When people think of Jaipur, the first image that comes to mind is a city glowing in warm terracotta pink narrow lanes lined with pink buildings, pink archways, pink markets, and even pink palaces. Jaipur’s nickname, “The Pink City,” is now famous all over the world, but the story behind this color is even more fascinating.
This blog covers the exact reasons, historical events, cultural significance, planning philosophy, and ongoing preservation laws that make Jaipur the true and only Pink City of India and one of the most unique cities in the world.
The Historic Event of 1876 – When Jaipur Turned Pink
The reason Jaipur is called the Pink City begins with a single event in 1876.
That year, Jaipur’s ruler Maharaja Ram Singh II received information that Prince Albert Edward (the Prince of Wales) was visiting India.
To welcome him with honor and grandeur, the Maharaja decided to do something no Indian king had done before:
He ordered the entire old walled city of Jaipur to be painted in a warm terracotta-pink color.
Why pink?
Because in Rajasthani culture, pink symbolizes hospitality, warmth, and friendliness.
The idea was simple:
Welcome the prince with a grand gesture, show royal hospitality, and present Jaipur as a unified, visually magnificent city.
The result was so breathtaking that:
- The Prince was deeply impressed.
- Locals loved how the city looked.
- Visitors began calling it The Pink City.
- The name spread globally and stayed forever.
This was not just a repainting; it became Jaipur’s identity.
The Colour That Never Left – The Birth of a Law
After witnessing how beautiful the city looked in pink, the Maharaja passed a law in 1877 that:
All buildings inside Jaipur’s walled city must always be painted in the same terracotta-pink color – no exceptions.
This law still exists today.
Every couple of years, the government repaints the old city before festivals like:
- Diwali
- Teej
- Gangaur
- State events
- Government visits
This legal preservation kept the Pink City visually intact even 150+ years later.
Jaipur Was Always Meant to Be Beautiful – The Planning Vision (1727)
Even before it turned pink, Jaipur was special.
Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
Jaipur was India’s first planned city, designed by the brilliant architect and scholar:
Vidyadhar Bhattacharya
He planned Jaipur based on:
- Vastu Shastra
- Shilpa Shastra
- Grid architecture (similar to modern city planning)
The walled city had:
- Wide straight roads
- Symmetrical markets
- Nine sectors (called chaukris)
- Gates aligned with celestial directions
- Uniform shops and elevations
This means Jaipur was architecturally perfect for a unified color theme.
The uniform pink paint only enhanced the city’s symmetry even more.
The Colour Isn’t Bright Pink – It Is Terracotta Rose
Visitors are often surprised that Jaipur isn’t actually “pink-pink.”
The real color is a unique shade called:
Pink sandstone terracotta
A mix of:
- Lime
- Sandstone dust
- Natural pigments
This color looks:
- Warm under sunlight
- Royal during sunset
- Photogenic throughout the day
- In harmony with Rajasthan’s desert tones
This terracotta pink shade cannot be replicated artificially, it is the essence of Jaipur’s architectural soul.
Where to Experience the Real Pink City? (Must-Visit Pink Spots)
If you want to truly feel why Jaipur is famous as the Pink City, here are the best places where the pink charm is at its peak:
1. Hawa Mahal (The Wind Palace)
The most iconic pink landmark with 953 jharokhas.
2. Johri Bazaar
Jewelry market with glowing pink shop fronts.
3. Bapu Bazaar
Colorful shopping streets lined with terracotta-pink buildings.
4. City Palace Jaipur
Royal heritage in soft pink tones.
5. Jantar Mantar UNESCO Site
Astronomical instruments set against pink backdrops.
6. Sanganeri Gate & Ajmeri Gate
Imposing gateways painted fully in pink.
7. Chandpol Bazaar
One of the oldest and most perfectly preserved pink markets.
From sunrise to evening lights, the Pink City looks magical from every angle.
Interesting Facts About Why Jaipur Is Called The Pink City
Here are some lesser-known but fascinating facts:
- Jaipur’s pink color is considered the largest monochromatic heritage zone in India.
- UNESCO declared Jaipur’s walled city a World Heritage Site in 2019.
- The same pink paint formula from the 1800s is still used today.
- It is the only city in the world where a large region is legally required to stay pink.
- The color pink helps keep buildings cooler in Rajasthan’s harsh heat.
Earlier, the paint was made using cow dung, lime, and natural pigments.
FAQs
Which city is known as the Pink City?
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is globally known as the Pink City.
Jaipur is called Pink City true or false?
The name comes from the 1876 repainting done for the Prince of Wales.
Who planned the Pink City Jaipur?
The city was designed by Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, under the guidance of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II.
Which is the Pink City in the world?
Jaipur is the most iconic Pink City in the world.
Several cities use uniform colors, like Chefchaouen (Blue City), but none match Jaipur’s scale.
Who founded Jaipur and why is it known as the Pink City?
Founder: Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II
Reason for Pink Title: The city was painted pink in 1876 to welcome Prince Albert Edward.
Is Jaipur still pink today?
Yes, especially the old walled city.
It is repainted regularly by the government.
Does the entire Jaipur have to stay pink?
No. Only the old walled city (Chaukris) must stay pink.
Conclusion – Why Jaipur’s Pink Color Will Always Live On
Jaipur isn’t just called the Pink City, it feels like one.
The warm terracotta walls, glowing markets, heritage gates, and the charming sunset glow all create a magical experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The combination of:
- A king’s thoughtful gesture
- Cultural symbolism
- Architectural brilliance
- Legal preservation
- Local pride
has kept Jaipur’s pink identity alive for nearly 150 years.
This is why Jaipur is – and will always remain – the true Pink City of India.
A city that welcomes everyone with warmth, hospitality, and charm.