Page 99 - Travel + Leisure India & South Asia (January 2020)
P. 99
“ THERE’S A SHIFT IN THE
MOOD OF THE CITY.”
MAHARAJA SAWAI PADMANABH SINGH OF JAIPUR
TALKS ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF
THE ‘EXCITING LITTLE TOWN’. BY RASHIMA NAGPAL
How has the last one year of being a errands around the town, sometimes even
Maharaja been for you? against my will. I think I have inherited this trait
It’s been a year full of experiences. A major part from him.
of it was spent studying History of Art in New Being the Maharaja has always meant being
York, Italian and a special course in Preservation elected as ‘first among equals’—it was never a
of Cultural Heritage in Italy. Apart from the dictatorial role. I wish to carry the legacy forward
formal education, I’ve tried to educate myself by by simply being one of them.
travelling as much as I could this year, by simply
learning from other cultures. How do you think tourism helps in
aiding your vision?
Any newfound wisdom? Tourism allows a regular influx of money and
I have realised that whatever little influence I exposure for a lot of the vendors. But I think
may have, it’s important to channel that into the we need to do a little bit more than that. For
right direction—to drive benefit for those that are instance, my local tailor is more skilled than
most in need. Which is why I have gotten more any tailor I know, and yet, charges less for a
involved with my mother’s foundation [Princess suit than a shirt in England would cost. People
Diya Kumari Foundation]. like him deserve a better platform. With the
right opportunities and education, these are the
What was growing up in Jaipur like? people who will make our economy stronger.
I remember it as a magnificent city full of life.
The palace was always filled with guests, and What is it like to represent Jaipur to
dinners, and parties. That was my grandfather’s the world?
idea of entertainment. Prince of Wales, Princess My grandfather made it a point to promote the
Diana, the Kennedys, the Clintons—important city as an enchanting destination. And that is
personalities from all over the world were the Jaipur I hear of wherever I go. Even today,
hosted in this palace. people are curious enough to ask me an extra
question about this ‘exciting little town’ of mine.
What is your vision for Jaipur? And they tell me that there’s a positive shift in
Jaipur is as beautiful as any other city in the the mood of the city.
country. But what distinguishes it from the rest
is its heritage of art, crafts, and culture. I am What is your favourite thing about
going to focus on that. It gets a lot of love from the city?
travellers across the globe. I’d like to channel that It’s a recommendation that I have for people who
attention towards sustainability, and towards the do not have more than a day or two to spend in
local people who are most in need of it. the city—get yourself into a tuk-tuk, ride right
My grandfather ensured that he encouraged into the middle of the city, walk slowly all the
local, independent workers—tailors, potters, etc. way back, and you would have seen everything
I remember tagging along with him on his you need to see in Jaipur.
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