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Jaipur (City of Victory) was founded in 1727
by Maharaja, Jai Singh II, a Kachhawaha
Rajput, who ruled from 1699-1744. He had
inherited a kingdom under threat not only
from the last great Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb
but also from the Maratha armies of Gujarat
and Maharashtra. Victories over the Marathas
and diplomacy with Aurangzeb won back the
favour of Ihe ageini;.M ughal so that the
political stability Maharaja Jai Singh was
instrumental in creating was protected,
allowing him to pursue his scientific and
cultural interests. Jaipur is very much a
product of is intellect and talent. A
charming story relates an encounter between
the Emperor Aurangzeb and the 10 year-old
Rajput prince. When asked what punishment he
deserved for his family's hostility and
resistance to the Mughals, the boy answered
"Your Majesty, when the groom takes the
bride's hand, he confers lifelong
protection. Now that the emperor has taken
my hand, what have I to fear?" Impressed by
his tact and intellience, Aurangzeb bestowed
the title of Sawai (one and a quarter) on
him, signifying hat he would be a leader.
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