Architecture and major sites of World Heritage

Architecture and Major Sites of World Heritage is a significant part of Rajasthan History, showcasing the state’s rich cultural legacy through its grand forts, palaces, and temples. These historic structures, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, draw tourists from around the world to witness the architectural brilliance of the Rajput era.

Rajasthan’s architecture reflects its geographical diversity and historical needs. The rugged hills inspired the construction of hill forts, designed for defense and self-sufficiency, while the plains saw the rise of fortified cities like Bikaner, with deep trenches and high walls for added security. Forts were carefully planned, with royal palaces on elevated areas, water reservoirs in lower sections, and temples and residences in remaining spaces. This blend of utility and strength showcases the ingenuity of Rajasthan’s architectural heritage.

Town Planning and Architecture of Rajasthan

1. Ancient Civilizations :
   • Excavations at Kalibangan and Saunthi (Saraswati-Drishdwati rivers) reveal advanced planning with brick houses, roads, wells, and drainage systems predating the Rigvedic period.
   • Ahar and Gilund in southwest Rajasthan highlight agrarian-industrial societies.
2. Proto-Historical and Early Historical Period:
   • Cultural centres like Pushkar, Marudhanva and Virat Nagar described in the Mahabharata demonstrate early urban planning.
   • Virat Nagar (Ashokan period) features a rock edict and a Buddhist monastery.
   • Evidence from Madhyamika (Nagar) near Chittor indicates the flourishing of a splendid city between 3 BC and 6 AD.
   • The areas around Menal, Amjhera, Dabok and Bharatpur bear witness to the urban splendour of the Gupta and post-Gupta period. Archaeological remains of stepwells, water tanks, temples, roads, drains and residential buildings point to a developed state of architecture.
3. Rajput Era (7th-13th Century):
   • Rise of forts (e.g., Chittor, Ranthambore) and temples reflecting valor and religious trends.
   • Capital cities like Bhinmal, Mandore, and Amer were strategically planned for defense and resources.
4. Later Capitals and Cities:
   • Jaipur: Designed by Vidyadhar on a nine-grid plan with broad roads, gates, and markets.
   • Jaisalmer: Founded in the 12th century, focusing on trade and water availability.
   • Bikaner: Built on plains, divided by professions, with haats and markets for economic activity.
   • Udaipur: Surrounded by seven lakes, divided into localities based on professions.
5. Village Architecture:
   • Hilly villages (e.g., Kelwara) were built on slopes, while desert villages (e.g., Bidasar) centered around water reservoirs (sar).
   • Tribal settlements featured clusters of huts on hummocks or dense forests.

Fort Architecture of Rajasthan

Forts in Rajasthan exemplify the blend of military strategy and aesthetic grandeur. They were built to withstand invasions while serving as residences and administrative hubs for rulers. Key aspects of Rajasthan’s fort architecture include:

Evolution of Fort Architecture :

• Early Period: Focus on temples and reservoirs within forts, e.g., Taragarh (Ajmer) and Kumbhalgarh.
• Medieval Period: Forts were built on hills for defense, with arrangements for irrigation and agriculture, e.g., Achalgarh and Chittorgarh reconstructed by Maharana Kumbha.
• Mughal Influence: Shift to city forts on plains during peaceful times, e.g., Jaipur, Bikaner, and Bharatpur.

Types of Forts :

On the basis of location, architecture and utility, forts can be classified into various categories. Some important types of forts are as follows :

• Auduk Durg : Surrounded by water (e.g., Gagron Fort).
• Giri Durg: Built on hills (e.g., most forts in Rajasthan).
• Dhanvan Durg : Located in deserts (e.g., Jaisalmer Fort).
• Van Durg : Situated in forests (e.g., Siwana Fort).
• Airan Durg : Inaccessible due to natural barriers (e.g., Chittor Fort, Jalore Fort).
• Parikh Durg : Fortified with trenches (e.g., Bharatpur, Junagarh of Bikaner).
• Paaridh Durg : Enclosed by large walls (e.g., Chittor, Jaisalmer).
• Sainya Durg : Used for military purposes, with strategic planning (e.g., Chittor Fort).
• Sahay Durg : Inhabited by brave, cooperative communities.

Notable Features of Forts : 

• Massive Walls: Built with local sandstone, limestone, or granite.
• Pols (Gates): Multiple gates for defense, like the Ganesh Pol in Amer.
• Impenetrable Bastions : Strategically placed towers to provide defense and a vantage point for soldiers.
• Secret Entrances and Tunnels: Hidden pathways for discreet movement during attacks or emergencies.
• Baoris and Tanks : Water storage systems for long sieges.
• Palaces and Temples : Integrated structures within forts, such as the Kumbha Palace in Chittorgarh.
• Strategic Location : Elevated positions for surveillance and defense, deep trenches around forts on plain surface
• Decorative Elements : Intricate carvings, frescoes, and lattice work on gates and windows

Temple Architecture

Temple architecture is the main form of architecture of the Hindus. Temples in India began to be constructed prominently during the Gupta period (4th-6th century CE). Initially temples were Made of perishable materials like wood and brick, later they were constructed with durable materials like stone and sandstone. India has three primary styles of temple architecture:

1. Nagara Style:

• Region: From the Himalayas to the Vindhyan Range.
• Features: Curvilinear shikhara (tower), square sanctum, and intricate carvings.
• Example: Vishnu Temple, Bhitargaon, considered the earliest Nagara-style temple.

2. Dravida Style:

• Region: From the Krishna River to Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin).
• Features: Pyramidal towers, large temple complexes, and intricate sculptures.
• Examples:
  • Meenakshi Temple, Madurai.
  • Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur.

3. Vesara Style:

• Region: From the Vindhyan Range to the Krishna River.
• Features: Fusion of Nagara and Dravida styles, simple and compact layouts.

Example: Ladkhan Temple, Aihole, considered the earliest Vesara-style temple.

Differences Between Nagara and Dravidian Styles

Aspect	Nagara Style	Dravida Style
Region	North India (Himalayas to Vindhyas)	South India (Krishna River to Kanyakumari)
Shikhara (Tower)	Curvilinear or beehive-shaped	Pyramidal or tiered
Sanctum Layout	Generally square	Square with multiple enclosures
Base (Plinth)	Relatively modest	Elevated and prominent
Temple Complex	Smaller, compact	Larger with several structures
Water Body	Not presented	Presented
Boundary wall, Gopuram	Absent	Present ,large gopuram
Examples	Vishnu Temple (Bhitargaon), Khajuraho	Meenakshi Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple

Evolution of Temple Architecture in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan we begin to find temples from the 7^th century AD onwards, although construction of temples began well before the seventh century. Temple architecture can be divided into following time periods.

1. Early Temples 

• Evidence of early temples found in Viratnagar (Bairath), Nagari (Chittorgarh) and Noh (Bharatpur).
• Examples include a circular Buddhist temple, 8-feet tall Yash idol from the Shunga period worshipped as Jakh Baba, Sankarshan-Vasudeva idols in Chittorgarh and Madhyamika.

2. Gupta Period Temples (319-600 CE)

• Development of Devotional Temples: Idols become an integral part of temples.
• Key Examples:
  • Bhramar Mata Temple at Choti-Sadri.
  • Shiva Temple at Char-Chauma (Kota).
• Surviving Example: Mukundara’s Shiva Temple (Kota).

3. Post-Gupta Period Temples (6th-7th Century CE)

• Most of the temples of this era have been destroyed.
• First Dated Temple: Sheetleshwar Mahadev Temple (Jhalrapatan).
• Other Evidence: Remains of Kesava Temple at Kansua (Kota).

4.Early Medieval Temples (700-1000 CE)

During this time, many temples were built in Rajasthan. These temples were decorated with idols, stories of Rama and Krishna, and scenes from everyday life. Beautiful sculptures, grand arches, and pillars made them impressive. The Gurjar dynasty played an important role in developing this style, called the Gurjara-Pratihara or Mahamaru style. Temples in this style were built by rulers of Mandore, Sambhar, Chittor, and Jalore, mainly found in Jodhpur, Nagaur, Sikar, Chittor, and Udaipur.

• Significant Temples:
  • Harsh Mata Temple (Abhaneri).
  • Harshnath Temple (Sikar).
  • Kalika Mata Temple (Chittorgarh Fort).
  • Ambika Mata Temple (Jagat)
  • Dadhi Mata Temple of Goth Manglod

Gurjara-Pratihara Style:

• This architectural style began to develop in the 8th century. By the 9th century, it had undergone significant progress, and by the 11th century, it had reached its full maturity.
• Temples adorned with idols, mythological scenes, and depictions of Ram and Krishna’s life events.
• Temples built in this style are distinguished by their intricate carvings and elaborate toranas (arched gateways), which give them a unique identity.

Prominent contributions from the rulers of Mandore, Sambhar, and Chittorgarh.

• 8th Century Temples: Temples built in the 8th century include the Jain Temple at Osian, Harihar Temple (Panchayatan style), Satyanarayan Vaishnav Temple, and Surya Temple.
• 9th Century Temples :  The prominent temples from the 9th century are Kameshwar Temple and Ranchhod Ji Temple. 
• 10th and 11th Century Temples  : By the 10th and 11th centuries, Gurjar Pratihar art reached its peak, and Solanki style began to emerge. Notable temples from this period include Harshnath Temple in Sikar, Neelkanth Temple in Alwar (Trikoot style), Ambika Temple at Jagat, Someshwar Mahadev Temple in Kiradu (1016 CE), Sas-Bahu Temple in Nagda (975 CE)
• The presence of sculptures of nearly all deities (Vishnu, Shiva, Shakti, Surya, and Jain Tirthankaras) within the same temple premises reflects the religious harmony and inclusiveness of that period.

Solanki or Maru-Gurjar Style :

• Temples built in the Solanki or Maru-Gurjar style between the 11th and 13th centuries focused more on ornamentation and less on sculptures. Examples include the Somidheswar Temple in Chittor, Sun Temple in Modhera, Sachiya Mata Temple in Chandravati, and Jain Temples.

Features	Description
1. High Base (Plinth)	The base was high, but not very effective. Sculptures of elephants (Gajthar), and humans (Narther) were carved.
2. Sanctum and Spire	The sanctum had corners (rath) that extended outward. Their numbers were more, and the spire was complex and divided into levels.
3. Decoration and Sculpture	External walls (jagha) were filled with sculptures and decorations, but the quality of sculpture deteriorated.
4. Veranda (Vardika) and Eaves	Very developed and extended outward.
5. Pillars and Torana	Flat, round designs and heavy decorations near the entry door with torana (gateway).
6. Door	Very decorative but ineffective in design.
7. Temple and Roofs	Usually two or three stories high.

Bhumij Style :

• It is a sub-style of temple architecture under the Nagara style, developed in Madhya Pradesh and northern Maharashtra.
• In Maharashtra, it is known as the Hemadpanti style. This style does not include a circumambulatory path around the sanctum (garbhagriha). Temples in this style were prominently constructed in Rajasthan during the 11th and 12th centuries. The primary feature of this style is reflected in its shikhara (spire):
• Features of the Temples
  • Bhumija temples are typically nirandhara (without a covered circumambulatory path).
  • Intricate carvings and grand decorations on the plinth, mandapa (hall), and pillars.
• Features of the Shikhara
  • Latticed vines or bands with chaitya-faced designs extending in all directions.
  • Gradually diminishing rows of small shikharas (spires) at the corners.
  • The shikhara is primarily of the Anekanḍaka (Shekhari) type.

Key Examples

1. Sewari Jain Temple (Pali): The oldest Bhumija-style temple (1010-1020 CE).
2. Mainal’s Mahanaleshwar Temple (1075 CE): Panchratha and Panchabhoomi structure.
3. Ramgarh’s Bhand Devra Temple (Baran): Circular and Saptabhoomi.
4. Bijolia’s Undeshwar Temple: Navabhoomi with circular architecture.
5. Jhalrapatan’s Sun Temple: Saptratha and Saptabhoomi structure.
6. Temples in Ranakpur and Chittorgarh (Adbhutnath Temple)

5. Medieval Temples :

temples built in Nagara style during the medieval period represent architectural excellence. Examples include Kumbha Swami Temples at Kumbhalgarh, Chittorgarh, and Achalgarh; Kirti Stambh at Chittorgarh Fort; Chaturmukh Adinath Temple at Ranakpur; Bhanda Devara; Sun Temples at Jhalrapatan and Varman; and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple at Paranagar.

6. Late Medieval Period:

The temples built during this period include Lakshminath Ji built in the 15th-16th century in Jaisalmer Fort, Vaishnav Temple, Lakshminath Ji built in Bikaner, Trilokya Deepak Temple, Jagat Shiromani Temple of Amer, Shrinath Temple (Nathdwara) of Rajsamand, etc.

Sun Temples of Rajasthan

1. Sun Temple, Jhalrapatan:

• Constructed in the 10th century, this 17-feet-tall temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Jhalrapatan.
• Famous for its Khajuraho-style grandeur and exquisite craftsmanship.
• The shikhara resembles the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
• Known by names like Padmanabha and Temple of Seven Maidens.
• Colonel James Tod referred to it as the Charbhuja Temple.

2. Sun Temple, Osian:

• Located about 50 miles from Jodhpur.
• Built between the 9th and 12th centuries by the Gurjara-Pratiharas in Mahamaru style using red sandstone.
• Houses the idol of Sun God along with several Hindu deities.

3. Sun Temple, Chittorgarh Fort:

• Originally constructed in the 8th century as a Sun Temple.
• Converted into the Kalika Mata Temple during the 14th-century Mughal invasions.

4. Sun Temple, Ranakpur:

• Located in Pali, originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed in the 15th century.
• Made of white limestone in Nagara style, with delicate ornamentation.
• Features an idol of the Sun God on a chariot, facing east.

5. Sun Temple, Amer, Jaipur:

• Situated in the eastern part of old Jaipur, built during the 18th century under the reign of Sawai Jai Singh II.
• Constructed on a high platform on a hill, mostly with stone and lime.
• Features a grand entrance resembling a magnificent mansion.
• Another Sun Temple is located on Galta Hill in Jaipur.

6. Sun Temple, Banswara:

• Banswara has the highest number of Sun Temples in Rajasthan.
• Includes a dilapidated temple from the 11th century, with a statue of the Sun God and a broken chariot wheel on the platform.
• Built in Nagara style, with remnants of Sun Temples also found in Surajgaon village.

7. Sun Temple, Lohargal:

• Located in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan.
• Believed to be the site where the Pandavas bathed and cleansed their weapons in the Surya Kund to atone for killing their relatives in the Mahabharata.

8. Sun Temple, Devka, Barmer:

• Constructed in the 12th century, dedicated to Shiva, Kubera, and Vishnu.
• Built in Panchayatan style, featuring a central temple surrounded by four smaller temples at the corners.
• Includes a mandapa, niches, and a makara torana.

9. Sun Temples, Sirohi:

• Sirohi district hosts several Sun Temples, notably in Anadra, Basantgarh, Vasa, Mungthala, and Pindwara.
• Most temples feature idols of Lakshminarayanji.
• The oldest Sun Temple (7th century) is located in Varman.

10. Other Sun Temples:

• Boohadit Sun Temple (Digod, Kota).
• Bhinmal Sun Temple (Jalore).
• Satwas Sun Temple.
• Kaman Sun Temple (Bharatpur).
• Mandesar Sun Temple (Udaipur).

These Sun Temples reflect the rich history and spiritual significance of Rajasthan. Their exquisite designs and historical transitions highlight the enduring cultural heritage of the region.

Memorials (Chhatris and Dewals), Mausoleums, and Dargahs :-

The tradition of building memorials after death has been prevalent since ancient times. In Rajasthan, Chhatris and Dewals were constructed in memory of rulers and merchants, reflecting significant architectural heritage. Notable examples include Gator in Jaipur, Jaswant Thada in Jodhpur, and Chhatravilas Bagh in Kota. These structures showcase a blend of Mughal and Rajput art, with domes, pillars, arches, and intricate carvings.

Famous Chhatris:

• Jaswant Singh’s Thada, Jodhpur
• Sethon ki Chhatri, Ramgarh
• Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi
• Rao Kalyanmal’s Chhatri, Jaisalmer

Dargahs and Mausoleums commemorate saints and influential figures, reflecting Hindu-Muslim architectural fusion. Prominent examples include:

• Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Ajmer
• Dargah of Hamiduddin Nagori, Nagaur
• Dargah of Diwan Shah, Kapasan
• Shakkar Pir Baba’s Dargah, Narhar

Haveli Architecture

Haveli Architecture flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries in Rajasthan, built by feudal lords and merchants. The tradition of haveli architecture started in Jaipur and spread to towns like Ramgarh, Nawalgarh, Fatehpur, Mukundgarh, Mandawa, Pilani, Sardar Shahar, Ratangarh, and Lakshmangarh. 

• The Haveli of Jaisalmer are globally renowned for their stone jalis, intricate yellow sandstone-carved jharokhas, ornate wall paintings, and elegant gateways. Later Vaishnava temples were also built in the Haveli style.
• Similarly, the Havelis of Karauli, Bharatpur, and Kota, built with Banshi stone, showcase exquisite stone-cutting and carvings. 
• Bikaner’s red stone Havelis feature paintings blending Mughal, Kishangarh, and European styles, geomatrical shape carvings, floral desigens etc. 
• The Shekhawati Havelis are famous for their vibrant and colorful wall paintings.
• Famous examples:
  • Salim Singh Haveli (Jaisalmer)
  • Nathmal’s Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli (Jaisalmer)
  • Karauli, Bharatpur, and Kota Havelis (made from Banshi stone)
  • Bachhawat Haveli (Bikaner)
  • Shekhawati Havelis (notable for vibrant paintings)

Palace Architecture

Early Palaces:

• Built during the rise of Rajput states, with ruins found in places like Mainal, Nagada, and Amer.
• Features: Small rooms, small doors, no windows, and corner rooms with verandas.

Medieval Period (Post 15th Century):

• Economic prosperity led to larger, grander palaces with better furnishings.
• Early palaces, like those from the Kumbha period, were simple in design.

Influence of Mughal Architecture:

• After the 15th century, Rajput palaces incorporated Mughal elements such as fountains, small gardens, floral designs, marble, arches, domes, etc.
• Examples: Amar Singh Palace (Udaipur), Jagmandir, Jagniwas, Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Aam of Amber Palace, Karn Mahal (Bikaner), Shish Mahal and Rang Mahal (Jodhpur).

17th Century Onwards:

• A clear fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles seen in Kota, Bundi, and Jaipur.
• Common features: Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Chitrashalas (painting galleries), Baradaries (pavilions), and Gavaksh-Jharokhas (balconies).
• Notable examples: City Palace (Jaipur), City Palace (Udaipur), Deeg Palaces.

Conclusively we can say, Rajasthan’s architecture has evolved over time, reflecting its historical grandeur and cultural diversity. In ancient times, magnificent forts and temples were built, known for their strength and artistic excellence. During the medieval period, palaces and havelis became symbols of royal splendor. Even in modern times, Rajasthan has preserved its heritage while promoting tourism. Today, these remarkable structures attract millions of tourists, offering a unique journey into the state’s rich legacy and architectural brilliance.

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