Jaipur Guide Map – 1971 – Published Under The Direction Of Brigadier J. S. Paintal – Surveyor General Of India

Surveyor General: Brigadier J. S. Paintal
Publisher: The Survey Of India, Calcutta
Price: £500
Publication Date: 1971
Edition: First edition thus
Format: Colour printed
Condition: Very good condition
Sheet Size: 83.8cm x 71.2cm
Scale: 1:20000

Condition:

The first edition of the Survey of India Jaipur Guide map. Sheet Size: 83.8cm x 71.2cm. Scale: 1:20000. Condition: Original pictorial wrappers. Original fold lines into 18 sections. Map generally clean with some age-toning due to the paper stock. Very minor wear to the fold intersections. Reverse is blank. Wrappers a little chipped, dusty and creased. In original and unrestored condition. In very good condition indeed overall. Scarce.

Location: BR: 002716

Jaipur in 1974: A Short Description

In 1971, Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, stood as a city of both regal memory and pragmatic transition. Still often referred to as the “Pink City,” it retained the grandeur of its princely heritage while cautiously navigating the demands of a modern Indian state. Jaipur in this period was shaped by the echoes of its royal past, the reorganisation of Rajasthan, and the broader national mood of political assertion and social redefinition.

Political and Administrative Climate

By 1971, Jaipur had long ceased to be a princely state in the political sense, though the remnants of monarchy were visible in the city’s landscape and social order. The abolition of privy purses by the Indian government in 1971 marked a significant turning point. This move, part of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s wider effort to curtail the power and privileges of former royals, struck particularly close to home in Jaipur. The erstwhile Maharaja, along with other princely figures across Rajasthan, was forced to reckon with the final curtailment of formal status and income.

Within the city, the mood was mixed. Among the elite, there was dismay and nostalgia for a fading world. Among the middle and working classes, however, there was growing support for the egalitarian rhetoric coming from Delhi. Jaipur, once the centre of a princely court, was becoming more firmly integrated into the administrative machinery of democratic India.

Urban Development and Infrastructure

Jaipur in 1971 was at a point of modest expansion. The old walled city, with its grid-like pattern and iconic pink façades, remained the cultural and commercial heart. Streets such as Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar thronged with traders, shoppers, and tourists. Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and the Jantar Mantar observatory continued to attract interest, though tourism was not yet the global enterprise it would become.

Outside the walls, newer neighbourhoods like C-Scheme, Bani Park, and Malviya Nagar were growing. These areas, marked by broader roads and modern housing, catered to government officials, professionals, and a nascent middle class. State government buildings were being constructed or expanded, reflecting Jaipur’s role as Rajasthan’s administrative nerve centre.

Transport infrastructure was basic but functioning. Buses and tongas were common, with cycle rickshaws dominating short-distance travel. The Jaipur Junction railway station was a busy hub, linking the city to Delhi and other major towns across northern India.

Cultural Life and Heritage

Despite its changing role, Jaipur in 1971 still moved to the rhythms of tradition. The royal family, though stripped of political power, remained cultural patrons. Polo matches, religious festivals, and art exhibitions continued to be held in palace grounds or affiliated venues. There was a strong sense of pride in Rajput heritage, visible in everything from school textbooks to family storytelling.

Folk traditions remained vibrant. Kathputli (puppet theatre), ghoomar dancing, and Rajasthani folk music were not yet commodified for tourism and existed as genuine community practices. Temples and shrines were integral to daily life, and major festivals—Diwali, Teej, and Gangaur—were celebrated with devotion and flair.

The arts and crafts industry was a vital part of Jaipur’s identity. Skilled artisans produced block-printed textiles, blue pottery, and meenakari jewellery. These crafts were increasingly being promoted through state-supported emporia and cooperative societies, often with the aim of boosting rural employment and preserving traditional skills.

Education and Society

Education in Jaipur was expanding in 1971. The University of Rajasthan had established itself as a centre of higher learning, and schools in both English and Hindi mediums were becoming more accessible. Female education, while still limited in scope, was slowly gaining traction, particularly among the city’s more progressive families.

Socially, Jaipur was a study in contrasts. While it retained a deeply hierarchical structure rooted in caste and class, new ideas of equality and socialism were filtering in—through newspapers, university debates, and national politics. The Emergency had not yet begun, but the mood of centralisation and ideological tightening was already in the air.

Daily Life and Atmosphere

A day in Jaipur in 1971 began early. In the old city, traders would sweep their shopfronts before opening, while morning prayers echoed from temples and mosques. Tea stalls bustled with conversation, and cycles rattled past handcarts loaded with milk or vegetables.

Markets were lively but not chaotic. Goods ranged from brassware and bangles to spices and saris. The scent of ghee, incense, and marigold lingered in the air. Radio broadcasts—mostly in Hindi—played patriotic songs, folk tunes, and occasional film music. Electricity supply was variable, and water shortages were common in the hotter months.

Families remained closely knit, with extended households being the norm. Women in ghunghats (veils) managed homes, while men handled trade, service, or farming. Arranged marriages, joint family living, and rituals marked most aspects of personal life.

Broader Context

Jaipur in 1971 also felt the undercurrents of national events. The Indo-Pakistani war and the creation of Bangladesh later that year stirred patriotic sentiment. Refugees from eastern India passed through or settled in parts of Rajasthan, though Jaipur did not bear the brunt of migration. The war was followed with intense interest via radio and newspapers, and public gatherings often included fervent discussions on national security, justice, and leadership.

In 1971, Jaipur was a city negotiating its identity. Between the arches of its ancient gates and the concrete outlines of new buildings, it lived in the tension between memory and modernity. Royal pomp had given way to bureaucratic order, yet the city’s soul—steeped in colour, ritual, and quiet resilience—endured. Jaipur was no longer a capital of kings, but it was still very much a kingdom of stories.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE AT HORNSEYS

At Hornseys, we are dedicated to offering items that uphold the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of artwork is carefully curated to ensure that each item we offer is authentic, collated, and complete.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each map is researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We wholly own all our artworks. We trust our taste and have invested heavily in it. We have confidence in all artwork that we offer for sale.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions and provenance to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If, however, you wish to make a return, artworks may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for whatever reason. We request that we are notified in advance if you wish to do so. They must be returned to us in the same condition as they were sent for a full refund.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND SERVICE

Understanding the value and rarity of these items, we ensure that every aspect of your purchase meets the highest standards of quality and service. This includes:

• Free Expedited, Tracked, and Insured Delivery within the UK: Ensuring that your artwork arrives safely and promptly.
• Fully-Insured Worldwide Delivery: Offering peace of mind for international collectors with reliable and secure shipping options.

EXPLORE OUR COLLECTION

Visit Hornseys today to explore our fine collection of maps and other artworks. Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a special gift, our selection offers something truly unique. Located since 1976 in Ripon in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, we are recognized as a destination gallery for tastefully curated artwork, rare maps, design, and fine books.