New Delhi: Rajasthan is not only a state but an emotion, a bonding of culture, preserved forts, palaces and cities painted in various colours. From Jaipur’s pink homes to Jaisalmer’s Golden-hues during the sunset. The royal decree, climate and architecture with traditional craftsmenship shape its identity and form one of the most visually iconic travel experiences for people visiting Rajasthan.
Rajasthan has coloured itself in the shades of culture, aesthetics and wanderlust. A place where the lost can find themselves in the lanes of various cities, each telling a different story with various colours. From the Instagram-worthy backdrops and immersive cultural encounters. Here is why each city has its unique colour and what each shade represents, creating curiosity and making it a worth-visit place for travellers.
Colours of Rajasthan
Why is Jaipur known as ‘The Pink City’
In 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II ordered the painting of the entire city of Jaipur in terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, as the colour is considered a symbol of hospitality in Rajput culture. The shade of pink was admired a lot by the people, which later became a law to keep it, giving Jaipur its signature colour and charm it holds till today.
Let yourself explore the bazaaars and charm of old Jaipur city with pink shops and markets, perfect for a Polaroid pic to keep.
Blue City Jodhpur
Historically, the Brahmins ‘ homes were painted in blue colour as a marker of thier identity living there. Over the tim, the non-Brahmin caste also followed, and the entire old city near Mehrangarh Fort was turned into a powder-blue silhouette.
The colour also represents and works as a natural cooler in Rajasthan’s scorching heat and repels termites. With over 8,000 houses painted in the hues of blue, it resonates deeply with the culture and story of the city.
Jaiselmer – The Golden City
Jaisalmers’ architecture uses yellowish-golden sandstone sourced from the surrounding desert. Upon sunset, the sunlight hits the sources, making them appear and glow like molten gold. The seamless blend of dessert along with the infrastructure, gives it a harmonious look.
Udaipur, the white city
The city built by the Rajput rulers is a symbol of peace after years of conflict with the Mughals. White lime-plastered buildings reflect the purity and tranquillity. The colour is chosen to keep the interiors cool and also elevate the look of the city with its lake water reflected through the buildings.
Bundi – The Green-blue charm
Often known as ‘Mini Jodhpur’, Bundi’s old town charm features homes with blue-green homes around its baoris. The colour celebrates the region’s water heritage and adds a distinct coolness to its historic charm.
The cities not only hold the rich culture of Rajasthan, but each one has its own story to narrate from nature’s care to cultural richness, shades of Rajasthan are more than its forts, palaces and food.