Jaipur: Jaipur celebrated its 298th Foundation Day on Tuesday, with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari extending greetings to residents and acknowledging the city’s remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Known globally as the Pink City, Jaipur continues to be recognised for its planned urban design, vibrant traditions and historical significance nearly three centuries after its founding.
In his message, Chief Minister Sharma congratulated the people of Rajasthan and described Jaipur as a symbol of the state’s rich legacy. “Heartfelt congratulations to all the residents of the state on the Foundation Day of the Pink City Jaipur, world-famous for its cultural heritage enriched with traditions, land of valor, and unique architecture!” he said. Sharma noted that Jaipur’s enduring charm stems from its deep cultural roots and the meticulous vision behind its creation.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari also shared her wishes, emphasising Jaipur’s distinctive blend of heritage and modern progress. Calling the city a “wonderful confluence of traditional heritage and modernity,” she recalled its founding by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. “Heartiest greetings on the foundation day of the ‘Pink City’ Jaipur, established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Ji II,” she said, describing the city as a shining example of how history and contemporary development coexist.
Founded on November 18, 1727, Jaipur was carefully planned under the guidance of Maharaja Jai Singh II, who selected the Ishaan Kon near Gangapol Gate as the foundation point. The layout of the city followed Vaastu principles informed by the nine planets, resulting in a unique design renowned for its precision and symmetry. Jaipur is widely regarded as one of India’s earliest planned cities, built with a keen understanding of engineering, astronomy and urban security.
The walled city is encircled by ten historic gates—Gangapol, Joravarsingh, Surajpol, Ghatgate, Sanganeri, New Gate, Ajmeri, Chandpol, Samrat Gate and Galtagate. Each gate holds architectural and strategic significance, positioned to regulate movement and maintain surveillance from all directions. The old city is often referred to as ‘Chhoti Kashi’ due to its large number of temples, reflecting the spiritual and cultural ethos embedded in Jaipur’s identity.
Jaipur’s early urban planners ensured that the city could endure seasonal challenges. Its carefully constructed drainage systems allow water to flow swiftly, preventing major waterlogging even during intense rainfall. This long-standing design strength continues to benefit residents today.
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Jantar Mantar, stands as a testament to Maharaja Jai Singh II’s expertise in astronomy. The observatory’s instruments, including the famed Samrat Yantra, are still capable of offering accurate readings of time and weather. Historically, Jaipur’s rainfall predictions were often cross-verified using these instruments, underscoring the scientific sophistication of the era.
As Jaipur commemorates 298 years since its establishment, state leaders highlighted the importance of preserving the city’s cultural and architectural legacy while guiding it toward a dynamic future. Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that Jaipur will continue to grow as a modern urban centre without losing sight of the heritage that defines it.
Residents across the city marked the occasion with pride, celebrating Jaipur’s evolution from a meticulously designed 18th-century capital to a thriving metropolitan hub. With its blend of heritage structures, vibrant markets, traditional crafts and expanding modern infrastructure, Jaipur remains a symbol of Rajasthan’s enduring grandeur.
