Step into the unseen heart of Jaipur's royal heritage, where history meets hidden beauty.
In a rare moment of openness, Padmanabh Singh, the young head of Jaipur's royal family, has shared never-before-seen sections of the magnificent City Palace. The stunning visuals, recently featured by Architectural Digest, reveal hidden architectural gems and intricate design elements typically off-limits to the public.
Secret Corners of Jaipur's Royal Residence
While the City Palace is already a major tourist attraction in Rajasthan, certain parts have remained sealed off—until now. Padmanabh Singh, affectionately known as Pacho, opened up about these hidden areas, calling them his "favourite place in the entire world."
The private quarters include:
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Vine-draped baradaris with views over lush palace lawns
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Blue-green arched chambers featuring rose-pink stenciled designs
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Ornate doorways and courtyards that reflect both Rajput and Mughal artistry
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A traditional baoli (stepwell) showcasing a unique blend of architecture
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Urn motifs and plastered hallways rooted in Indian design philosophies
Built with Purpose and Legacy
These royal chambers weren’t just for aesthetics. As Padmanabh explains, “Palaces like these were built to sustain a community,” highlighting how they once supported thousands of artisans and craftsmen. Many of the artistic traditions on display are now fading, making these glimpses even more meaningful.
Design principles like Shilpa Shastra and Vastu Shastra were used in the palace’s construction, bringing a deep spiritual and structural harmony to its layout and design.
A Peek Behind the Curtains
📸 The images shared on AD's Instagram offer a rare visual tour of these hidden spaces. From serene stepwells to elaborately stenciled corridors, the photos are a testament to India’s rich architectural heritage.
This exclusive reveal not only uncovers hidden jewels of Jaipur but also sparks new conversations about the preservation of India's fading royal legacies.