Rajasthan

Rajasthan Jat houses for farming casteBhungas (Circular Huts) Havelis (Pukka houses)

Jaipuris thecapitalandlargest cityof theIndianstateofRajasthan. The city today has a population of 3.1 million.The city is remarkable among pre-modern Indian cities for the width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets 34m (111ft) wide. The urban quarters are further divided by networks of gridded streets. Five quarters wrap around the east, south, and west sides of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east. JAIPUR ARCHITECTURE

Jaipur is located at 2655N 7549E / 26.92N 75.82E. It has an average elevation of 432 meters (1417 ft).The district is situated in the eastern part of Rajasthan. It is situated in the north by Sikar and Alwar, in South by Tonk, Ajmer and Sawai Madhopur, Nagaur, Sikar and Ajmer in the west and in east by Bharatpur and Dausa districts. Banas and Banganga are the major rivers passing through the Jaipur district.

Climate & Geography:

Jaipur architecture is world wide famous because of its technical details and beauty. Jaipur architecture is based on Indian Vastu concepts. Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II - the founder of Jaipur was a great architect and astronomer. He also had a good knowledge of Indian Vastu. This is the reason that the architecture of Jaipur is a wonderful case study for the modern architects across the world. Jaipur architecture includes all the Vastu principles and astronomical principles precisely so that Jaipur could be a prosperous and peaceful city.

Architecture

Jaipur which is also referred to as the Pink City is noted for its architectural wonder. The architecture of this capital city of Rajasthan is a beautiful fusion of yesteryears and modern architectural pattern. This city, with its well planned roads, can be compared with recently designed cities. It has earned the name Pink City, because most of the buildings have been painted pink. The main architectural creations of Jaipur are the amber fort palace, the City palace, the Jantar Mantar and the Hawa Mahal. Pink city

The town of Jaipur is built in the form of an eight-part"Mandala"known as the"Pithapada". The city was divided into nine blocks, of which two consist the state buildings and palaces, with the remaining seven allotted to the public. The width and regularity of its streets which are laid out into six sectors separated by broad streets of 111 ft. 111 is a holy number in Hinduism and hence considered lucky also. The commercial shops were designed in Jaipur in the multiples of nine (27), having one cross street for a planet. "Nine" signifies the nine planets of the ancient astrological zodiac, and twenty-seven signifies the 27 nakshatras. Town Planning

In Jaipur architecture, the urban quarters were further divided by networks of girded streets. Every street is connected to main road. Because of this sort of architecture of Jaipur, nobody can wander in the streets of Jaipur whether he is familiar with the paths or not. Further, the five quarters wrap around the east, south, and the west side of a central palace quarter, with a sixth quarter immediately to the east.Now, Jaipur is clearly divided in two parts, an old"Four Wall City"and a new city; having 5 stars hotels, air port, railway junction, MNCs, internationally recognized colleges, shopping malls, hospitals etc. Architecture of new city is not as per Indian Vastu and astronomy, but the architecture of new Jaipur is based on modern architectural concepts.

As Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was keen on the security aspect of the city, he constructed 20 feet high fortification walls to wrap the city all around, called"Parkota", and designed seven entry gates of Jaipur. The gates used to be closed at sunset and opened at sunrise. There are only three gates facing East, West, and North, while other gates face South. wall is six meters high and three meters thick. There are seven gates in the wall.The gates are:

WallsSanganerigateGhat gateSamrat gateZorawar Singh Gate

ChandpoleSurajpoleAjmerigateNew gate

Gates of jaipur

The distinction between a commercial and residential street is in its section: commercial streets contain shops on the ground floor that are shaded by an arcade running the length of the block, which also serves as a foundation for a terrace in front of the living quarters located on the first floor, above the shop. Residential streets also contain a shop/trade/sitting space, used originally for family business or trade, above which the residential space pushes up close against the narrow street.

Residential and commercial

Royal architectureWalks and Gateways Extremely preoccupied with palace security, Maharajas would also build fortified walls and gateways around their residences. These heavily guarded structures were architectural marvels in themselves, mammoth in size and wrought with complex geometric designs that communicated the authority of the royal family. The beating of drums at palace gateways would announce the coming of visitors to Indian royalty.

Courtyards The Indian nobility's belief in their divine right to power manifested itself in the planning of palaces. The palace was designed following architectural guidelines described in ancient Indian texts known as the Vastushastras some of which are more than fifteen hundred years old and was meant to be a physical and spiritual microcosm of the universe. The central courtyard of a palace was said to be the building's most powerful point, and always contained a representation of a prominent deity. Views of the courtyard and deity could thus be enjoyed from each of the palace's residential quarters.

Royal architectureCorridors, Arches The secret tunnels and doorways that abounded in Indian palaces allowed Maharajas easy access to their queens' quarters and provided them with quick getaways from public reception halls. More importantly, these clandestine passageways were a precaution against assassination plots and enabled a king and his entourage to slip in and out unnoticed. Canotopes When The Maharaja would sit on his throne or walk an umbrella like jeweled canopy was held over his head, the palaces would have similar umbrella like structures called chhatri on top of their buildings these actually were a common design indicating celestial power, its multiple tiers indicated the ascending realms of heaven. Gardens Indian rulers and their courtiers drank, ate and listened to music in the privacy of verdant, breathtaking gardens. Gardens were planned according to geometric patterns and were usually arranged in plots of four, known in Persian as charbagh. Court celebrations such as Holi took place in gardens, during which courtiers squirted each other with vivid colours.

City Palace, Jaipur, which includes theChandra MahalandMubarak Mahalpalaces and other buildings, is a palace complex inJaipur, the capital of theRajasthanstate, India. It was the seat of the Maharaja of Jaipur, the head of theKachwahaRajputclan.

The palace complex lies in the heart of Jaipur city, to the northeast of the very centre, located at26.9255N 75.8236E. The site for the palace was located on the site of a royal hunting lodge on a plain land encircled by a rocky hill range, five miles south ofAmber (city).

City palace

Mubarak Mahal, meaning the 'Auspicious Palace', was built with a fusion of theIslamic, Rajput and European architectural styles in the late 19th century by Maharaja Madho Singh II as reception centre. It is a museum; a fine repository of variety of textiles such as the royal formal costumes,sanganeriblock prints, embroidered shawls,Kashmiripashminasandsilksarisas part of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. A noteworthy display here is of the set of voluminous clothes worn by SawaiMadhosingh I, who was 1.2 metres (3.9ft) wide and weighed 250 kilograms (550lb) but interestingly had 108 wivesMubarak Mahal

Chandra Mahal or Chandra Niwas is the most commanding building in the City Palace complex, on its west end. It is a seven-storeyed building and each floor has been given a specific name such as the Sukh-Niwas, Ranga-Mandir, Pitam-Niwas, Chabi-Niwas, Shri-Niwas and Mukut-Mandir or Mukut Mahal. It contains many unique paintings, mirror work on walls and floral decorations. At present, most of this palace is the residence of the descendents of the former rulers of Jaipur. Only the ground floor is allowed for visitors where a museum is located that displays carpets, manuscripts and other items that belonged to the royal family. There is beautiful peacock gate at the entry to the Mahal. Chandra Mahal

It is the inner courtyard, which provides access to the Chandra Mahal. Here, there are four small gates (known as Ridhi Sidhi Pol) that are adorned with themes representing the four seasons and Hindu gods. The gates are the Northeast Peacock Gate (with motifs of peacocks on the doorway) representing autumn; the Southwest Lotus Gate (with continual flower and petal pattern) suggestive of summer season and dedicated to LordShiva-Parvati; the Northwest Green Gate, also called the Leheriya (meaning: "waves") gate, in green colour suggestive of spring and dedicated to LordGanesha, and lastly, the Rose Gate with repeated flower pattern representing winter season.Pitam Niwas Chowk

Diwan-I-Khas was a private audience hall of the Maharajas, a marble floored chamber. It is located between the armoury and the art gallery. ). There are a number of crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling (normally covered with plastic sheets to prevent dust collection), which are uncovered on special occasionsThe 'Diwan-E-Aam' (Sabha Niwas) or the 'Hall of Public Audience' is an enchanting chamber, with the ceiling painted in rich red and gold colours, which still looks vibrant. It is a major attraction in the Mubarak Mahal courtyard. This chamber, functioning now as an art gallery, has exhibits of exquisite miniature paintings (of Rajastahni, Mughal and Persian art), ancient texts, embroidered rugs,Kashmir shawlsand carpets.Diwan-I-KhasDiwan-I-Aam

Maharani's Palace was originally the residence of the royal queens. It has been converted into a museum, where weapons used by the royalty during war campaigns are displayed, including those belonging to the 15th century.Bhaggi Khana is a museum in the palace complex where a collection of old carriages, palanquins and European cabs adopted as baggis to Indian situations are on display here.Govind Dev Ji temple, dedicated to theHindugodLord Krishna, is part of the City Palace complex. It was built in early 18th century outside the walls set in a garden environment. It has European chandeliers and paintings of Indian art.Other places

The palace is a five-story pyramidal shaped monument that rises to a height of 50 feet (15m) from its high base. The top three floors of the structure have a dimension of one room width while the first and second floors have patios in front of them, on the rear side of the structure. The front elevation, as seen from the street, is like a honeycomb web of a beehive built with small portholes. Each porthole has miniature windows and has carved sandstone grills, finials and domes. It is a veritable mass of semi-octagonal bays, which gives the monument its unique faade. The inner face on the back side of the building consists of need-based chambers built with pillars and corridors with least ornamentation, and reach up to the top floor. The interior of the Mahal has been described as having rooms of different coloured marbles, relieved by inlaid panels or gilding; while fountains adorn the centre of the courtyardHawa mahal

TheJantar Mantaris a collection of architectural astronomical instruments.He had constructed a total of five such facilities at different locations, including the ones at Delhi and Jaipur. The Jaipur observatory is the largest and best preserved of these. It has been inscribed on theWorld Heritage Listas "an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period". The observatory consists of fourteen major geometric devices for measuring time, predicting eclipses, tracking stars' location as the earth orbits around the sun, ascertaining the declinations of planets, and determining the celestial altitudes and related ephemerides. Each is a fixed and 'focused' tool. The Samrat Yantra, the largest instrument, is 90 feet (27m) high, its shadow carefully plotted to tell the time of day.Jantar mantar

Internal open spaces, thematic element in all scales of domestic architecture.Courtyards became the key organisational elements responding to climatic conditions as well as the cultural needs of communities. This private internal open space also acquired special significance while serving various levels of privacy. A wide range of household activities could extend into courtyards. These spaces became the living areas of all domestic architecture.

Planning

Terraces serving similar functional and climatic needs. Courtyard contributes to its spatial quality beautifully by bringing in a subdued light, creating a peaceful environment.Courtyard is often bounded by verandahs along its periphery. Other rooms open into these verandahs creating a spatial organisation based on a hierarchical sequence of spaces ranging from open to enclosedThe rooms get their light and ventilation from this courtyard and have very few openings onto the exterior. This spatial sequence encourages the intermittent flow of activities responding to various private needs. The tropical climate of India demands air movement as well as shaded spaces for comfort. The open, yet protected spaces, become the heart of Rajasthani living.Variations in the generic form of the courtyard come from changes in materials, articulation of the enclosing elements, scale, proportion and complexity of plan. The articulation of the sides of a courtyard is dependent on the kind of building and the users.

By and large they receive a treatment similar to the external facade; they are in fact facades inside the house. In large houses, havelis, palaces or public buildings, the nature of the architecture is formal. Hence, all sides tend to be of symmetrical, orthogonal and ordered. In vernacular conditions where the houses are smaller, it is quite different.In most cases courtyard is scaled to human proportion making it comfortable space to use. At houses it becomes larger, it is the number of courtyards and terraces that multiply, not the size. A sequence of courts is generated based on a hierarchy ranging from public to private.It is the courtyard that gives porosity to an otherwise extremely dense fabric of the city. It is the breathing space the lungs of an Rajasthani city.

The grid system of planning was always followed regardless of the site or building type. The grid was made flexible enough to accommodate any site condition and topography. Grid system is more sustainable in terms of economy and speed of construction. It is also easier to recycle materials if it was built on a grid. Prefabrication also favors the grid. The grid was not always symmetric or simple. Complex geometry and curvilinear grids were also adopted. The central courtyard is the lung space 'of either the house or the housing block. Just to ensure there is a courtyard in every house,the centre of the house is never built up and is called the Brahmastana, the genius loci of the house

The heat inside of the building is controlled by the use of textures in Rajasthan. This is organized at three levels.At the town scale the buildings are of unequal height with parapets and high walls, creating uneven sky lines and desired shading of each other.Secondly, the building facades have large number of projections like jharokhas and chajjas which provide shade to the facades.

Thirdly, the front part of the facade which remains exposed are controlled by creating deeply carved patterns. Use of such devices minimizes the heat gain by providing shading due to texture. Such devices also result in increased convective transfer of heat because of increased surface area. In summer in day time when the major heat source is Sun the exposed textured surfaces will be cooler than plain surfaces.In evening when ambient conditions are cool the increase surface area helps in cooling it faster. However, an extended surface will warm up faster than a plain surface under winter conditions due to low solar altitude, therefore the location in context of these surfaces is very important.

The history depicts the Jats as a brave, courageous and loyal race of India. They are divided in many clans. Jats are not only Hindus but include Sikhs and Muslims as well. Jat people are followers of many faiths. Today they mostly followHinduism,Islam, orSikhism, with a minority followingChristianity.The Jat people are required to marry within their community. Thejoint familysystem was popular amongst the Jats and large families use to share the same house andhearth.

Jat Houses

Marriage ceremony When engagement is fixed, the bridegroom comes with relatives to the house of the bride and presents theengagement ring. Invitingmaternaluncles for bht by the mother of bride or groom about a month before marriage. After theGanesh ceremony, the bride or groom do not take food at their home. First meals are at priest's house known as bamanbanori. Subsequent meals at close relative's house till marriage. On the night before marriage all family members sing songs, dance, and worship deities without sleeping. The function at the time of a boy's marriage in which all relatives and villagers are invited on lunch one day before the main ceremony. The wedding is normally conducted under a mandap, a canopy traditionally with four pillars, and an important component of the ceremony is the sacred fire (Agni) that is witness to the ceremony. Worship of potter's wheel. Jats marriages start with the Chak Pooja. It is done in Jats of all the states. Departure of wedding procession. The groom leaves for the wedding venue riding a decorated horse. This is a very colorful and grand ceremony. The feast in a frequent occurrence in Jat wedding

BhungasThe bungas which even a kind would envy for its elaborate design and artistic elegance.It has a light dome shaped bamboo and circular wall plastered with mud, twig and dung. Their thick walls keep the interiors cool when the temperature rises to 46 degrees Celsius in summer and warm when it drops to two degrees CelsiusThe circular design and steely mesh of mud plaster and twigs make them resist any wind pressure and quake

Area:38,401 sq. KilometersPopulation:5 Lacks 8000 aprox.Location:Jaisalmer is situated in the western Rajasthan amid Thar Desert.Longitude:69.3 to 72.2 EastLatitude:26.01 to 28.02 NorthClimate of Jaisalmer:Summer 42 C to 25C Winter 24 C to 7 CBest time to visit:October to MarchNearest Railway Station:Jaisalmer JunctionNearest Airport:JodhpurFamous Buildings:Jaisalmer fort, Havelis and Gadsisar Lake.Language spoken:Rajasthani, Hindi and UrduJaisalmer Forts and HavelisJaisalmer

Jaisalmer is named after its founder Maharawal Jaisal Singh, a Rajput king in 1156 AD.[2]"Jaisalmer" means "the Hill Fort of Jaisal". Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area.History

Representing the glorious past, Jaisalmer has several beautiful architectural monuments that portray the rich artistic skill and creative imagination of the local craftsmen of the region. The Rajmahal, Jaisalmer Fort, Chandraprabhu Temple, Parsvanath Jain Temple, Salim Singh-ki- Haveli and Nathmal-ki- Haveli reflect the unique architectural style that were adopted by the imperial Rajput rulers of the bygone era. The forts, palaces and religious shrines of Jaisalmer are exquisitely ornamented with fine and delicate works. A marvelous creation of the ancient times, the beautiful monuments of Jaisalmer bear an Indian architectural style of constructing the edifices.The city of Jaisalmer

The winding streets wander between the havelis, with their beautifully carved fretwork and jali screens, and the equally stunning Jain temples. We visit the old palace of Maharawal painted in extravagant Rajput style. In the late afternoon we relax at the oasis which led to the foundation of the city, Gadi Sagar, and explore the Royal cenotaphs at Bada Bagh before enjoying the desert sunset.

MuseumsDesert Culture Centre & MuseumJaisalmer Folklore MuseumGovernment MuseumJaisalmer FortJain heritage of JaisalmerPatwa HaveliBuildings in Jaisalmer

It is a system of carved elements - stone slabs, beams, columns - pieces put together, the putting together - a carefully pre-planned process. Stone carvers - the artists, the artisans working in groups to deliver the pieces as required, with every piece cut, carved, to make a railing, to turn it to make a junction or to break the monotony of a symmetrical faade.Stone blocks cut and carved to make an arch, a doorway, a jharokha, brackets that support a circular jharokha, brackets that are radiating out from a point and therefore vary in their sizes.Jaisalmer Architecture: Pre-Cast Construction

Jaisalmer Fort is a magnificient monument in Jaisalmer. The Jaisalmer fort is the second oldest fort in Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Jaisalmer fort is also known as the "Sonar Quila" or the Golden fort. This fort was built by the Bhatti Rajput chieftain Rawal Jaisal in 1156 AD.

Jaisalmer Fort

The five storey fort adorns itself with balconies and windows that displays some of the finest masonry work, while the interior is painted and tiled in typical Rajput style. The bastions envelops a whole township that consist of palace complex, the havelis of rich merchants, several temples and the residential complexes of the armies and merchants. These merchants served and acquire a great deal of power and noble status in the royal courts of Bhatti Rajputs who founded the state in the 12th century and proceeded further. But the rich merchants inspired by the classic style of the royals, constructed huge mansions or havelis. These merchants engaged stone - craftsmen who worked delicately on the sandstone mansions. They filled up facades with sculptural figures, screen windows, delicate pavilions and beautiful balconies. Jaisalmer Fort

The main attractions within the fort are a group of beautifully carved Jain temples built between the 12th and 15th century.The architecture of the Jaisalmer fort is exquisite. The ramparts, bastions and the long stretching walls of the fort dazzle gloriously during early morning and at the sunset. The fort is two hundred and fifty feet tall and reinforced by an imposing crenellated sandstone wall which is 30 feet high. The fort has 99 bastion, out of which 92 bastions were built between 1633 and 1647. The fort stands almost 30 metres over the city and unbelievably houses an entire living area within huge ramparts. It is approached through Ganesh Pol, Suraj Pol, Bhoot Pol and Hawa Pol.

Tazia Tower of Jaisalmer is one of the major tourist attractions. It is situated in the 'Badal Palace' complex located near Amar Sagar Gate. These were the homes of the former royal family. The Tazia tower is a 5-storied structure where each story has significance in its own. On each floor there is a balcony that is famous for their individual designs. This was built by Muslim craftsmen and is based on the shape of Tazia. Tazia is actually the replica of Mausoleum of various Imams. They are made of wood, thermocol and colored papers. The architects gifted it to the then royal patrons.Tazia Tower

Jain Temples situated in the Jaisalmer Fort. These temples to be very old and high pilgrimage as well as archeological value attached to them. These are a group of Jain temples dating back 12th and 15th centuries and are dedicated to various Jain Tirthankars (Hermits). On the walls of the temples, you can find animal & human figures, carved in famous Dilwara style.The Jain temples in the Jaisalmer Fort are dedicated to the famous Jain hermits known as 'Tirthankars'. Like all other structures in Jaisalmer, these temples are craved of yellow sandstones. The beautifully carves decorations on the wall will give you divine peace. Jain Temples of Jaisalmer

HavelisHaveli- Is a huge private mansion in India or Pakistan.

The Rajasthani havelis were constructed by the wealthy Marwari community in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan in the 19th century.

A haveli typically has two courtyards one for the men and the inner one for the women, the walls were adorned with beautiful colourful frescoes painted by commissioned artists.

The city of Jaisalmer has witnessed different forms of architecture in different eras. The ancient times saw dominating Rajputana architecture where as the medieval period witnessed the fusion of Rajputana and subtle Islamic architecture. It is this era that saw the construction of most of the Havelis. Haveli is places, which served as the residence of Wazirs i.e. ministers and landlords. Usually they are very big and have lots of rooms and open space.There is no dearth of Havelis in Jaisalmer as the place has witnessed many wazirs and Landlords. The most famous among these is Patwon Ji ki Haveli. This Haveli was the first in Jaisalmer that is why it has greater significance. This Haveli became the pioneer of the constructions in Jaisalmer. Patwon Ji ki Haveli is actually the collection of 5 small Havelis.Last but not the least among major Havelis is Salim Ji ki haveli. Built in 1815, this Haveli is famous for its unique architecture based on the Peacock. Have a view of the city from one of its numerous balconies and you will get the real picture of the bustling city. Havelis of Jaisalmer

Patwa Havelis are a cluster of five havelis aligned in a narrow lane in the heart of the city.Kotharis Patwa Haveliis one of the finest, oldest and the largest havelis in Jaisalmer, which is full of artistic work in each corner, be it gracefully carved pillars, faade or the balconies (Jharokhas).Kotharis Patwa Havelibears expensive decorated items that were imported from various countries. The murals and interiors have derived inspiration from theRajputi,Mughalas well as Victorian architecture.Patwa Haveli

Location:In a narrow lane near Patwa Complex Attraction:Architecture and miniatures, balconies

The Patwon Ji ki Haveli is an interesting piece of Architecture and is the most important among the havelis in Jaisalmer. This is precisely because of two things, first that it was the first haveli erected in Jaisalmer and second, that it is not a single haveli but a cluster of 5 small havelis. The first among these havelis was commissioned and constructed in the year 1805 by Guman Chand Patwa and is the biggest and the most ostentatious. The havelis are also known as the 'mansion of brocade merchants'. This name has been given probably because the family dealt in threads of gold and silver used in embroidering dresses..Patwa Haveli

This is the largest Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. This haveli is presently occupied by the government, which uses it for various purposes. The office of the Archeological Survey of India and State art and craft department is situated in the haveli itself.The other important aspects are its gateways and arches. You will notice individual depictions and theme on each and every arch. Although the whole building is made yellow sandstone, the main gateway of the Patwon Ji ki Haveli is in brown color.

Patwa HaveliJharokhasGolden Ceiling in the chamber

This Nathmal Ji ki haveli was commissioned to serve as the residence of Diwan Mohata Nathmal, the then Prime Minister of Jaisalmer. Maharawal Beri Sal commissioned the construction of this Haveli. The architects of this haveli were Hathi and Lulu who happened to be brothers. this haveli is still considered the best in Jaisalmer in terms of grandeur. There are other minute details worth appreciation. For example there are two Elephants made of yellow stone. These life-size replicas have been put in front of the main entrance so that it looks as if they are guarding the Haveli. Other than these, there are pictures engraved on pillars and walls. These consist of Horses, Cattle, and depiction of Flora among other things.Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli

Projections & shading

Courtyard

The themes were usually images of Gods, Goddesses & animals.

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