With captivating words by filmmaker Mozez Singh and mesmerising photographs, Jaipur Splendor takes us on a one-of-a-kind tour of this vibrant city.
Something about this city draws people here and moves them enough to return,” says Sawai Padmanabh Singh. When the maharaja of Jaipur speaks of this city, he speaks of its delicate blend of the old and new, its energy, vibrance, grandeur and heritage.
The Pink City, however, is more than just splendid palaces and enchanting jewels. Its bustling bazaars, traditional crafts and delectable street food continue to attract culture-seekers and wanderlusters in hordes year after year — an experience captured in hypnotic images in Jaipur Splendor.
“Jaipur is perhaps the only true symbol of India’s heritage and modernity coexisting,” says filmmaker Mozez Singh, who penned the words for the book’s pages. “With its colours, scents, architecture, food, jewellery, artisans, museums and forts, the city is a perennial journey of discovery. Who can get tired of this live theatre?”
Part of the Assouline Spring 2022 Classics Collection, Jaipur Splendor is the publishing house’s most in-demand production. So much so that it’s the first time Assouline had to set up a distribution network in India. With a foreword by Sawai Padmanabh Singh and immersive images by well-known photographers, Jaipur Splendor is a dazzling tour of this one-of-a-kind city. HELLO! shows you how.
A major attraction of Jaipur, the Hawa Mahal is known for its unique architecture. The five-storey palace beautifully incorporates 953 small windows, or jharokhas, into its honeycomb design.
Though a banned occupation, snake charmers often defy the law to practise tradition in the city. Here we have a snake charmer earning his living in front of the City Palace of Jaipur.
It isn’t uncommon to spot an elephant or two on a busy street in Jaipur, otherwise bustling with porters and vehicles.
Patrika Gate at Jawahar Circle continues to be one of Jaipur’s most visited tourist hotspots. The vibrant walkways here are an Instagrammer’s delight.
The lobby of Raj Mandir, an iconic cinema in Jaipur, is straight out of the set of a period film. Massive chandeliers, wide, carpeted waiting areas and a grand staircase make up the opulent vestibule.
Traditional crafts are an integral part of Jaipur’s legacy. The talent and craftsmanship — think brass and enamel ware — are passed down generations in families based in the city.
There’s intricacy in every work one finds in Jaipur, India’s centre for art and craft. Take the jewellery we see adorning this merchant’s hand. Besides the bold rings with colourful stones, there’s a gold pendant depicting Goddess Durga with her trusted mount, the lion.
Above: A portrait of Maharaja Sawai Man Singh of Jaipur in the private quarters of the City Palace, parts of which are open to the public; Below: The Green Gate, also known as the Lehariya Gate, at the City Palace of Jaipur represents spring and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
This story has been adapted for the website from a story that was originally published in HELLO! India’s January 2023 issue. Get your hands on the latest issue right here!
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