In a narrow bylane of Jaipur city sits a majestic old house, unmoving and unchanging since the past 200 years. It’s current owner, Sita Ram Sharma, is the 7th descendant of the man who originally built this traditional home.
The house is built on holy ground, and designed around a temple that stood here since centuries before. The inner sanctum has been retained, and the house built around it, even using some of the bricks and stone from the old temple structure.
Having supported 5 generations of the family, this beautiful old house in Jaipur was designed and built during the colonial period. The architectural influences of the time are evident in elements like the arches and pillars, especially seen in the sprawling courtyard of the house.
The courtyard is the core of all the household activities, giving the elders a place to go about their work, and the little kids the rare pleasure of having a sprawling playground right in their home.
Simple living, large open spaces, and large hearts are what define this beautiful house, and the family that resides in it. The matriarch, the oldest member of the family, takes a break from her household chores to shyly pose for the camera, and is always forthcoming with a steaming hot cup of chai.
This sprawling house is an oasis far away from the hustle and bustle we’ve become all too familiar with. While it looks palatial, it embodies simplicity, a common feature of these houses in old Jaipur.
Born out of the traditional need to maintain the parda system by the women in the house at all times, the top floor of the house has several jharokhas and jalis. One could look at the outside world, but it couldn’t look back in. Now the jharokhas stand as a testament to beautiful architecture from an era gone by.
This magnificent house is much like the old city of Jaipur itself – proudly clings to its glorious past, while it welcomes in the changes of the future. All accompanied by the customary cup of chai.
‘Houses of India’ is our weekly photo-story project, where we discover one home, and its story. Follow us on Instagram @housingindia, and join us on this beautiful journey across the country.
