Architecture of Rajasthan

Style
M ru-Gurjara Architecture (Rajasthani architecture) originated in sixth century. It means "art of Rajasthan and Gujarat" Rajasthani architecture represents ethnic, cultural and political aspects of the society. Western Indian architecture where architecture is treated sculpturally. It is a blend of the Hindu and the Mughal structural design. The splendid forts, intricately carved temples and ornamented havelis are part of the architectural heritage of Rajasthan. Styles of Rajasthani architecture include:
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Jharokha Chhatri Haveli Stepwell (baoli or bawdi) Johad Jaali Char Bagh or Charbagh

Forts and Palaces

Lake Palace Hotel, City Palaces, and Jaisalmer Havelis

Development

Architecture in Rajasthan represents secular or religious buildings. They include towns, villages, wells, gardens, houses, and palaces. All these kinds of buildings were meant for public and civic purposes. The forts are also included in secular buildings, though they were also used for defense and military purposes. The typology of the buildings of religious nature consists of three different kinds: temples, mosques, and tombs. The typology of the buildings of secular nature is more varied.

Rajasthan, the largest state in India is renowned for its historical monuments. Rajasthan was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Traditionally the Rajputs, Bhils, Jats, Yadavs, Gujjars and other tribes made a great contribution in building the state of Rajasthan. It was formerly known as Rajputana and was a princely state ruled by the Rajputs. Modern Rajasthan comprises a number of Rajput kingdoms, Jat kingdoms and a Mughal kingdom. The forts and palaces of Rajasthan are enriched by Muslim and Jain architecture. The structural design of Rajasthan is basically secular and draws a lot of motivation from the Mughals, while the later day architecture also embraces European interiors. The prominent Rajput architecture of Rajasthan is the Deeg palace. Deeg Palace is surrounded by wide gardens which are inspired by the garden architecture of the Mughals. The palaces of Jaipur reflect a heavy influence of Islam. The palace is designed in the Islamic style and the spaces have all been given Islamic names for example the Hawa Mahal. The palace is designed along the lines of a traditional Rajasthan mansion, but different from the residential part of Mughal palaces. Chambers for residential, administrative and courtly functions are all contained within these multi-storied walls. The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is an awe inspiring architectural monument.It has been built on the basis of the requirements of natural sciences and as a result has given a unique architectural marvel that is more at home in the modern era. On the northern outskirts of Jaipur there are the Royal Tombs including that of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. Because of the Islamic influence, various Rajputs started building tombs, but since they were Hindus, they are all empty cenotaphs. The open umbrella type tombs are the specialty of this architecture. Islamic influence in the architecture of Rajasthan is most prominent in the city of Ajmer. The important monuments of this city are the Dargah Sharif of Khwaja Muinuddin Chishti which consists of a number of white marble buildings arranged around two courtyards, including a huge gate donated by the Nizam of Hyderabad, a mosque given by Shah Jahan and the Akbari mosque. Hindu architecture can be witnessed in Pushkar where there are several Ghats and temples. The outstanding temples standing in an array, with their touches of the Islamic architectural style, are richly different in style. During the British era, Rajputs became the vassals of the British and brought British influences into architecture, too. It is quite common to see buildings designed by British architects in Jaipur. The Rambag Palace for example, which is now a high class hotel is built in the Indo- Saracenic style. The Balsamad Lake palace of Jodhpur built in the 19th century is a summer palace built in the European style, with a garden in the Mughal style, facing a man-made lake.

Architecture of Rajasthan is a magnanimous array of Hindu, Islamic and colonial architecture. The rich architectural heritage of Rajasthan makes it one of the major tourist attractions of India.

Jodhpur
Architecture Of Jodhpur Architecture of Jodhpur consists of historical monuments like Umaid Bhawan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswant Thada.

Jodhpur is a prominent city of Rajasthan and is a reservoir of magnificent palaces and majestic forts. Set in the landscape of the Thar Desert, the city of Jodhpur is known as the Sun City. It is also referred to as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a stone wall and the new city is on the other side of the railway tracks, in the southeastern direction. The new palace houses the royal family in one half, while the other half is a high class hotel. Jodhpur was the capital of the Marwar kingdom till the 13th century when the Rathore clan conquered it. In 1459, the present city was developed by Rao Jodha. A branch of this family built Bikaner, Pokhran and Jaisalmer. Jodhpur was a prominent nodal city for trade between the east and the west and is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is a home of several new architectural patterns which has enriched the panorama of Indian architecture. The Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur is noted for its imposing architectural features. The construction of the palace was actually aimed as a public relief and employment project during a long period of drought. Chittor sandstone has been used in the construction of this palace which imparts a special effect on it. The architecture of the palace was designed by a

British architect who has rendered an indo saracenic style of architecture in it. The main features of architecture of Umaid Bhawan palace is beautiful balconies, green gardens, charming courtyards, and stately rooms. At present the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and a royal museum. The Mehrangarh Fort majestically perched on a rocky mountain, at a height of hundred and twenty meters looks down on the city below. The architecture of the fort is very impressive and it is one of the largest forts in India. The fort wall has seven entrances and a number of palaces within, all connected with courtyards. The structures with their Bengaldar roofs bear a resemblance to the Bikaner Palace and have a strong influence of Islamic architecture. The only difference is that where Islamic palaces stand independently, here all the buildings stand in one continuous row. The Jaswant Thada palace is half-way up the hill, built intricately with white marble and has elaborate sculptures in the traditional style. Inside is a big hall with a steel frame, built as a mausoleum for Jaswant Singh II. The exterior with its open platform and flowing water is especially noteworthy. The Balsamad lake palace of Jodhpur summer palace built in the European style, with a garden in the Mughal style, facing a man-made lake. Jodhpur with numerous historical monuments and royal palaces is a coveted place for travelers. The architecture of Jaipur is renowned all over the world and makes it one of the most popular travel destinations.

RAJPUT ARCHITECTURE
The Rajput Rulers had a keen sense of beauty in Art and Architecture which is seen in the artistic excellence of their temples, forts and palaces. The Indo-Aryan style of architecture developed in North India and Upper Deccan and the Dravidian style in South India during the Rajput period. Both sculpture and architecture attained a high degree of excellence. The Rathas of Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, the Kailash temple at Ellora and the sculpture of Elephanta belonging to the early Rajput period (600 AD to 900 AD)

Kailash Temple, Ellora (Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India) The temple architecture of Orissa, Khajuraho, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and the Pallava, Chola and Hoysala temples in the South belong to the later Rajput period. (900 A.D. to 1200 A.D.) The significant feature of the North Indian (Indo-Aryan) style of temple architecture are the Vimana or sanctuary, the Garbha Griha or the small dark cell where the main idol is placed, the Shikhara - a ribbed curvilinear spire over the Garbha Griha, the Amalaka or round stone on the Shikhara surmounted by a golden Kalasa. Every temple had a Sabha mandap which was used by devotees for group meditation, religious discourses etc., Examples of this type are the Vishwanath and the Khandariya Mahadeva Temples, the Khajuraho temples, the Surya Temple at Konark, the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneshwar, the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Tejpala Temple at Mt. Abu. The Khajuraho Temple at Bundelkhand (the present Chatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh) were constructed by the Chandela ruler of Jejabhukti between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D. About twenty five temples in all, these belong to the Shaiva, Vaishnava , and Jain sects. Beautifully sculptured, there is no difference in architectural style in the different temples to distinguish one religion from the other. The Kandriya Mahadeva temple and the temple of Vishwanath belong to the Shaiva group, the Chaturbhuja temple to the Vaihnava group and the Parswanath temple to the Jain group. The Khajuraho temples are built of pink buff-coloured and light yellow fine grained sandstone. Architectural beauty reaches its highest peak in these temples. The temple are

compact and are erected on a high platform terrace. The temple have an entrance porch, a mandap or hall, a vestibule and the Garbha-Griha or sanctorum. The larger temples have space around the Garhha-Griha for purpose. of pradakshin. (or circumambulation) with a projecting balcony window on either aide and at the back giving it the shape of a cross with two long arms. The balcony window which have a canopy of overhanging eaves are the most attractive features of the Khajuraho temples. The temple has an Adhishtana or base which has beautiful mouldings. These hold the platform terrace. The space between them is taken up by very gracefu11y carved alternate projections and recessives. The central part of the temple or Janegha are the roofs of the several inner compartments rising gradually, one higher than the other - the one over the GarbhaGriha being the highest. The graded peaks being so arranged that they look like a mountain range. The structure over the entrance porch and mandapa are pyramidal in shape but the Shikhara over the sanctum is tall and curvilinear. Entrance to the temple is through the entrance porch which has a Makara Torana flanked by crocodiles. The torana has minute figures carved on it. The doorways, pillars and ceilings are all profusely carved with floral and geometrical designs. The bracket figures of Apsaras, bhutas and ganas are masterpieces of sculpture. The Vishwanatha Temple was built by the Chandela king , Dhanga in 1002 A.D. and has all the features of the Khajuraho temple. It enshrines a Shiva Linga.

Visvanatha Temple, Khajuraho (Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India) The Khandariya Mahadeva Temple also enshrining a linga is the largest monument of Khajuraho. It is 30.5 m in length and height and 20 m in width. It was built between 1017 AD. 1029 AD. in the reign of Vidyadhara Chandela. Though similar to the Vishwanath temple in plan, it is a magnificent piece of architectural skill with a series of graded and ascending shikharas 84 in all, it presents a picture of architectural excellence. Its lofty basement has sculptured friezes of elephants, horses, hunters, dancers, musicians etc. The erotic figures on its outer walls show the influence of Tantrism. The interior design of this temple is like that of any other Khajuraho temple though it is larger and more lavishly sculptured.

Khandariya Mahadev & Jagadambi Temple, Khajuraho (Picture courtesy Archaeological Survey of India) The Parswanatha temple built in 950-70 AD dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara is the finest and largest of Jain temples in Khajuraho. It is rectangular and has axial projections in the front and back. The entrance porch has a highly ornamental ceiling embellished with floral and chain patterns. The sanctum, a vestibule and mahamandapa are other features of the temple and contain figures of Jinas. A particular feature of this temple is that Vaishnava themes are more dominant in the sculptures such as those of Rama, Sita, Hanuman and Parasurama. Beautiful figures of Sura-Sundaris in various poses adorn the walls. The sikhara of the temple has three rows of scu1ptural bands on the outer facade. Architecture reached a high degree of artistic excellence in the 11th and 12th century AD. during the rule of the Chalukyas as seen in their Jain temples at Girnar and Palitana in Gujarat. Palitana, the city of temples, lies at the base of the Shatrunjaya Hill and near the Shatrunjaya river and is about 600 metres above sea level. One of the sacred hills of the Jains, there are more than eight hundred Jain shrines on it. The temples built of marble and stone are marvels of architecture. The most important of these is the temple of Shri Rushabha Dev, the first Tirthankara of the Jains. Another famous temple is the Chaumukh or four faced temple dedicated to Adinath built in the 16th, century. The temple has four entrances. The main entrance leads to the assembly hall. The storey above has balconied windows. Jain scriptures engraved on marble slabs adorn the temple walls. A flight of steps leads to these temples. This conglomeration of temples look like a setting of ivory miniatures. The 11th century Jain temples at Mount Abu in Rajasthan built by the ministers of the Solanki rulers show the heights of perfection reached the artists of that time.

Dilwara Jain Temple, Mount Abu, Rajasthan The Dilwara Jain Temples, famous for architectural beauty, were built about 1088 AD during the reign of Vimalasah. Constructed in white marble, these temples were built to a set plan on a high platform, a cell enshrining a deity surrounded by a walled courtyard. Around the courtyard are other shrines with images of Jain tirthankaras. The two temples here of note are the Vimalavasahi temple dedicated to Adinatha, the Jain titthankara and the Tejpala temple with its intricately ornamental ceiling and white marble halls displaying delicate architecture. The circular design with spokes of finely sculptured figures on pedestals at the bases of which are other figures in a sitting posture add to the grandeur of the ceiling.

Nathmal ji ki Haveli
Nathmal ji ki Haveli built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side by side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the haveli.Barring that, this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of

grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things. But the most interesting aspect of this haveli is the drawing of modern amenities such as cars, fans etc. It is said and believed that the Architect brothers dint see these things ever in their life and engraved it with mere help of their descriptions given by people who had seen it.

tazia tower
Top^ Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is one of the major tourist attractions. If you have done with the various Rajputana architectures scattered in the city, Tazia tower will come as a welcome break to you. It is situated in the excellent 'Badal Palace' complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons. Tazia Tower was erected in 1886 AD. The architecture is eye catchy and shades of brilliance often leave the observers spellbound. Each floor of the tower stands out with its unique style and the accompanied balconies exhibit artistic design and master craftsmanship, a testimony to Muslim architectural style of the ancient period. Each floor and each wall displays exquisite design and finest of carvings, giving insight into the rich creativity and imaginative skills of the master craftsmen. Set amidst the golden sand dunes of Jaislamer, the grandeur and magnanimous aura of Tazia tower is enhanced by the picturesque settings. Tourist Attraction - Tazia Tower The tower also serves as a fine example of secular identity of the region. Although the construction is in the form of Tazia that are usually part of Muslim religious festivities, the monument was constructed as gift to the imperial Hindu king of Maharawal Berisal Singh. Overall, the tower is a perfect place to observe and appreciate the mastery of bygone age, a different style from most Rajput architecture and an impressive sightseeing destination in the golden desert.

Desert National Park

Top^ The Desert National Park is an excellent example of the ecosystem of the Thar desert and its rich fauna. The Sudashri forest post is the most ideal place for

observing wildlife in the the Desert National Park. Sand dunes form less than 20 percent of the Park which consists of craggy rocks, pavements and compact salt lake bottoms, intermedial areas and fixed dunes. Its inhabitants include the blackbuck, chinkara, wolf, Indian fox, desert fox, hare and desert cat. Flights of sandfrouse start coming to waterholes from sunrise onwards. One also hear the morning call of the grey partridge. Blue tailed and green bee eaters, drongos, common and bush quail and Indian rollers are birds which are commonly found around waterholes.

Wood Fossil Park

Top^ The Wood Fossil Park is a 21-hectare preserved area that takes you back to the Jurassic period when the whole Thar region lay under the sea. Fossilized logs of trees trunks lie exposed to view. Innumerable trunks lie buried deep under sand, 25 are seen and 15 are above the ground. The largest log is seven meters in length and 1.5 meters in width. This 300 year old Haveli of Jaisalmer's Prime Minister to Maharaja Rawal Gaj Singh Salim Singh, has a beautiful blue cupola roof with superby carved brackets in the form of peacocks. This extraordinary mansion in yellow stone is covered with intricate carvings and has an elaborate projecting balcony on the top storey. The mansion is one of the most notables of the array of havelis.

Mool Sagar Garden

Top^ Mool Sagar, set up by Maharawal Mool Raj in 1780, is an eye pleasurable picnic spot in Jaisalmer. The place is credited with a cute, compact but attractive palace, a breathtaking garden with varieties of blooming plants and a fabulous reservoir. A medieval period Shiva temple assumed to be carved out of a pair of sandstones is a popular religious attraction here. The place was a summer recoil for the Royal family members. There are three important Jain temples in this palace. These temples are dedicated to the Jain Tirthankaras known as Rishabadev, Parsavnath and Sambhavnath. The place offers rich lush green environment in the desert.

Patwon Ji Ki Haveli
Top^ Patwon Ji Ki Haveli is one of the largest and most elaborate havelis in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storey high and is extensively carved. It is divided

into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.

Desert Culture Center and muesum

Top^ Desert Culture Centre and Museum is a treasure-trove of rich cultural lineage, artistic vividness and craftsmanship of Jaisalmer. A highly sought after destination by art lovers and history buffs, the museum displays far-reaching collections of ethnic artifacts, traditional instruments, huge collections of medieval coins and some rarest of rare fossils mined in Jaisalmer. For the visitors benefit, the museum organizes several special displays throughout the year. The Desert cultural center and museum displays numerous ancient scriptures, historical remains from royal age and archaic coins. A wellmaintained museum by the tourism department of Jaisalmer, one may also observe and marvel the ethnic Rajasthani jewelry, textiles and handicrafts, musical instruments, weapons and arms and fossil works. Karal, the one of a kind utensil used for opium mixing is also popular amongst the visitors.

Gyan Bhandar
Top^ Gyan Bhandar is situated in the centre of the city, it was originally established as an adjunct to the famous Jain temples. But over the years it has accumulated a wealth of historical treasures. Some of the oldest manuscripts in the country are preserved here.

Khuri Sand Dunes

Top^ Several owners of private havelis and the Department of Archaeology have taken over the task of preserving the work, murals, wall paintings and art treasures in most of the noted havelis. Of special significance are the painted murals in 'Patwari ki Haveli' and its specially polished pillars supporting a 5-storey high ceiling. 'Salim Singh Ki Haveli' has an arched blue roof and a surfiet of peacock shaped brackets.

Salim Singh ki Haveli

Top^ Salim Singh ki Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks. The mansion is just below the hill and it is said that once it had two additional wooden storeys in an attempt to make it as high as the maharaja's palace, but the maharaja had the upper storey torn down.

Jaisalmer Folklore
Top^ Jaisalmer Folklore is situated on the banks of the Garsisar lake the museum is a gold mine of information not just about Jaisalmer, but the rich cultural heritage of western Rajasthan. Established in 1984 by a N K Sharma,the exhibits include everything from paintings and musical instruments to old coins, manuscripts, camel ornaments, postcards, photographs, curios and even fossils. It is a very informatory and intriguing Folk Art Museum, and is a must-see for tourists keen on learning about Jaisalmers history art and traditions or for the intellectually inclined.

Jain Temples
Top^ Jain Temples is situated in the Jaisalmer Fort are a must visit site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. You will find these temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style. These temples are built in the Dilwara style that is famous all over the world for its architecture. The style got its name from the famous 'Dilwara Temples' situated on Mount Abu, a famous Hill station and pilgrimage destination in Rajasthan. The Jain temples in the Jaisalmer Fort are dedicated to Rikhabdevji and Shambhavdev Ji, the famous Jain hermits known as 'Tirthankars'. Like all other structures in Jaisalmer, these temples are craved of

yellow sandstones. The beautifully carves decorations on the wall will give you divine peace. The Astapadhi Temples that are situated in the same complex are a must visit too.

Lodurva
Top^ Lodurva, the ancient capital of the Bhattis, is 16 km from Jaisalmer. Its ruins are visited for the great Jain temple and the Kalpataru, a mythical tree of wish fulfillment. Lodurva has a great number of peacocks that hover around the temple walls lending spectacular colour to the dry and stony landscape. Amar Sagar is a grand artificial reservoir for water with a temple and a promenade on the bank that is a lovely place for a picnic.

Government Museum
Top^ Government Museum, is located on Police Line Road near Moomal Hotel. It was opened in 1984. It houses a great collection of wood and marine fossils and gives an insight into the geological past of the area. Sculptures from the earliest townships of Kiradu and Lodurva dating back to the 12th century and the graceful youth of those times can be traced in the Government Musuem in Jaisalmer. Most types of common marine fossils, buried in shale, limestone, and sandstone and initially laid down in prehistoric seas, are likely to be found in the Government museum in Jaisalmer. Many of the hard-shelled invertebrates and early vertebrate animals are fairly well represented in the fossil record, while soft-bodied animals, such as sea anemones and worms, can also be seen in Government Museum in Jaisalmer. Other gorgeous places in Jaisalmer include the Gadsisar Lake, Manak Chowk, Tazia tower, Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli, Salim Singh-ki-Haveli, and Jain temples. Amar Sagar 5 km and Barmer is well-liked for its elite handicraft items. The best shopping items are embroidery works, wooden items, and silver jewelry.

Amar Sagar
Top^ Amar Sagar is a small and beautiful lake cum Oasis and is adjacent to a 17th Century palace called the Amar Singh Palace. Maharawal Akhai Singh built this palace in honor of one of his predecessors Amar Singh. Next to the palace are pavilions with a large stairs leading down to the Amar Sagar Lake.

This haveli has been constructed in the pattern of apartments. The Amar Sagar is a five story high haveli and is famous for its murals. Wherever you go in this haveli, you will notice beautiful murals painted with delicate efforts. You can find many of wells and ponds in the surrounding which have a royal air about them. There is an old Shiva temple in the complex itself. Amar Singh built this because he was supposed to be an ardent follower of Lord Shiva, a Hindu God related to destruction.

Sam Sand Dunes

Top^ Sam Sand Dunes is situated at a distance of 42 kilometers from Jaisalmer, Sam Sand Dunes is the closest point to witness the total sandy desert. You can also see the patterns and motifs created by the shifting sands and air. Moreover, Sam Sand Dunes also provide you with an unforgettable experience of camel rides and the sunset.