Jaipur · Rajasthan
A grand complex of courtyards and museums, still the residence of the Jaipur royal family.
Built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur, the City Palace is a breathtaking fusion of Rajput, Mughal, and European architectural styles. Designed by chief architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya according to Vastushastra principles, construction took place between 1729 and 1732, shortly after Jai Singh II moved his court from Amber to the newly founded city of Jaipur in 1727. The palace occupies roughly one‑seventh of the old walled city.
Unlike many historic palaces that have become solely tourist attractions, the City Palace continues to serve as the official residence of the Jaipur royal family. The Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace), a seven‑storeyed building within the complex, is where Maharaja Padmanabh Singh and his family reside, making this a truly living monument.
Built around 1900 as a reception hall for foreign dignitaries. Today it houses the Textile Gallery with royal costumes spanning three centuries.
Seven‑storeyed palace, the oldest building in the complex. The top floor (Mukut Mandir) flies the royal standard; a quarter‑sized flag is added when the Maharaja is home.
Inner courtyard with four exquisitely painted gates (Ridhi Sidhi Pol) representing the seasons: Peacock (autumn), Lotus (summer), Green/Leheriya (spring), and Rose (winter).
Hall of Private Audience (Sarvato Bhadra), still used for royal festivals and coronation rituals. Home to the Guinness World Record silver Gangajalis.
Royal garments, pashmina carpets & robes
Jewel‑encrusted swords, shields & daggers
Miniatures, manuscripts & 19th‑c. photographs
World's largest sterling‑silver vessels (Gangajalis)
Chandra Mahal remains the private home of Maharaja Padmanabh Singh and the Jaipur royal family. For over three centuries, whenever the Maharaja is in residence, two pachranga (five‑coloured) flags fly above the palace — a living link to centuries of Rajput glory and one of the very few royal palaces in India still actively inhabited by its ancestral family.
Wikipedia: City Palace, Jaipur · MSMS II Museum (established 1952) · ICOM: MSMS II Museum heritage · Financial Times: Maharaja Padmanabh Singh · GQ India: inside City Palace · Lonely Planet guide
All historical claims on this page cross‑referenced against the sources above. Last verified: May 2026.
Step inside the Pritam Niwas Chowk and Chandra Mahal.
(360° view simulation — coming soon)