RAJASTHAN - A Princely State of Marvellous Architectural Wonders.
- Malika Vaidya
- Feb 14, 2021
- 4 min read
Home of the Rajputana dynasty, the North western state of Rajasthan is a colourful and vibrant state to say the least. Rajasthan’s culture is a testimony to the chivalry and the beauty of its past rulers, seeped and reflected, both in the art and architecture of the state.
The architecture of the state is a regional variant of the style of architecture prevailing in North India at that time called the Rajasthani school of architecture. It is a blend of Hindu and Mughal structural design. This style of architecture is reflected in the Temples, Havelis, Forts and palaces of Rajasthan.
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
One of the earliest phases of architectural activity in the state can be seen in the ruins of temples dating to the Gupta period in 4th and 6th century. These temples are small and their architecture is restrained. A blend of Hindu and Jain architectural styles- the Solanki style or the Maru-Gujara architecture, began in Rajasthan and Gujrat around the 8th and 9th century and produced some of the most ornately sculpted temples in the region. The Dilwara Jain temples at Mt.Abu are some of the best known examples of this style. Structurally, the temples usually tapered into a single Shikhara (spire) and have a Mandapa (pillared pavilion before the inner sanctum) with intricate and delicately done marble carvings.
HAVELIS
During the 19th century, the wealthy Rajasthani merchants built huge ornately decorated mansions which were called Havelis. They commissioned masons and artists to ensure that the havelis reflected their wealth and status in the society. The Shekhawati and Marwar region of Rajasthan which was home to these affluent Marwaris, were riddled with such Havelis. The architecture of these Havelis was heavily influenced by Mughal architecture.
The Shekhawati haveli had two courtyards. The outer courtyard was for the men of the family while the inner courtyard was the domain of the women. The havelis also sported beautiful and appealing frescoes and were closed from all sides with one large main gate. Other features included gargantuan arched doorways and latticed windows.
Apart from the Shekhawati havelis, there are other equally beautiful havelis in Jaisalmer constructed in sandstone which features the fine and detailed work of local silavats (stone carvers).
FORTS AND PALACES
The forts and palaces of Rajasthan formed the citadels of the Rajputana power. Built initially as protection from invading armies, these citadels became grander and lavish over time as the dynasty flourished.
Built mostly during the 15th and 18th century, the architecture of these forts and palaces was influenced by the Mughal reign in Delhi. Motifs such as the use of pillared arches and the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) were borrowed from the Mughals. Another ornamentation widely used was the spired Bengal roof, shaped like an inverted boat.
Some of the most magnificent examples of Rajput fort and palace architecture across the state include the Amber Fort, Jaipur's Hawa Mahal and the City Palace in Udaipur.
ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
If the Rajputs knew how to fight a battle, they also knew how to create an artistic legacy.
The arid state of Rajasthan is home to some of the beautiful cities, temples, palaces and grand forts. So, let us understand some of the key architectural elements of the region.
JHAROKHA
Jharokha is a type of overhanging balcony, usually constructed in stone and found as an architectural element in palaces, Havelis and temples in Rajasthan. These balconies project forward from the wall plane and are used both as a functional as well as decorative element.
In ancient times, these balconies were used as a viewing space by the women of the household. The balcony provided a perfect space for the woman behind the purdah to view her surroundings without being seen herself.
Today, this architectural element is almost exclusively identified as a part of Rajasthan’s heritage.
CHATTRI
The Chattris are cenotaphs built to commemorate the Maharajas, nobles and in the Shekhawati region- the wealthy merchants. Literally translating to an ‘umbrella’, these structures are elevated dome shaped pavilions, with a central dome supported by a series of pillars and having small pavilions on its sides and corners.
STEPWELL
Water holds immense importance in Rajasthan. So, it comes as no surprise that the architecture of Baoris (stepwells)and reservoirs rivals other structures in the region.
A stepwell is a well or a pond where water can be reached by climbing down a set of steps. These were created by digging deep trenches into the earth, so that groundwater would be available year long. The walls of these trenches were lined with stone blocks but without the use of any mortar. Then, steps were created leading down to the water. These stepwells also served as leisure points while providing dependable source of water year long.
The city of Bundi which is near Kota, has as many as 60 stepwells.
The state of Rajasthan is also known for its excellent town planning. Rajasthan being a mostly rural state, the towns in the state are actually villages which have expanded due to their size and population. The security of the town is ensured by the means strong walls and hills. A town is divided into wards which are connected by narrow streets and lanes. The temples, wells, gardens and palaces form an important part of these towns while the main street of the town is lined with shops.
The famous phrase “Padharo Mhare Desh” is not only a testimony to the hospitality of the state but is also a luring siren for visitors to experience the grandeur, beauty and pure magic of this princely state.
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