Tour Report

JAIPURJaipur is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded on 18 November 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the ruler of Amber, after whom the city has been named. The city today has a population of 3.1 million. Jaipur is known as the Pink City of India.

The city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 34 m (111 ft) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. The Palace quarter encloses the sprawling Hawa Mahal palace complex, formal gardens, and a small lake. Nahargarh Fort, which was the residence of the King Sawai Jai Singh II, crowns the hill in the northwest corner of the old city. The observatory, Jantar Mantar, is one of the World Heritage Sites. Included on the Golden Triangle tourist circuit, along with Delhi and Agra, Jaipur is an extremely popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and India.

History

In ancient time Jaipur region came under the Matsya Kingdom.. Modern Jaipur was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Amber who ruled from 1699–1744. Initially, his capital was Amber, which lies 11 km from Jaipur. He felt the need of shifting his capital city with the increase in population and growing scarcity of water. The King consulted several books on architecture and architects before making the layout of Jaipur. Finally, under the architectural guidance of Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, (initially an accounts-clerk in the Amber treasury, later

promoted to the office of Chief Architect by the King) Jaipur came into existence on the classical principles of Vastu Shastra and similar classical treatises.

Climate

Jaipur has a hot semi-arid climate receiving over 650 millimetres (26 in) of rainfall annually but most rains occur in the monsoon months between June and September. Temperatures remain relatively high throughout the year, with the summer months of April to early July having average daily temperatures of around 30 °C (86 °F). During the monsoon there are frequent, heavy rains and thunderstorms, but flooding is not common. The winter months of November to February are

mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15–18 °C (59–64 °F) and with little or no humidity. There are however occasional cold waves that lead to temperatures near freezing.

Architecture

The city was planned according to Indian Vastu Shastra (Vedic Planning for the comfort and prosperity of the citizens). The directions of each street and market are East to West and North to South. The Eastern gate is called Suraj (Sun) Pol, while the Western gate is called Chand (Moon) Pol. There are three gates facing East, West, and North and a Northern gate (known as Zorawar Singh gate) which faces toward the ancestral capital of Amber, while many gates face South. For Jai Singh II and his advisor Vidyadhar, the founding of Jaipur was a ritual and opportunity to plan a whole town according to the principles of Hindu architectural theory. The city was originally within walls, though it has expanded outside of the original walls over time. The gates used to be closed at sunset and opened at sunrise. The town of Jaipur is built in the form of an eight-part Mandala known as the 'Pithapada'

Economy Jaipur district is a centre for both traditional and modern industries. It is famous as a large exporter of

gold, diamond and stone jewellery in Asia.In 2008, Jaipur was ranked 31 among the 50 Emerging Global Outsourcing cities.Genpact and Infosys have their BPO in Jaipur.

Culture

Jaipur has a number of important cultural sites. Cultural centres like Jawahar Kala Kendra and Ravindra Manch have helped promote the culture of the state of Rajasthan. Albert Hall Museum (Government Central Museum) hosts several arts and antiquities. There is a government museum at Hawa Mahal and an art gallery at Viratnagar. The Town Hall (Old Vidhan Sabha Bhawan) is proposed to be converted into a museum. There are statues depicting Rajasthani culture around the city.

Arts and crafts

The prior rulers of Jaipur patronized a number of arts and crafts. They invited skilled artisans, artists and craftsmen from India and abroad. The communities settled in the city and made Jaipur their home. As a result, Jaipur is a major hub for arts and crafts. Some of the crafts include bandhani; block printing; stone carving and sculpture; tarkashi; zari,

gota, kinari and zardozi; silver jewellery; gems, kundan, meenakari and jewellery; miniature paintings; blue pottery; ivory carving; shellac work; leatherware, etc.

Roads

National Highway No.8 links Delhi to Mumbai, National Highway 12 links to Kota, Baran District and National Highway 11 links Bikaner to Agra, passing through Jaipur district with a total length of 366 km. RSRTC operates bus service to all the parts of Rajasthan and New Delhi, Uttar pradesh, Haryana, Madhya pradesh, and Gujarat.

Jaipur Bus Rapid Transit Service was approved by government in August 2006 for implementation.The responsibility for managing Jaipur BRTS has been given to JCSTL, a special purpose vehicle formed by Jaipur Development Authority and Jaipur Nagar Nigam in a joint venture. The BRTS is expected to cater to city's growing traffic for next 15–20 years. In Phase I, two corridors have been proposed: a "North-South Corridor" from Sikar Road to Tonk Road and an "East-West Corridor" from Ajmer Road to Delhi Road. A section of the North-South Corridor from C-Zone Bypass near Harmada to Pani Pech became operational in 2010.

The places that we visited during our educational tour to jaipur are listed as-

1. Pink square mall2. Birla planetarium3. Jawahar kala kendra4. Chokhi dhani5. City palace6. Amber fort7. Albert hall museum8. Technology park9. Aayojan school of architectu10. Gd goenka school

JAIPUR CENTRAL PINK SQUARE MALL

Located at Rajapark, a prosperous and high density catchments area, Jaipur Central Pink Square Mall started in 2010. This mall offers great ambience, panache and ease of shopping which everyone craves for. The mall houses pulsating entertainment and brands penetrating retailing all under one roof. With presence of finest brands, entertainment zones, supermarket, eating joints and promotional activities taking place, the mall has become vibrant and most sought after place with the brands like Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis, Reliance Trends, Easyday, Big Bazar and Central along with Inox and Café Coffee Day.

CHOKHI DHANI

Chokhi Dhani, a Rajasthani village themed resort, situated in the outskirts of Jaipur, is a representation of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of village life in Rajasthan. Chokhi Dhani village consists of an ethnic village theme resort with 100 (cottages, royal cottages and haveli suites) and it has multicuisine restaurants, banquet halls, spa, barbecue and sheesha (Hookah) lounge. The village fair attempts to encapsulate the feeling of the rural life and culture of Rajasthan, a state known for its cultural and historical richness. The chairman of Chokhi Dhani is Gulraj Vaswani, and the Managing Director is Subhash Vaswani.

In Chokhi Dhani Village you will find a different theme for each day, a festive celebration every time in a different manner with a purview of real rajasthani village culture in fun, entertainment, games, thrill, shopping, rajasthani diet, Rajasthani Kalbeliya Dance or Ghoomer or other folk dance, music and much more to look... to feel... to breathe... to taste... to experience.... whereas Chokhi Dhani Resort is not merely a modern resort with many facilities, but an experience to the Royal culture of Indian history. Warm hospitality in line with the Rajasthani tradition of "Padharo Mhare Des" transports

you to the era of Thakurs, the village lords.

Spread over 10 acres of beautifully landscaped area for a rustic look, it is dotted with machaans & platforms where different folk artists perform concurrently. A village fair is created every evening as an ongoing celebration of the rich & vibrant cultural heritage of Rajasthan.

The display of traditional huts and workmanship will take you back to the times when splendor was unpretentious.

Some of the activities that are found here are live dance, music performances by local folk artists, magic show, puppet show, acrobatics on bamboo, astrology and a tour through an artificial forest.

Live dance and music performance all through the evenings is one of the major attractions at Chokhi Dhani Village. The exposure that the local folk artistes have received has revived many of the arts and crafts that were getting all but forgotten in these modern times. Few visitors can resist the temptation to join the artistes and dance with the music. The magic show, the puppet show, acrobatics on a bamboo without the

protection of a safety net beneath, the astrologer, the fortune teller parrot all made the visitors spellbound. The artificial forest with roar sounds of animals and tribes, boating, horse riding, camel riding, elephant riding and much more are here to rejuvenate you

and your family. The Chokhi Dhani Village also has a photo studio with traditional look, a national art and craft market, a museum and many more places showing rajasthani village culture , villagers' lifestyle with a dining hall, renowned for the mouth watering and typical Rajasthani food. A place where you will enjoy to come and forget to leave... where you will get rid off your worries and you will drown with Rajasthani art, culture and respect for the guest.

BIRLA PLANETARIUM:

This was the first of its kind in India and the largest in Asia. Syt. M. P. Birla was the driving force behind this project. The Planetarium has been established on a land (about an acre) leased by the West Bengal Government. The Planetarium with all its assets had been transferred to the Registered Society of “Birla Institute of Fundamental Research”.

The Planetarium owns an astronomical observatory equipped with a Celestron C-14 Telescope with accessories such as ST6 CCD Camera, Solar Filter etc.

Located at the centre of the city of Jaipur and spread across 9.5 acres of area the Birla auditorium houses a museum, an auditorium, a library, a planetarium and a huge area for exhibitions and conferences.

The entrance appears exactly like the Ganesh Pole (gate) of Amber Palace. The BM Auditorium is designed very aesthetically displaying a fine mixture of old and contemporary Indian architecture with frescos focusing on the traditional Rajasthani art. The main auditorium is one of the largest one in India with a seating capacity of 1350 people meeting the international conference standards. This auditorium provides the perfect environment to hold national and international cultural, Corporate, scientific and industrial meets. In addition to this auditorium there are many more conference halls and seminar rooms to conduct any smaller sessions, group discussions or interviews with varying capacity of 40 to 400 persons. The main auditorium is equipped with an exclusive audio visual education entertainment and is best place to hold cultural programs, art exhibitions/festivals, drama performance and trade shows.

The planetarium is located on the Statue Circe and is made of white marble. This planetarium is a part of the premier Birla Institute of Scientific Research. Birla Planetarium is an equally popular attraction among the school children and the tourists in Jaipur. The planetarium conducts sky shows and other audiovisual educational programs educating the young minds on the wonders of the universe.

Birla Planetarium as a research institute designed and presented many astronomical projects on varied facets of Astronomy, Astro-physics, Celestial Mechanics, Space Science and History of astronomy, famous astronomers, stars and planets. Apart from all the above this institution was holding free evening course in Astronomy and also offers Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences from the year 1993. In collaboration with the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani the Planetarium has introduced M. Phil. Course in Astronomy & Planetarium Sciences from the year 1999.

Birla planetarium promotes scientific approach towards life among children apart from the main focus being astronomy through its regular sky shows. These sky shows cover the solar system, the planets, focusing those nearer to Earth , the Milky Way, and of course the sun. The sky shows are conducted in the simulated environment recreated in the form of the night sky including the surface of the planets. A recent show at this planetarium took the audience through a journey around the earth with breaks at the Arctic and Antarctic zones also highlighting the several views of the night sky.

A sky dome with 12 m of diameter, modern computerized projection system and models illustrating the workings of the universe are the other interesting features of the planetarium.

The BM Birla Planetarium is flooded with enthusiasts during special occasions such as eclipses, meteor showers, and comets.

CITY PALACE

Located in the heart of the Pink City Jaipur, the City Palace was where the Maharaja reigned from. This palace also includes the famous 'Chandra Mahal' and 'Mubarak Mahal', and other buildings which form a part of the palace complex. The palace is located towards the northeast side of central Jaipur and has many courtyards and buildings. The palace was built between 1729 and 1732 AD by Sawai Jai Singh II. He ruled in Amer and planned and built the outer walls of the palace and later rulers added to the architecture of this palace. These additions have been known to take place right up to the 20th century. The urban layout of the city of Jaipur was commissioned to Vidyadhar Bhattacharya and Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob. The architectural styles are largely based on a fusion of Rajput, Mughal and European styles. Today, the 'Chandra Mahal' has been turned into a museum which is home to unique handcrafted products, various uniforms of the rulers and many more things pertaining to the royal heritage of the City Palace.

History of City Palace

Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is known to have commissioned work for building the outer wall of the city's complex. He shifted from Amer to Jaipur due to water problems and an increase in population in 1727. He had entrusted the city's architectural design to the chief architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. The architect went on to design the City Palace in accordance with the Vaastushastra texts.

Architectural Layout

The City Palace reflects Rajput, Mughal and European architectural styles although the palace was designed to Vaastushastra treatise. Some of the famous gates are the 'Udai Pol', 'Jaleb Chowk', 'Tripolia Gate' and 'Virendra Pol', which also happen to be the various entrances to the palace. These are all richly decorated. The Palace has been designed according to a 'grid style' and houses various structures such as, 'Chandra Mahal', 'Mubarak Mahal', 'Diwan-I-Khas' and the 'Govind Dev Ji Temple. The walls and gates are ornately designed to Mughal style, with various murals, lattice and mirrors adorning them from sides.

The City Palace is a stunning sample of architecture in the royal city of Jaipur. The foundations of the palace were laid by Maharaja Jai Singh II Kacchawaha Rajput king of Amber in the 18th century. The beautifully caved marble interiors, magnificent pillars, jali or lattice work and inlaid ornamentations make the palace a cherished tourist attraction. Jaleb Chowk and Tripolia Gate are the two main entrances to the City Palace Jaipur. The architect of this opulent structure Colonal Jacob has successfully combined the Mughal, Rajput and European styles of architecture.

Mubarak Mahal

The first chamber that one comes across when one enters from through the Birendra Pole from Tripolia Gate is the Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace). Built in the late 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II, it houses a wide variety of textiles (such as the royal formal costumes, sanganeri block prints, embroidered shawls, Kashmiri pashminas and silk saris) and forms part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. The Mubarak Mahal is used as a reception lounge for foreign dignitaries.

Diwan-I-Khas and Diwan-I-Aam

The magnificent brass gateway of the Mubarak Mahal leads to a courtyard where one can find the Diwan-I-Khas or 'Hall of Private Audience'. Here two enormous silver vessels catch the eye. These are the largest vessels known in the world. Next comes the 'Diwan-E-Aam' or the 'Hall of Public Audience'. Done up in a rich red and gold, this chamber holds on display a variety of embroidered rugs and carpets, miniature paintings and ancient texts. The Ridhi Sidhi Pol is the name given to the four small gates adorned with themes representing the four seasons. Beyond the Pitam Niwas courtyard stands the Ananda Mandir. The halls here hold arms and weapons of the Rajput kings. Nearby are the Sarvatobhadra or the Sarvata and the Art Gallery previously used as the Sabha-Niwas

The Chandra Niwas, standing to the west is an imposing palace and various parts of this seven-storyed building are called Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Mandir.

Govindji Temple

Opposite the Chandra Niwas stands the Badal Niwas and in between lies the Jai Niwas Garden. The Govindji temple stands in this garden.

JAWAHAR KALA KENDRA

Jawahar Kala Kendra is an arts and crafts centre located in the city of Jaipur. The centre is important not because of the nomenclature but its close association with the city of Jaipur itself. The centre was built in the year 1986 and the construction completed in 1991. The centre was launched by the state government to provide space to the cultural and spiritual values of India and display the rich craft heritage. The centre is dedicated to the late prime minister of India

Jawaharlal Nehru.

This cultural centre for the city of Jaipur, is dedicated to the memory of India's great

leader Jawaharlal Nehru. Ideas for the building, sited in an open field near the university in a new part of the city, formed in Correa's mind; but it was not until 1986 that the concept for the building was finalized.

CONCEPT

The centre is an analogue of the original city pIan of Jaipur drawn up by the Maharaja, a scholar, mathematician and astronomer, Jai Singh the Second, in the mid-17th century. His city plan, guided by the Shipla Shastras, was based on the

ancient Vedic madala of nine squares or houses which represent the nine planets (including two imaginary ones Ketu and Rahu). Due to the presence of a hill one of the squares was transposed to the east and two of the squares were amalgamated to house the palace.

Correa's plan for the Kendra invokes directly the original navagraha or nine house rnandala. One of the squares is pivoted to recall the original city plan and also to create the entrance. The plan of Jaipur city based on the nine square Yantra in which one square is displaced and two central squares combined. the squares is defined by 8m high wall, symbolic of the fortification wall along the Jaipur old city

INSPIRATION:

LAYOUT ACCORDING TO THE MANDALA

The building program has been "disaggregated" into eight separate groupings corresponding to the myths represented by that particular planet: for instance, the library is located ill the square of the planet Mercury which traditionally represents knowledge, the theatres are in the house of Venus, representing the arts.

The central square, as specified in the Vedic Shastras, is avoid: representing the Nothing which is Everything. The flooring pattern in this square is a diagram of the lotus representing the sun. City Palace, Jaipur.

The astrological symbol of each planet is directly expressed in a cut-out opening dong its external wall.

BROAD ACTIVITIES

The centre has been made in eight blocks housing

museums,

theatres,

library,

arts display room,

cafeteria,

Hostel,studio

The centre is frequently occupied with artists and arts loving people. Many exhibitions and performances by local artists are displayed at the centre. The annual festivals of classical dance and music are held in the centre. The centre hosts many workshops of dance and music.

INFERENCES:

The buildings in a contemporary metaphorical replication of the basic plan of the city of Jaipur, based on the vastu pursh mandala. The architect in his attempt to create a brand image for the historical city, has tried to get the essence of the existing form but superficially .

The critical sustainable aspect of the traditional architecture of Jaipur has not been tackled well.

The place has an amazing interplay of light , shadow and colours, evoking emotions in the user and invite him to move further.

The spaces flow as an narrative and changes the moods of the user, but the over all circulation lacks of continued covered corridor, which makes the place unusable during summers and rains.

The open air theatre is only good to look at, it is enclosed by the high walls which create acoustic and ventilation problems at the time of crowd.

The high walls with no fenestration in the façade makes the building enclosed and ir does not open up to the city. however within the building the activities are disintegrated but combine to a heterogeneous mixture of various cultural activities happening individually.

ALBERT HALL MUSEUMAlbert Hall Museum is located in the heartland of Jaipur city. It is one of the ancient most and popular museums of the city. Other name of this museum is Government Central Museum. Its origination goes back to as early as the year 1876. Albert Hall Museum functions as the State museum of Rajasthan. It was planned, designed and supervised by Samuel Swinton Jacob, the then British army officer. The popular saying is that Maharaja Ram

Singh, who was king of Jaipur, desired to build it for his personal utilization.

Architecture of Albert Hall Museum

Albert Hall Museum is located in Ram Nivas Gardens, a famous tourist spot of Jaipur. Albert Hall Museum is one of the popular buildings. It is a treasure house of unusual and striking items. The design of the building itself is exquisite. The colossal structure, the exquisite architectural splendour still breathes the sighs of history. It has been built following the Indo-Sarcenic style of architecture. The museum houses many towers, courtyards and archways. Thus this Albert Hall Museum stands as a paradigm of rich heritage of culture of the country.

The Albert Hall Museum, Jaipur is embellished with its numerous miniature paintings. These wonderful paintings belong to various schools of paintings like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bundi, Kishangarh and Kota. Majestic portraits of royal Jaipur kings also find place in this museum. They are placed on the 1st floor of Central (Albert Hall) Museum. This adds fervour to this museum`s magnanimity. Amongst other precious artworks including its huge jewellery collection, metal artworks, carving

deserve mentioning. Also several brass articles are found which boast about the skills and expertise of craftsmen. The rear half of the building comprises three long galleries of double height, arranged in a row, and together providing the main exhibition space. The galleries are surrounded by corridors. Centrally placed in front of them is a spacious hall intended for lectures and public meetings, flanked on either side by an open courtyard.

The ground floor of the Albert Hall consists the exquisite brilliance of the Metal Art, the gallantry of arms and amours, the brilliance of Indian pottery and of course the sheer presence of the carport collection. The collection of carpet includes "Jaipur Garden Carpet", which is indeed regarded as the best and earliest of all the garden works. The theme is of "Char Bagh" or four gardens showing a tank with animals catching fish. Apart from this there are others 10th century Indian carpets.

The first floor displays miniature paintings, clay figures, Rajasthani woodworks, jewellery and ivory work, clay wares; dainty carving and also conventional dresses of kings for special functions. In nutshell, the Albert Hall Museum nicely restores the aristocracy and dignity of Jaipuri Maharajas. The highlights of the museum, however, are displayed in its central gallery, which is completely devoted to the Rajasthani music and dance form

It is a museum like a lot of museums, we did our rounds I took a lot of photographs of the various intricate and antique metalware, and we were leaving, that's when I happened to look at the many pillars lining the verandah. And woah! I noticed that all marble pillars had a carving of the local flora, but each depicting a different type of leaf. I clicked one and then couldn't stop. These pictures are all taken alike. All of us have seen most of the plants and leaves depicted, but I'm just so kicked to see how the sculptor got the different leaves to wrap the pillars in such symmetry. Beautiful.

AMBER FORT JAIPUR Amber (pronounced Amer) is situated about 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the ancient citadel of the ruling Kachhawa clan of Amber, before the capital was shifted in the plains to present day Jaipur.

The Amber Fort set in picturesque and rugged hills is a fascinating blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Constructed by Raja Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by Sawai Jai Singh I the fort is made in red sand stone and white marble. The rugged forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise with a beautiful fusion of art and architecture. Amber is the classic and romantic fort- palace with a magnificent aura. The interior wall of the palace depicts expressive painting scenes with carvings, precious stones and mirror settings. In the foreground is the Maota Lake providing a breathtaking look. Built mainly for the warring enemies as a safe place, the heavily structured walls could defend the residents within the ramparts of the fort.

Amber (of Amer, as the Indians pronounce and spell it) is the fortified residence of Raja Man Singh in the northern suburb of the city of Jaipur, which has the same name, situated on the ridge of a rocky hill behind the Maota Lake. Once there was a river in front of the citadel, but now there is only the dry riverbed left. Amber Fort is justifiably the most significant sight in Jaipur. In fact this is a fortress with numerous palaces inside it.

Man Singh, one of the first war chiefs of the Emperor Akbar, began the construction of a fortress-palace of red and white sandstone in 1592. Nearby he ordered to set a small temple devoted to Kali, his patron goddess. Before Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh began to rule here and founded Jaipur, it was the center of the principality. This place was used as a seat of the rulers and as a fortification.

In spite of its formidable look, the inner rooms of the Amber fortress impress with their refined and spectacular decorations in the style which was characteristic of Mogul architecture. Still, in contrast with the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, the palaces of the fortress are more close to the Hindu architectural style. The sculpture of Ganesh which is carved from a whole piece of coral is really amazing, as well as the room of thousand mirrors which can be lit by a single candle.

The citadel is surrounded with impressive walls, and it is said that their total length is more than eleven kilometers. Still when you are looking at them, it seems that this distance is even bigger. Additional forts are built in the highest and most significant parts of the outer wall. Even now one of these forts serves as a military station. At the foot of the fortress a beautiful park is situated, and from the citadel there is a wonderful view of hanging gardens, as well as of the settlement of Amber itself. Aayojan School of Architecture

AAYOJAN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

Aayojan school of archieture at Jaipur is the premier centre of architectural education in Rajasthan, India and provides exceptional contemporary skills, knowledge and values that help prepare an Architect for the modern world of architectural design and the rapidly advancing building industry. Aayojan is unique in being promoted and managed by a registered society comprising mainly of Architects. The society runs the institute on a no-profit-no-loss basis, and provides facilities for students, faculty and research scholars, as well as other similar organisations that are benefitted through its many activities. The historic planned city of Jaipur, in the exotic sandscapes of Rajasthan, provides a strong architectural legacy and wisdom, based on which

Aayojan School of Architecture was established at Jaipur in the year 1999. The school is affiliated to the Rajasthan Technical University, Kota awarding Bachelor Degree (B.Arch) & Masters Degree (M.Arch) in Architecture, approved by the

Council of ArchitSEDRAA (Society for Education Development and Research in Architecture & Art) is a body established by members, who are highly devoted and committed for the cause of promoting higher education in the field of Architecture, Art and Design. This was done with the vision of providing quality education in the field of Academics related to design at National level.

SEDRAA is successfully managing Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur from last 13 years. Aayojan Jaipur has made a name for itself in this comparatively brief period. Approximately 700 students have graduated from here and are currently doing their bit towards building a vibrant and progressive country. Some have made their way abroad for higher studies and some have returned to these portals to don the mantle of teaching. Currently Aayojan Jaipur has

a strength of 650 students, the future designers who will leave their stamp on the country’s skyline.ecture (COA), India.

The school is situated on a four acres campus in RIICO Institutional block of Sitapura, Jaipur, approx, 15 Kms from the ‘Walled City’ of Jaipur. The main building is designed on the traditional concept of an octagonal shaped, centrally located courtyard, which abuts the office. Partially sunk into the ground the building houses an amphitheatre to the rear of the courtyard

Academic Block

This block contains well furnished, lighted and ventilated

studios, lecture rooms, A.V. halls, Computer labs, library, workshops for carpentry, smithy and civil, structure & surveying labs, material museum and arts studio.

Library

A well-equipped library in split-level is provided as the focal point of the Academic Block with easy access from all parts. It presently contains more than 5000 titles on books, journals and magazines, related to subjects of Architecture, and grow every year. Separate section has been provided for new arrivals, collection slides and videos of national / international documentary. The library contains a separate section for the documentation of student’s work, which is enriched every year by the contribution of students and faculties.

Lecture Halls

Five lecture halls having seating capacity of 60 students, each are equipped with comfortable seats, audio-visual facilities like OHP, LCD Projector, Slide Projector etc.

Computer Lab

The computer lab at Aayojan is equipped with the very latest by way of machines and software, as well as knowledgeable faculty experienced in relevant software such as AutoCAD, Revit, ArchiCAD, etc. Facilities exist to impart training on other software also.

Learning and expressing architecture through digital means is welcomed and encouraged. Faculty strives to provide training in a structured methodology from first year ascending to the third year till when they become proficient to express their design in a true E-format and present their schemes in 3D when necessary.

Workshops

Well-equipped workshops for carpentry, civil & smithy on campus impart practical knowledge and give opportunity to know the trades in detail.

Material Museum

Material museum is equipped with the updated samples of countless building materials acquaint the students with the different types of construction materials and technologies actually used in building sites.

Other facilities like art studio, photographic studios etc. are also provided with necessary equipments to help the students.

Hostels

The hostel blocks for girls and boys are separately located on the campus with a common mess. There are two categories of Rooms

(1) Single Seated Rooms

(2) Double Seated Rooms.

Each room is well equipped with chair, table, cots and built-in wardrobes. Rooms are clean, sufficient and the well-managed hostel ensures outstation students have a secure place of stay while they learn Architecture. The School also assists students with accommodation outside the hostel on a case to case basis. For more information and to request a visit to the Hostel, please contact Administration.

The school building is well designed by a renowned architect and the campus offers many facilities that are internationally benchmarked. Some of the noted activities we offer are rock climbing, camping, indoor and outdoor sports, swimming pools, AV rooms, Indian and Western Music rooms amongst many other facilities. The peripherals include play grounds of different games. A great deal of importance has been given to creating facilities at G.D. Goenka Public School. The facilities available at the G.D. Goenka Public School, Kanpur meet international standards.

The students have extensive opportunities for enhancing their learning using specially designed computer systems and software, and contemporary audio-visual aids like plasma televisions and laser discs.

the classroom and laboratories are ergonomically designed, and are air-conditioned to provide a clean and comfortable learning environment in which young minds can function efficiently.

Library and Internet Lab:

Our school will has the state of art computerized e library which will be well stocked with a wide collection of books and CD’s on a variety of subjects. There will be individual work stations where each computer will be connected to the internet for reference work and projects. Two surveillance stations will be monitoring the students’ stations to ensure that undesirable sites are not explored

THERE ARE round-the-clock CCTV surveillance of the entire campus and have manned all external doors and gates to restrict any unauthorized access into the school.

Further, a dedicated control room with Intelligent Building Monitoring System (IBMS) has been setup to monitor all

sensitive areas of the campus. What’s more, devices like circuit breakers, smoke detectors and cutting-edge firefighting equipment have also been installed to make the entire security system foolproof.

1. Classrooms:

Classrooms at GD Goenka are spacious, centrally air conditioned and have proper lighting arrangements. We ensure our students get classrooms that are not only airy, but also attractive and comfortable. The number of students in each class is restricted, so that the teachers give individual attention to each student. Aesthetically designed furniture has been provided in each classroom, keeping in mind the comfort of the child. Each classroom of Pre-School and Pre-Primary has a different color scheme.

2. Smart Class

Over the last few decades, everything has changed in our lives with the all pervasive intervention of technology.

Smart class brings about a complete transformation in classrooms where the teacher can explain the fine points of the process, zoom in to show the relevant visuals freeze and annotate when and where she needs to emphasize engaging animations, colors, music, sounds and voice

3. Readers Hub

Expenditure on books is the investment for future.

No educational institution is complete without a good, well stocked library, nor can education be complete without inculcating healthy reading habits. The school has a well stocked, spacious, well lit and ventilated library which houses books on varied subjects.

Goenka understand that children have their individual preferences when it comes to reading. To ensure that a child gets to read what he likes, the school library is enriched with varied collection of books ranging from philosophy, literature, fiction, adventure, encyclopedias etc. where they can prepare themselves for quizzes, elocutions etc.

4. Computer Lab:

5. Math Lab

6. Play Ground :

7. Gym:

8. Infirmary :

9. Activity Room

10. Cafeteria :

11. Transportation:

12. Safety and Security:

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY PARKJaipur’s Building Technology Park showcases house designs that suit every taste and pocket

A unique Building Technology Park at Mansarovar in Jaipur is providing an answer to the dilemma of common people about the selection of technology and construction practices to be adopted for their houses. The park is a one-stop destination for those who are generally ignorant of intricacies of building construction and want to educate themselves before taking up their own construction projects.

Spread over 2.47 hectare area, the technology park project is funded by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), which provided Rs. 54.64 lakh to the Rajasthan Housing Board to develop the park. Here, all possible cost-effective technologies and construction practices are displayed for the benefit of common man. Divided into rural and urban sections, the exhibits showcase traditional building techniques. The rural section sports novel methods in

construction and depicts water repellent and fire resistant thatched roof structures, low-cost sanitation systems and construction using stabilised mud blocks and fly-ash blocks.

According to HUDCO chairman and managing director V. P. Baligar, the technologies displayed in both the sections are relevant to the harsh climatic conditions of Rajasthan. Prefabricated houses using ferro-cement walling panels and innovative materials like ferro-cement park bench, pillars, pre-cast railings, etc. are also on display.

The urban section exhibits traditional building techniques, namely stone and brick masonry construction, patti roofing and roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and innovative building materials like thin lintels, chhajja, precast roofing elements, etc. Non-conventional roofing elements and masonry construction techniques and flooring have also been shown in actual construction.

Mr. Baligar says that the building techniques displayed at the park use ferro-cement walling panels in which the double walled panel has a cavity in between to counter the thermal insulation problem. Similarly, the display of calcium silicate bricks which are aesthetic and strong in comparison with the burnt clay bricks apprises the visitors of new avenues.

The prototype model of a rural house at the park highlights the impacts of vagaries of nature and vulnerability to fire. At the park, the traditional village house has been improved with the use of stabilised mud blocks for walling and cement micro concrete tiles for roofing. It reduces the cost by 15 to 20 per cent and makes the house strong and fire-resistant.

A village hut developed by the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) — the apex building research body of the country located in Roorkee — comprises one room, kitchen and verandah along with waste water disposal arrangements. Technologies adopted for this house include fire-retardant roof and non-eroding plaster (bitumen, cow dung, etc., in specific proportion). The waste water from the kitchen is treated and used for the kitchen garden.

The cattle-shed with ferro-cement cattle feeders displayed in the rural section is a modified structure that has been raised using stabilised mud blocks for walling and new material for roof as the substitute for traditional material. The barn is of ferro-cement which can be produced locally with semi-skilled labour.

The basic features of traditional village huts in Barmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer districts have been retained in an innovative model which enhances the structure’s stability with the input of cost-effective technology. It uses stabilised mud blocks, new door and window frames and ferro-cement pre-cast roof. Mud and cow dung plaster with local murals painted on it gives it an ethnic look. Stone-slabs are abundantly available in Rajasthan and traditionally used for roofing in buildings. A model shows a house totally made of stone-slabs from Karauli district displaying how slabs can be used for wall, floor, roof, partition wall, leaving suitable openings for doors and windows.

A typical house for economically weaker sections comprises walls of 15 cm thick solid concrete blocks. Roofing of pre-cast ferro-cement segmental arch component with haunches is combined with concrete. The foundation is laid in a traditional manner, while the total construction is 25 per cent cheaper than traditional manufacturing.

There is an attractive prototype house completely made of sandstone slabs available in Chittorgarh district.

A complete pre-cast house right from foundation to superstructure and roofing consisting of different components which can be manufactured separately in advance is a special attraction at the technology park. Its erection at the site can be accomplished in a day’s time.

The tunnel shuttering technique displayed at the park highlights the significance of new technology for speedy construction of houses, which would solve the problem of housing shortage in the country.

Finally, the section devoted to traditional architecture of Rajasthan throws light on the distinctive structural planning and designs of the desert State and depicts well-proportioned architectural elements, such as arches, chhatris and jharokhas, intricately carved columns, jalis, brackets and balconies in addition to other architectural works like railings, chhajjas and kangooras.

Keywords: Jaipur’s Building Technology Park, house designs, building construction, construction practices, technology park project, building techniques

FATEHPUR SIKRIFatehpur Sikri bears exceptional testimony to the Mughal civilization at the end of the 16th century. It offers a unique example of architectural ensembles of very high quality constructed between 1571 and 1585. Its form and layout strongly influenced the evolution of Indian town planning, notably at Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).

The 'City of Victory' had only an ephemeral existence as the capital of the Mughal empire. The Emperor Akbar (1556-1605) decided to construct it in 1571, on the same site where the birth of his son, the future Jahangir, was predicted by the wise Shaikh Salim Chisti (1480-1572). The work, supervised by the great Mughal himself, was completed in 1573. In 1585, however, Akbar abandoned Fatehpur Sikri to fight against the Afghan tribes and choose a new capital, Lahore. Fatehpur Sikri was to be the seat of the great Mughal court only once more for three months in 1619, when Jahangir sought refuge there from the plague that devastated Agra. The site was then finally abandoned, until its archaeological exploration in 1892.

Only one tiny part of the city (where the large buildings are concentrated) has been until now, studied, visited and relatively well preserved. Fatehpur Sikri, constructed on a rocky plateau, south-east of an artificial lake, created for the occasion and today partially dried up, is bounded on three sides by a 6 km wall, fortified by towers and pierced by seven gates (the best preserved is the Gate of Agra, the second from the north). This spacious enclosure defines the limits of the new foundation rather than assuring its defence.

The majority of the important monuments are found to the north of the road from Gaza to Agra; constructed of red sandstone, they form a homogeneous group, even if the eclecticism of their style is evident and is based on borrowings from Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions. Among the numerous palaces, gazebos, pavilions, etc., may be cited in particular:

Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, is encircled by a series of porticos which are broken up by the insertion of the imperial box where Akbar, surrounded by his ministers and officers meted out justice. This box communicates directly with Daulat Khana (Imperial Palace), flanked to the north by Diwan-i-Kas (Hall of Private Audience), called the 'Jewel House', a monument known for its central plan, which comprises an extraordinary capital surmounted by a circular balcony: the 'throne'.

Other monuments of exceptional quality are the Ranch Mahal, whose elevation of four recessed storeys recalls certain Buddhist temples, the pavilion of Anup Talao, or the Turkish Sultana, the palace of Jodh Bai, the palace of Birbal, the caravanserai and the problematic 'stables'.

Owing to the piety of Akbar, many religious and votive monuments were constructed at Fatehpur Sikri. The great mosque (Jama Masjid), one of the most spacious in India (165 m by 133 m) could accommodate some 10,000 faithful; it was completed in 1571-72 and according to the dedicatory inscription deserves no less respect than Mecca. It incorporates, in the centre of the court, the tomb of Shaikh Salim, an extraordinary Christian masterpiece of sculpted decoration, further embellished under the reign of Jahangir.

To the south of the court, the Buland Damaza, completed in 1575, commemorating the victories (the taking of Gujarat in 1572) to which the city, their monumental symbol, owes its existence and its name.

The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, situated 26 miles west of Agra, was built at the orders of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. While Akbar himself was illiterate, he took a keen interest in literature, architecture, and the arts. He is also reputed to be a very tolerant ruler, and the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri blended both Islamic and Hindu elements in their architectural style. One of the buildings even reflects the new sycretistic faith founded by Akbar, Din-e-ilahi, which though very short-lived remains a matter of controversy.

Popular legend has it that since Akbar was without an heir for a long time, he made a pilgrimage to the renowned Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti, to seek his blessings. When a son -- later to be known as Jahangir -- was born to him, Akbar named him after the saint as a mark of his gratitude and built the new capital to mark his birth. Construction of the new ceremonial capital, with its elaborate palaces, formal courtyards, reflecting pools, harems,

tombs and a great mosque, commenced in 1571. A large number of masons and stone carvers worked hard on an area that was over two miles long and a mile wide; they used a brilliant red sandstone available locally, which provides the buildings with much of their lustre. Shortly after the work was completed fifteen years later, it was realized that there was a lack of an adequate water supply and the pristine complex was abandoned.

Fatehpur Sikri is now a World Heritage site. The Panch Mahal , or Palace of Five Storeys, and the Buland Darwaza, a massive gate which provides entrance to the complex, number among the finest specimens of Mughal architecture, and it is even arguable that Fatehpur Sikri is the greatest accomplishment of Mughal architecture,

BULAND DARWAZA

Buland Darwaza meaning 'high' or 'great' gate in Persian. It is located in Fatehpur Sikri which is located 43 km away from Agra, India. It is also known as the "Gate of Magnificence." Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601 A.D. at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.

The Buland Darwaza is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble and towers above the courtyard of the mosque. The Buland Darwaza is symmetrical in plan and is topped by pillars and chhatris with Buland Darwaiosks on the roof, stylized battlement and small turrets and inlay work of white and black marble. On the outside a long flight of steps sweeps down the hill giving the gateway additional height. A Persian inscription on eastern archway of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest over Gujarat in 1601. It is 40 metres high and 50 metres from the ground. The total height of the Structure is about 54 metres from the ground level. It is a 15-storied high gateway that guards the southern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri.

An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness. It took 7 years to build

On the main gateway an Islamic inscription written in Persian reads "Isa (Jesus), son of Mary said: 'The world is a Bridge, pass over it, but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the World endures but an hour. Spend it in prayer for

the rest is unseen.'"

THE TOMB OF SHEIKH SALIM CHISHTI

The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is famed as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, built during the years 1580 and 1581, along with the imperial complex at Situated near Zenana Rauza and facing south towards Buland Darwaza, within the quadrangle of the Jama Masjid which measures 350 ft. by 440 ft. It enshrines the burial place of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisti (1478 – 1572), a descendant of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer, and lived in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri.[2] The mausoleum, constructed by Akbar as a mark of his respect for the Sufi saint, who foretold

the birth of his son, who was named Prince Salim after him and later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Jahangir.

The tomb has been constructed on a platform which is about 1 m. high, a flight of five steps leading to the entrance portico. The main tomb building is enclosed by delicate marble screens on all sides, and the tomb is located in the centre of the main hall, which has a single semi-circular dome. The marble building is beautifully carved, and has an ivory-like appearance. The plinth is ornamented with mosaics of black and yellow marble arranged in geometric patterns. An ebony “chhaparkhat” enclosure surrounds the marble cenotaph, which is usually covered by a green cloth. A wooden canopy incrusted with mother-of-pearl inlay mosaic over it.[3]

The door to the main chamber is intricately carved with arabesque patterns and bears inscriptions from the Koran. Brown marble borders the interior bays while the relief panels - with the Koranic verses - have a blue background. The carved and painted tomb chamber has a white marble floor, which is inlaid with multicolored stones.

JODHA BAI'S PALACE

Jodha Bai's palace is the largest and most important part of Imperial Harem, having all facilities, provisions and safeguards. The name Jodha Bai palace is a misnomer in itself. It is most widely accepted that the building was for Raniwas or Zenani-Dyodhi. The palace building consists of a rectangular block measuring 231'8"x215' in dimension, with a single magnificent gateway on eastern side, which was protected by guard rooms, having triangular ceiling and other apartments. Several Hindu motifs have been used in the building, which confirms that occupant of the building was a Hindu lady.

Hindu motifs like hams (swan), parrot, elephants, lotus, srivatsa mark, ghant mala etc are decorated in the interior. The colonnaded dalan contains curvilinear square pillars with beautiful moldings and extremely graceful brackets. The western suite, which serves the purpose of temple, contains beautiful curvilinear pillars with brackets. This suite contains vedikas and several Hindu motifs. The super structure of the building is comprises of chhatris, chhaparkhats with eight pillars, semi circular domes and triangular khaprel roofs, The corner domes and khaprel roofs bears traces of arabesque designs in glazed tiles.

Panch Mahal, a five storeyed pavilion, stands on the western line of the courtyard. This is the badgir, the Persian wind tower for ladies of the harem. The jail screens between the 176 differently carved pillars have disappeared. Once these screens provided purdah (cover) to queens and princess on the top terraces enjoying the cool breezes and watching splendid views of Sikri fortifications and the town nestling at the foot of the ridge. In the courtyard Akbar played pachisi (checker board) with dancing girls as live pieces.

Built on the pattern of a Buddhist Temple, Panch Mahal was basically a pleasure palace of emperor Akbar. He primarily used it for relaxation and entertainment purpose. The structure has been so designed that each story is pillared and is smaller than the other as you move

upwards. While no less than 84 columns support the ground floor, the uppermost domed floor has only 4 columns. The whole structure is very airy and was styled to give respite from the scorching summers of Agra.

Panch Mahal stands close to the Zeenana quarters or Harem and that consolidates the fact that it acted as a pleasure palace. The pillars that originally had Jaalis between them support the whole structure. The women of the royal household and ladies of the harem originally used the pavilion and that is why Jaalis have been used. The pavilion gives a majestic

view of the fort that lays on its left.