Amber & Jaipur: The Kachwaha Legacy of Diplomacy and Science

The Kachwaha dynasty, claiming descent from Kush (son of Lord Rama), transformed a small hilly state into one of India's most influential, scientifically advanced, and architecturally stunning kingdoms. They were the pioneers of the Rajput-Mughal alliance.

1. Foundations: From Narwar to Dhundhar

• Dulha Rai (1137 AD): The progenitor who migrated from Narwar. He conquered Dausa from the Badgujars and Ramgarh from the Meenas, establishing the Dhundhar kingdom.
• Kokil Deo (1207 AD): He conquered Amber (Khoh) from the Meenas and made it the permanent capital, which remained so for five centuries.
• Bharmal (1547–1574): The first Rajput ruler to forge a matrimonial alliance with Akbar (1562) at Sambhar. This strategic move ensured Amber's safety and its rise to imperial prominence.

2. The Imperial Zenith: Man Singh I

• Raja Man Singh I (1589–1614): Akbar's most trusted general and one of the Navratnas.
  • Awarded the highest civilian rank of 7000 Mansab and the title of "Farzand" (Son).
  • Conquered Kabul, Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa for the Mughals.
  • Brought the idol of Shila Devi from Jessore (Bengal) to Amber.
  • Built the Amer Fort and several structures in Rohtas (Bihar) and Baikunthpur.

3. The Scholar Kings: The Two Jai Singhs

• Mirza Raja Jai Singh (1621–1667):
  • Served three Mughal emperors: Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb.
  • Signed the Treaty of Purandar (1665) with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
  • Patron of the poet Bihari, who wrote the Bihari Satsai.
• Sawai Jai Singh II (1699–1743): The "Astronomer King" and "Founder of Jaipur".
  • Founded Jaipur on November 18, 1727, based on Vastu Shastra principles (Architect: Vidhyadhar Bhattacharya).
  • Built 5 Jantar Mantars (Observatories): Jaipur, Delhi, Ujjain, Mathura, and Varanasi.
  • Wrote Zij Muhammad Shahi (Astronomical tables) and Jai Singh Karika.
  • Performed the last Ashwamedha Yajna in Indian history.

4. Later Glory and the British Era

• Sawai Pratap Singh (1778–1803): A great patron of art and music.
  • Built the world-famous Hawa Mahal (1799) (Architect: Lal Chand Ustad).
  • Established the "Gandharva Bisi" (a group of 22 scholars and artists).
• Sawai Ram Singh II: Known as the "Modernizer of Jaipur".
  • Painted the city Pink (Gerua) in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales.
  • Established the Rajasthan School of Art and Mayo Hospital.

[!IMPORTANT]
Jaipur was the first "planned city" of medieval India, featuring a grid system and wide roads that are still functional today, earning it the title "Paris of India".