August 20 – Jaipur: The Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar

 

Today we were definitely being the tourists.

We started our day looking at the Wind Palace with its elaborately carved stone “screens” behind which the royal ladies could watch the goings-on in the market area without being seen.

Then it was on to the Amber Fort – a huge palace set up on a hill about 10 miles outside of Jaipur.

 

Heading back in Jaipur:

Water Palace - Georgeous!

 Block printing is a Rajastani specialty and we visited a “factory” where they showed us how it’s done.

 

We got up close and personal watching a man weaving a carpet on a loom.

Our last stop of the day was Jantar Mantar. This is a fascinating place, but I really don’t understand it. This was definitely for Keith, Mr. Science. (See explanation from website  http://www.jantarmantar.org/). 

Between 1727 and 1734 Maharajah Jai Singh II of Jaipur constructed five astronomical observatories in west central India. The observatories, or "Jantar Mantars" as they are commonly known, incorporate multiple buildings of unique form, each with a specialized function for astronomical measurement. These structures with their striking combinations of geometric forms at large scale, have captivated the attention of architects, artists, and art historians world wide, yet remain largely unknown to the general public.

Tomorrow it's on to Agra seeing stepwells along the way. Monday at sunrise: Taj Mahal!