Jaipur was established in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as the new capital of Amber. There were military and geographical reasons for changing the capital, as the old city of Amber was located on a congested hill. Jai Singh also wanted the new capital to be a strong political statement on par with Mughal cities, and serve as a thriving center of trade. The layout of Jaipur was carefully planned according to Hindu texts, with major roads intersecting in a grid pattern divided into nine blocks. The pink color of the city's buildings was likely intended to cut glare or imitate Mughal architecture, and welcome a British dignitary. Squares called chaupars