Know Your Smart City: Rajasthan

The ninth part of the 'Know Your Smart City' web series looks at cities in Rajasthan

In the ninth part of the ‘Know Your Smart City’ web series on the 98 cities that have been shortlisted to be equipped with modern facilities and innovative solutions over time, we look at four cities in Rajasthan.

Jaipur

Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727, Jaipur is considered India’s first planned city. When Prince of Wales visited Jaipur in 1878, the whole city was painted pink to welcome him, hence the popular name ‘Pink City’. The capital of Rajasthan, the city hosts the state Assembly and all government departments.

Udaipur

Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, Udaipur lies at the southern end of the Aravalli Range. It is also known as the city of lakes. In 2006, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj named Udaipur one of the country’s 250 most backward districts (of the total of 640).
 

Ajmer

Deriving its name from ‘Ajay Meru’ or the invincible hill, Ajmer is located 132 km from the state capital of Jaipur. It is a pilgrimage city for both Hindus and Muslims. The Board of Secondary Education for Rajasthan is situated in this city, which is also famous for Mayo College.
 

Kota

Often dubbed an educational hub for those preparing for IITs, IIMs and various other competitive exams, Kota has around 18,000 coaching institutes. It is the third-largest city in Rajasthan (after Jaipur and Jodhpur).