
layers (beldar) and lime mortar workers (chunagars) that areengaged in the construction, repairing,
renovations and whitewashing of Jaipur buildings.The daily (rozinadar) and monthly wages (mahinadar)
were paid in cash to the artisans and labourers. They were separately recorded in the document either in the
names of individual or sometimes recorded for group of labourers (majur).
The system of dadni was applied to disburse wages to labourers and artisans. According to this system, the
tehvildars, who belonged to merchant class provided money to artisans in advance on behalf of the
state.Labour class were also paid in advance wages (dadni), for instance 18 rupees was paid to 29 men
(nafar) for carrying the stone. This amount was given under the supervision of ManohanramDarogha. The
document refers that labourer class were paid in the last 10 days of the month and most appropriately on the
25th day of the month.
The document contain the rich information of expenditure which was incurred on wages for particular
buildings and the amount was fixed (mukarrar). We have anexample of Haveli of GopaldasRajawat was
repaired and renovation has donein this haveli.Interestingly, the available document meticulously record the
absent days of Karigars for example Ramji had absented for 1 day out of 27 days so the amount 6 rupees and
7 takka was paid to him for 26 days. The month in which wages were paid also mentioned in the document.
The wages of the workers varied according to the nature of their work.The wages had been paid in the form
of rupees and taka. The khati (carpenter) was also employed in the construction site.The carpenter’s wages
were also fixed for example1.25 rupeeswere paid to the carpenter of Veerpur for 7 days.

II. CONCLUSION
The above investigation indicates that Jaipur did not mushroom into a city because of overcrowding of
Amber instead it was meticulously planned, way ahead of time by the visionary Sawai Jai Singh. The idea
was generated after in depth inquiries with external inputs from contemporary world and ancient Indian
sacred text. One has to consider that immense vision, bulwark power and resources at various levels were
invested by Sawai Jai Singh to shape Jaipur into reality. Various maps and plans were charted in detail and
they classified the city into many categories like residential area, water resources, markets, main buildings,
gardens etcon which it was constructed. Building material, and building personnel etc were inducted from
areas far and wide. Topography of the area, rainfall, groundwater runoff was taken into account when water
resources for storage and irrigation was planned. Even buildings were planned in such a way that they are
properly aerated and stay cool in hot and humid conditions of desert.
s

2798| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

 REFERENCES
1. Bakht Ram Shah, Buddhi Vilas, eds, Padma DharPathak, Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute Jodhpur,
1964, p. 116. See also,The book Sawai Jai Singh Charitra contain the one picture which showing Padre
Manuel de figeirodo, gifting maps and books to Sawai Jai Singh.
2. Bahuria, GopalNarain and Singh, Chandra Mani, Eds., Catalogue of Historical Documents in KapadDwara,
Vol. II, Jaipur, 1990.
3. Ibid, Maps and Notes No. 199-200.
4. E. B. Havell, Indian Architecture,,2 nd edition , London , 1927.
5. Dasturkomwar , bundle no 21, 22,R.S.A , Bikaner, Also see correspondence with Sir JadunathSarkar, History
of Jaipur, (c. 1503-1938), orient Longman, Hyderabad, p 240-243.
6. ArhsattaImarti, Bundle No. 13.
7. E.B.Havell , Indian Architecture , 2 nd edition , London , 1927.
8. A.K. Roy, History of Jaipur City,Manohar, New Delhi, 1978, p 39.
9. Kapad-Dwara, op. cit., p. 11.
10. Acharya, P.K., Architecture of Manasara, Vol, I-V, Oxford University Press 1934. Acharya has edited and
published the text of Manasara, though it was written in the Gupta Period; Dutt, B. B., Town Planning in
Ancient India, Reprint 2009, pp. 235-37. Shuklam, D. N., VastuShastra, Vol. I, p. 271, Havell, E. B., Indian
Architecture, (1913, 1927 2ndEds) Johan Murray, London. Havell in his book mentions that the plan given by
Ram Raz (“Essay on the Architecture of the Hindus” 1834, London) is very similar to that of Jaipur. Havell
also says that the orientation marked does not seem to correspond with quotation from the shastras given in
the text. In the text also there is no quotation from shastras about prastara type.
11. For details see Kapad-Dwara, Map and Notes nos 199-200, A.H.E. Boileau, Personal Narrative of a tour
through western states of Rajwara in 1835 (Baptist mission press , Calcutta , 1837 )p. 158.
12. ArhsattaImarti,qasbasawaijaipur.V.S 1785/A.D 1728, KapadDwara, Maps and Notes no. 199-200.
13. ArhsattaImarti, Bundle No. 9,(henceforth B.N.)
14. Budhivilas. op. cit., p 11
15. Funo, Shuji, et al, Space Formation of Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India an Analysis on City Maps, (1925-28)
made by survey of India, Journal of Asian Architecture and BuilldingEngineerring, March 2002, p. 262.
16. Tehsil Records of Jaipur,Cf., History of the Jaipur City, Manohar, New Delhi, 1978, p. 45.
17. Kaviraj, Shyamaldas, VirVinod, Vol. II, Reprint Delhi, 1986, p. 1246. This is an important historical work
completed around 1875. It is in two volume in three parts.
18. Ibid. p. 1246.
19. Ibid. p. 1247.
20. Gole, Susan, Indian Maps and Plans, Manohar publication, Delhi, 1985, p. 53.
21. Bahuria,GopalNarain and Singh, Chandra Mani, Eds., Catalogue of Historical Documents in Kapad-Dwara,
Vol. II, op. cit., p. 11.
22. Kapad-dwara, Map and Notes nos. 116, 232, 300, 301
23. SumbulHalim, Khan, Planning the Pink City, Map and Documents, Indica, St.Xavier’s college, Mumbai,
1998, p. 35.
24. Kapad-Dwara, Map and Notes No-116.
25. Bhatt, Sri Krishna, IshvaravilasaMahakavya, p. 133. This work is in Sanskrit language written by the court
poet of Ishvari Singh (1743-1750) in about 1749. It describes Jaipur during the time ofSawai Jai Singh and
Ishvari Singh. This book published by Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute Jaipur, 1958.
26. Sharma, Hanuman, NathawatoKaItihas, p. 166, Cf., History of Jaipur City, op. cit., p. 142.
27. VirVinod, op. cit., p. 1249.
28. Ibid, p. 1248.
29. Kapaddwara, Maps and notes, no. 300, 301.
30. Ibid, Maps and Notes nos. 107, 300, 301,
31. Ibid, Map and Notes no 112.
32. Singh,Y. D., Rajasthan KeKuenEvamBavadiyan, Jodhpur, 2002, p. 312.
33. Kapad-Dwara, Map and Notes No- 276.
34. Ibid., Map and Notes No- 297.
35. Budhhi Vilas, op. cit.,pp.8-9.Girdhari, Bhojansar, Girdhari was a court poet of Sawai Jai Singh. This book
iswritten in 1739. The book also contains information of Vidhyadhar and describes the city of that period.
This manuscript is preserved in the Bhandarkar oriental Research Institute, Poona. The relevant portions

2799| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

 along with the translation were published by P.K.Gode in his essay “Two contemporary Tributes to minister
Vidhyadhara.” cf., Nand Kishore Pareek, Rajdarwar and Raniwas, Rajasthan Patrika,Jawahar Lal Nehru
Marg, Jaipur, p. 213.
36. KapadDwara, Maps and Notes No. 109, 237, 276.
37. Space Formation of Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India an Analysis on City Maps, op. cit., p. 262.
38. Kapaddwara, Map and Notesnos, 274, 277.
39. Shikha Jain,Havelis: A Living Tradition of Rajasthan, Gurgaon, Haryana, 2004, p. 25.
40. Girdhari, Bhojansar, op. cit., Cf.,Rajdarwar and Raniwas, op. cit., p. 212.
41. Kapaddwara, Map and Notes No. 54.
42. Ibid, Map and notes no, 45.
43. History of the Jaipur City, op. cit., p.52.
44. Kapad-dwara, Map and Notes no. 69.
45. Ibid, Map and Notes no. 64.
46. Ibid, Map and Notes, no. 199.
47. Ibid, Map and Notes, no. 200.
48. Girdhari, Bhojansar, op. cit., Cf., Rajdarwar and Raniwas, op. cit., p. 212.
49. Kapaddwara, map and Notes no. 113.
50. ArhsattaImarti, B. N. 9.SiyahHuzur paper, V.S.1790. J.S.A. Cf., V. S. Bhatnagar, Life and Times of Sawai
Jai Singh, New Delhi, 1974. p. 333.
51. SumbulHalim Khan, Planning of Pink City, (Map and Documents), p.35, St. Xavier College, Mumbai, 1998.
52. Space Formation of Jaipur City, Rajasthan, India an Analysis on City Maps, (1925-28) made by survey of
India, op. cit, p. 262.
53. History of the Jaipur City, op. cit., p. 42.
54. Shikha Jain, Princely Terrain- Amber, Jaipur and Shekhawati,Shubhi, 2005, Gurgaon, p. 18.
55. Dickie, James, “The Mughal Garden:Gateway to Paradise”, Muqarnas, eds. Oleg Graber, Vol. 3, 1985, p.
13.
56. Ibid., p. 12.
57. JamakharchBaghayat Document, sheet no, 88, foloio no, 43-49.
58. Kapad-Dwara, Map and Notes No-276 – second quarter of 18th century
59. O.H. Koenigsberger, Manual of Tropical Housing and Building: Climate Design, Orient blackswan,2011, pp.
203-220
60. JamakharchImaratKhana, 1778, V.S.Rajasthan State Archives Bikaner.
61. ArhsattaImarti, B. No. 6, 8, 13, Rajasthan State Archives Bikaner.
62. Ibid, B. No. 6, 8, 13.
63. Ibid, B.N. 12, Folio No. 47.
64. Ibid, f. No. 119.
65. Ibid, B. N. 12, f. No. 47.
66. G.H.R., Tillotson, The Rajput Palaces-The Development of an Architectural Style (1450-1750), Oxford
University Press Delhi, 1987, pp. 168-69.
67. ArhsattaImarti, B. No. 7, f. no. 83.
68. Bhargava, Dictionary of Hindi Language, ed. R. C. Pathak, (reprint), April 1973, Varansi, p. 225.
69. ArhsattaImarti, B. No. 6, f. no. 74.
70. Ibid., f. No. 69.
71. Ibid.
72. Ibid., B.N. 7, 12, f. no. 83, 72.
73. Ibid., B. N. 12, f. No. 18.
74. ArhsattaImarti, B.N. 12, f. no. 47
75. Ibid, f. no. 43.
76. Ibid, f. no. 18.
77. Ibid, B. No. 13.
78. Ibid, B.N. 7, f. No. 12, 79.
79. AbulFazl, Ain-i-Akbari, eds. Naval Kishore, Vol I, Lucknow, 1883, p.116.
80. ArhsattaImarti, B.N. 7, f.no. 12, 79.
81. Ibid, B.N.12, folio no. 31-33.
82. Ibid, B.N.12, folio no. 54.
83. Ibid, B.N.5, folio no. 54, 62.

2800| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

 84. Ibid, B.N.6, folio no. 30.
85. Ain-i-Akbari, op. cit., p. 116.
86. ArhsattaImarti, B.No. 6. F. no. 48.
87. Ibid,B. N. 6, 7, 8, 12.
88. George,Watt, A Dictionary of Economic Product, Vol. V., Calcutta, 1889, Reprint, Periodical Export Delhi,
1972, p. 7.
89. ArhsattaImarti, B. N. 5. 6.
90. Ibid, B. N. 3, f. no. 67-68.
91. HedayatullahBihari, Hedayat-ulQawa ‘id, Aligarh Collection no. Farsiya 108, ff. 39a-40b. See also, Qaisar,
A. J.Building Construction in Mughal India, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 1988, p. 7.
92. ArhsattaImarti, B.No. 12 folio no. 31-33.
93. KapadDwara, Maps and Notes.
94. Sarkar, Jadunath, Mughal Administration, III Edition, Calcutta, p.53
95. Tripta, Verma, Karkhanas under the Mughals from Akbar to Aurangzeb, (A Study in Economic
Development), Pragati, Delhi, 1994, pp. 44-53. See also, A.J. Qaisar, Building Construction in Mughal India,
op. cit., p. 11.
96. ArhsattaImarti, B. N. 6, 8, 12, 13, See also, Karkhanas under the Mughals from Akbar to Aurangzeb, (A
Study in Economic Development), op. cit., pp. 52-53.
97. ArhsattaImarti, B. N. 13.
98. Ibid, B.N. 13.
99. Ibid., B. N. 8, f. no. 24,
100. Ibid, B. N. 3, f. no. 17.
101. ArhsattaImarti,B. N. 12), pp. 31-33.
102. Ibid, B. N. 4, 6, 8, 13.
103. SumbulHalim Khan, Art and craft workshop under the Mughals, Primus,Delhi, 2015,p 9.
104. ArhsattaImarti,B. N. 8, 12, 13.
105. Ibid, B.N. 3, 6, 7, 8.
106. Ibid, B. N. 13.
107. Ibid, B. N. 13, f. no. 18.

2801| Sumbul Halim Khan Jaipur: Journey From Sand to City

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