Any
visitor may get amazed with the mixture and brilliance of
Rajasthan's
architectural heritage. Spectacular palaces, mighty forts, intricately
carved temples and havelis (meaning mansion) and even step well make
Rajasthan an architectural paradise. All these edifices, in fact, carry the
grandeur of bygone era. The state was on the centrestage for centuries in
medieval era. These architectural masterpieces either played a crucial role
or witnessed the history in the making. This desert state is a land of
extremes and irony. Vibrant and striking region of Rajasthan is home to
Rajput warrior clans who ruled Rajasthan for many years. Some of the most
romantic cities of India are located in Rajasthan. Rajputs were prolific
builders who dotted the arid Aravali landscape with their legacy of some of
the most imposing and magnificent forts and palaces throughout the world.
Some of the most illuminating examples of Rajasthan's heritage are mentioned
below.
Historical Heritage in
Rajasthan
The forts and palaces in Rajasthan are a perfect mirror to the
architectural heritage of Rajasthan. From one corner to the other, the state
of Rajasthan remains dotted with wonderful forts and palaces that apart from
featuring the Rajput architecture also unfold many legends connecting to the
maharajas of Rajasthan.
City Palace, Udaipur
Towering over the Pichola Lake, City Palace was built by Maharana Uday
Singh. He initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding
Maharanas added several palaces and structures. But the complex still
retains a surprising uniformity to the design. Main entry to the palace is
from Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. Bari Pol or Big gate brings us to
Tripolia, the Triple gate.
City Palace, Jaipur
Set in the heart of the walled city, City Palace Complex makes us to
appreciate the far sightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. A
legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and
craft structure were left behind the city. He built the outer walls of the
palace but many of its buildings were built later, even in the twentieth
century too.
Lake Palace, Udaipur
Located on the Jag Niwas Island, Lake Palace covers the whole of 1.5
hectare of island in the middle of Pichola Lake. Maharana Jagat Singh built
it as a royal summer palace in 1743 which now got converted into a five star
palace hotel.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
This masterpiece was built by Maharaja Umaid Singhji who fascinated with
western lifestyles. He marshalled the services of a well-known Edwardian
architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester. This creditable equal of Edward Lutyens
(architect of New Delhi) constructed a three hundred and forty seven roomed
Umaid Palace.
Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh
A massive structure of Chittorgarh Fort is with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent
to it. This road leads through seven gates to its main gate Rampol (meaning
Gate of Ram). You see two Chattris cenotaphs on the climb between the second
and third gate. These were built to honour Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568
siege by Emperor Akbar.
Taragarh Palace, Bundi
Built in 1345, Taragarh Palace in Bundi is great ramble around at leisure.
More or less a ramshackle fort has its overgrown vegetation. Having a view
over the town and surrounding countryside from the top is simply magical,
especially at sun set. Huge reservoirs have been carved out of solid rock
inside the ramparts. Bhim Burj is the largest of the battle- fields, a
famous cannon is mounted there.
Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner
This architectural masterwork in red sandstone was built by Maharaja Ganga
Singh Ji in the memory of his father Maharaja Lal Singh Ji in 1902. This
oriental fantasy was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob. It represents a fusion
of Rajput, Mughal and European architecture. It's exterior contrasts
dramatically with oriental interiors and amenities. Beautiful latticework
and filigree work are the hallmarks of its great craftsmanship.
Heritage Hotels in Rajasthan
Many of the wonderful royal palaces and havelis in Rajasthan today serve as
heritage hotels bringing back the glories of the past to visitors from
across the world. It's interesting to know that many of this palaces in
Rajasthan are still occupied by royal families and visitors are welcomed by
these Rajput lords themselves. The heritage hotels in Rajasthan feature all
the modern amenities keeping the Rajput culture and tradition alive. Some
famous heritage hotels in Rajasthan are as follows.
» Raj Mahal alace, Jaipur
» Balsamand Lake Palace, Jodhpur
» Hotel Devigarh Fort, Udaipur
» Gajner Palace, Bikaner
» Hotels Castle, Mandawa
» Roop Niwas Palace, Mandawa
» Jawahar Niwas Palace, Jaisalmer
Cultural Heritage in Rajasthan
Not only for its historical monuments, but Rajasthan is also loved for its
exotic culture. Visitors to Rajasthan can very well experience the cultural
richness in the customs and traditions Rajasthanis follow, in the music and
folk dance forms that Rajasthani people carry on, in the art and craft and
of course in the ethnic cuisines that have been handed down from generation
to generation.
