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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.
Forts & Palaces
Temples
Havelis
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Forts & 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. |
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. |
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. |
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