Overview
Diggi Palace is a heritage building located in Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Once the urban residence of the Thakurs of Diggi, a thikana (feudal estate) of the former princely state of Jaipur, it has been converted into a heritage hotel. The property is widely known as one of the principal venues of the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Key facts
| Name | Diggi Palace |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage building; heritage hotel |
| Location | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Original use | Town house of the Thakurs of Diggi |
| Current use | Hotel and event venue |
| Notable association | Jaipur Literature Festival |
Background
The Diggi estate was a thikana under the Kachhwaha rulers of Jaipur, with its principal seat at Diggi, a town in present-day Tonk and Malpura region of Rajasthan. Like many Rajput nobles, the Thakurs of Diggi maintained a haveli in Jaipur city for use during their visits to the court of the Maharaja. This town residence came to be known as Diggi Palace.
The building reflects the domestic architecture of the Jaipur nobility, combining Rajput and colonial-era features with courtyards, verandahs and gardens characteristic of nineteenth-century havelis in the walled city's vicinity.
Conversion to a hotel
In the latter half of the twentieth century, following the integration of the princely states and the abolition of privy purses, many Rajput families in Rajasthan adapted their ancestral properties for commercial use. Diggi Palace was opened to guests as a heritage hotel by the descendants of the Diggi family, who continue to be associated with its management. The hotel retains the older sections of the haveli alongside guest accommodation, dining areas and lawns used for events.
Jaipur Literature Festival
Diggi Palace is best known internationally as the long-standing main venue of the Jaipur Literature Festival, held annually in January. The festival, which began in the mid-2000s, grew at the venue into one of the largest free literary gatherings in the world, drawing authors, publishers and audiences from India and abroad. The lawns, durbar hall and courtyards of the palace are used as parallel session venues during the festival.
Significance
The palace is significant both as an example of an aristocratic Jaipur haveli adapted for contemporary use and as a cultural venue that has hosted writers, scholars and public figures during literary and cultural events. It contributes to Jaipur's identity as a centre of heritage tourism alongside larger landmarks such as the City Palace and Rambagh Palace.
Related topics
References
- Wikidata: Q5275656