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Rajasthani Architecture
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The Architecture of Rajasthan
The mixture and brilliance of Rajasthan's architectural heritage
can amaze a visitor. Majestic forts, intricately carved temples
and havelis (meaning mansion) and even step well make Rajasthan
a paradise for an architecture buff. The desert state of
Rajasthan is a land of irony and extremes. This vibrant and
striking region is the home of the Rajput warrior clans who had
ruled here for many years. Rajasthan is also home to some of
India's most romantic cities. The Rajputs were prolific builders
and have dotted the arid Aravali landscape with their legacy of
some most imposing and magnificent forts and palaces in the
world. Today the structures defy time to tell the story of
gallantry, courage and tragedy of the bygone era and its story
of survival in the harsh Thar Desert. |
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Forts and Palaces
The architecture is basically secular and draws a lot on
stimulation from the Mughals, while later day architecture also
embraces European interiors. These structures encompass mahals
(palaces), zenanas (women’s quarters), diwan-I-aam (public
audiences), diwan-I-khas (private audiences), sils (galleries),
mandir (temples), bagh (garden) chatris and ramparts for display
and parades.
Jaipur
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Moti Dungari
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Jaigarh Fort
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Nahargarh Fort
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Amber
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City Palace
Jodhpur
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Umaid Bhawan Palace
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Mehrangarh Fort
Udaipur
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City Palace
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Fateh Prakash Palace
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Sajjangarh
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Kumbhalgarh Fort
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Chittorgarh Fort
Bikaner
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Junagarh
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Lal Garh Palace
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Gajner palace
Ajmer
Jaisalmer
Bundi
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Sukh Niwas Palaces
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Taragarh fort
Mount Abu
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Temples
The great architectural movement which swept Rajasthan from the
8th to the 11th century was really a later flowering of the
virile development inspired by the Guptas during the 4th, 5th
and 6th centuries. The 8th and 9th century also saw new styles
of temples emerging from the Gurjara Pratihara dynasty from
Mandore. Temples built around this time also include temples at
Chittorgarh and Osiyan in western Rajasthan. The familiar
feature of these temples is single sikhara or spire and
intricately carved outer chamber called the mandup before the
inner sanctum. In many temples the main temple would be
surrounded by series of small and finely carved temples. A good
example of these are Kalika Mata Temple and Kumbha Shyam temples
in the Chittorgarh fort. Temples at Kiradu in western Barmer
known as Solanki style are known for sculptured frescos. The
best example in this is the Someshvara Temple, which has fine
sculptured fresco, and a multi tiered spire. |
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The 10th century saw the
constructions of many splendid Jain Temple, notable amongst them are the
Dilwara Temples at Mt Abu, Mahavira Temple at Ghanerao in southern
Rajasthan and Ranakpur near Udaipur. At Ranakpur the Chomukha meaning
four faced is the finest. It features a series of mandupas decorated
with intricate carving giving a breath taking symmetry. A group of Jain
Temples at Jaisalmer are also noteworthy.
A great deal of this fine architecture, however, was destroyed
during the earlier Muslim invasions. |
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Havelis
The Merchants of Rajasthan built sumptuously decorated mansions
as residences known as havelis. The merchants had commissioned artisans
to ensure that they construct and decorate the havelis in a manner that
befits the prosperity of the owner. Havelis are common everywhere in
Rajasthan but havelis at Shekhawati and Jaisalmer are worth visiting.
Shekhawati as a region is known for its beautifully painted
Havelis, that spreads over Jhunjhunu, Sikar and Churu districts in
north-western Rajasthan. Built by rich Marwari merchants of the region,
Shekhawati's magnificent mansions display a unique architectural style
that evolved around the courtyards to ensure safety and privacy of the
womenfolk and protection from the heat of the long and harsh summers.
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Painted predominantly in blue, maroon, yellow, green and indigo,
the Havelis of Shekhawati have beautiful frescoes that adorn their
walls. Earlier wall paintings were largely based on the mythological
themes, depicting gods, heroes, epics and local legends; animals,
portraits of hunting and wrestling scenes and glimpses of every day
life.
The turn of the 19th century saw the appearance of new motifs,
an outcome of the British Raj's influence upon the Indian Culture. The
paintings continued with the mythological themes, but the new entries
included European oleographs, lithographs and photographs. Trains, cars,
balloons, telephones, gramophones, English men in hunting attires and
portraits of Haveli owners primly dressed were painted profusely. |
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