In this visual survey of the city of Jaipur, Aman Nath traces the origins of the city and its development under the Rajputs of Rajasthan. He describes its rulers' skilful handling of relations with the Sultans of Delhi (both Turk and Afghan) and subsequently with the Mughals and the British. It details the extraordinary flowering of the arts under a succession of rulers, and using original photographs from the maharajahs' private collections he reveals the fantastic opulence of life at court. This book describes the wealth of a living culture that awaits modern visitors: the crafts of the gem cutters, goldsmiths, potters, painters and embroiderers whose work can be found in the back lanes and bazaars, as well as the citadels and palaces, temples and mosques redolent of nine centuries of turbulent history.

Photographs by: Samar Singh Jodha