On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Jaipur’s founder, the great Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, a symposium and poetry recital were organised on Monday at Sarvatobhadra Chowk in City Palace, by the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh (MSMS) II Museum. Scholars shed light on the life and contributions of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, while Rajasthani poets captivated the audience with recitations in the Dhundhari language. The program began with the offering of floral tribute to the portrait of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Tourists visiting the City Palace also paid floral tributes to the Maharaja’s portrait.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Executive Trustee of MSMS II Museum, Ms. Rama Datt. On the occasion, she emphasised drawing inspiration from the life of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. She said that the Maharaja was the founder of our rich culture and played a key role in social reform by abolishing various malpractices. Former Principal and senior litterateur, Mr. Rajendra Singh Khangarot said that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II was a man of many talents — a skilled warrior, architect, astrologer, thinker and philosopher. He highlighted how Jaipur could be taken beyond its walled city to the international stage through international collaborative research. He suggested establishing an ‘International Research Centre’ in the name of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II within the City Palace to promote publications and research. Senior litterateur and Journalist, Mr. Jitendra Singh Shekhawat stated that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II played a major role in driving the Mughals out of India by uniting Hindu rulers. He said, “Instead of calling Akbar the Great, it is Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II who truly deserves that title.”
Speaker, Mr. Raghavendra Singh Manohar mentioned that Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II not only protected Jaipur during adverse and challenging times but also played a crucial role in its expansion. He organised Ashwamedha Yajnas and was exceptionally talented from a young age, achieving excellence in every sphere of life. Senior writer, Mr. Govind Shankar Sharma spoke about ‘Vachan Pramaan’, one of the most authentic texts written during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh II. He explained that the book provides detailed accounts of social reforms, royal palaces and customs related to marriage, including how the Maharaja personally solemnised inter-caste marriages.
City Palace’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Art and Culture and event coordinator, Mr. Ramu Ramdev, highlighted the life and achievements of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He shared that the Maharaja assumed kingship at a very young age and went on to establish a city that today enjoys global fame. The event was conducted by Ms. Shobha Chander. To promote the Dhundhari language, a poetry recital was organised featuring eminent poets from Rajasthan, including Kalyan Singh Shekhawat, Shobha Chander, Vinay Sharma, Prahlad Chanchal, Bhagwan Sahay Pareek, Ved Prakash Dadhich from Jaipur, Hinglaj Dan Ratnoo from Bikaner and Rao Shivraj Pal from Karauli. Through their poems, the poets beautifully portrayed Jaipur’s traditions, culture and rich history.
