Jeypore, or Jyepoor, is a town in Hindoostan, Ajmeer, and capitol of the principality of the same name, that lies in an irregular valley, 150 miles south-southwest of Delhi on a latitude of 26˚ 56 North and longitude 75˚ 55' East. It is 3 miles long, 1 mile broad, and, surrounded by a substantial stone wall and commanded by a citadel, with a line of fortifications extending along a range of neighbouring heights.
Left: Jeypore — Temple of the Winds. Right: Amber — Royal Palace. Both photos, which come from Forrest’s Cities of India, date from approximately fifty years after the Imperial Gazetteer entry. [Click on images to enlarge them.]
It is said to be the handsomest and best-built town of Hindoostan; and many of its streets and squares, both as regards width and architectural effect, would bear a favourable comparison with those of most of the cities of Asia, or even of Europe.
The houses are generally of stone, three or four stories high, and covered with a fine stucco. The facades are, in many instances, embellished with fresco paintings; and numerous marble porticoes and sculptures are to be found on all sides. The projecting stone balconies, with which the houses in general are furnished, have a remarkably agreeable effect. It contains a magnificent palace, and temples of greater dimensions than any that are to be found in Upper Hindoostan, built in the purest Hindoo style.
About 4 miles West is Jeypoor Ghaut, a dreary defile, where a palace was built and gardens laid out by one of the rajahs. Pop. about 60,000.
Bibliography
Blackie, Walker Graham. The Imperial Gazetteer: A General Dictionary of Geography, Physical, Political, Statistical and Descriptive. 4 vols. London: Blackie & Son, 1856. Internet Archive. Inline version of a copy in the University of California Library. Web. 7 November 2018.
Forrest, G. W. [On title-page: “Ex-director of Records, Government of India”]. Cities of India. London: Archibald Constable, 1903. Internet Archive online version of a copy in the University of California Library. Web. 25 November 2018.
Last modified 3 December 2018