Jaipur:

The city is called "The Pink City" from the wash applied to the City Palace and the city walls. The building themselves were made of yellow stones. Pink is traditionally the color of hospitality in Rajasthan. But the wash, now regularly reapplied, has only been compulsory since the city was spruced up in preparation for the visit of Prince Albert from England in 1856.

In 1700, Jai Singh II succeeded at the age of thirteen to the throne of the Kuchwaha Rajputs inheriting a large realm in the region. The city of Jaipur was founded in 1727, one of the younger cities in Rajasthan. The Kuchwaha Rajputs had been the first to ally themselves with the Moghuls since mid 16th century, Jai Singh's sharp wit greatly impressed the Moghul emperor Aurangzeb, who bestowed upon him the title of "Sawai (one and a quarter)" to imply his superlative. He proved his distinction in excelling in battle, politics and learning and showed an aptitude for astronomy.

After Jai Singh's fruitful 43 years reign came an inevitable battle for succession between the offspring he had fathered with 28 wives and four concubines, and the state was thrown into turmoil. Then British quickly came in to take advantage of Rajputs. Unlike other cities around it, Jaipur remained loyal to the British during the bloody uprisings of 1857. It became the capital of Rajasthan in1956, and it is the state's most advanced commercial and business center.

Jaipur has so many interesting stores and factories of antiques and crafts. Even Bruce started showing interests in them. They do have so many nifty things for amazing prices. One of most impressive crafts that we saw was huge urns made out of auto body parts. Instead we purchased bed covers made of old sarees with gold trimming.