monuments in rajasthan,historical tour of rajsthan, historical buildings in rajasthan

Historical buildings in Rajasthan are scattered throughout the state displaying the royal tradition. Once the land of the brave and aristocratic Rajputs it is dotted with forts, palaces, `chhatris` and `havelis`. Till date these historical buildings are thronged by numerous tourists who cannot stop appreciating these exquisite pieces of art. While most of these were dwelling places for the Rajasthani people they reflect the expert craftsmanship of that era. It also shows the superb artistic taste of the Rajasthani people.

Massive walls in RajasthanThe historical buildings in Rajasthan are defined by massive walls, strategic locations and grandeur. These were also the dwelling places for the royal families and `nawabs`. During the hours of crisis the subjects also took shelter within the fortress. While most of the forts in Rajasthan are build in Rajasthani style some also mirror an amalgamation of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. This is referred to as Indo-Saracenic architecture. The tourists will come across the forts in almost all the parts of Rajasthan. The forts were built in different kinds of stones among which Amer Palace (Fort ), Jaigarh Fort ,Nahargarh Fort , Jaisalmer Fort , Junagarh Fort , Mehrangarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort can be named.

The historical buildings in Rajasthan include palaces in Rajasthan that reflect the opulence with which the rulers in Rajasthan used to live their lives. The palaces were generally divided into several spacious parts. Largely these were divided into men`s quarter and women`s quarter. The medieval palaces had the defensive character of the Rajput constructions. These historical structures had narrow corridors, stairways, concealed passages and ramps. The usage of stone in creating these structures can also be seen. The making of frescos was also an indispensable part of the palaces in Rajasthan. Among the well admired and hugely visited palaces by the tourists are Amar Vilas of Udaipur, Hawa Mahal, Umaid Bhawan Palace of Jodhpur, City Palace of Jaipur, Taragarh Palace of Bundi, Padmini`s Palace, Lalgarh Palace, Lake Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace and Rana Kumbha Palace in Chittorgarh and several other palaces in Rajasthan that testify for its grandeur and opulence.

The Chhatris or cenotaphs are also included in the list of the historical buildings in Rajasthan. These were built either at the funeral pyres or at the place of death of the Rajput warriors. This was a way of glorifying his death. Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture, or funerary sites in India. Chhatris are basic element of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The term “chhatri” connotes umbrella or canopies which are built on the cremation sites of wealthy or distinguished individuals in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Some of the famous Chhatris in the Shekhawati region are Kirori, Jhunjhunu, Bissau, Churu, Parsurampura, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Mukungarh, Mahansar, Udaipurwati and Dundlod.

The tradition of Rajasthan enabled constructing `havelis` which were the residences of the Marwaris or traders that were beautifully designed by the professional artisans and several of these fine sandstone buildings are still in good condition. Some of the most renowned `havelis` of Rajasthan are Salim Singh-Ki-Haveli which was built about 300 years ago, Patwon-Ki-Haveli that is one of the largest and most elaborate houses in Jaisalmer and is five storey high and extensively carved. Another work of art that has been ostentating the tradition of Rajasthan is Nathmalji-Ki-Haveli which was built in late 19th century.

The historical buildings in Rajasthan flaunt the rich heritage and tradition of the princely state. It has also to display the intricate work of art that has been depicting the magnificence of history and serving as the prominent landmarks and important monuments of Rajasthan.

Amber Fort

Covered in this Section : Fast facts, Brief history, Overview, Speciality, Accommodation and Accessibility.

Fast Facts
District : Jaipur, capital city of Rajasthan
Distance : 11 kms from Jaipur city
Best Time To Visit : October to March

Brief History
Amber is a small place some 11 kms north east of Jaipur. The place served as the capital and was ruled by Kachhwaha clan, before it was moved to the city of Jaipur. The construction of the fort was started by the Man Singh I, as early as 1592 A.D. Further additions to the fort were made by his successors, from time to time, until the place was abandoned for Jaipur. The last to contribute in the construction of this wonderful fort was Jai Singh I. The fort that was built primarily to retain a strategic position in the region.

Amber Fort – Overview
Amber Fort stands perched on a small hill overlooking Lake Maotha. The fort, built with white marble and sandstone, features more than a millitary command post. With its luxurious interiors the fort is par excellence. The outer walls, that stands erected to safeguard the interiors, are more rugged and craggy looking. There are enormous gateways, palace halls, pavilions and stairways housed within the fort complex.
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What’s So Special
The first and the foremost feature of Amber Fort is its beautiful appearance. From a distance, the fort and its reflection in the adjacent lake looks quite remarkable.

The main gate is called the Suraj Pol and leads to the main courtyard. There is a small stairway that lead to a temple called Shila Devi Temple. The temple with silver doors and great silver lions is a real attraction.

From the main courtyard follows a stairway leading to the second courtyard. Located here is Diwan-e-Am or the Hall of Public Audience.

Elephant Safari in Amber Fort : Elephant Safari in Amber Fort is a thrilling experience for you. Apart from providing you a royal feeling, elephant safari will make your trip to this imposing fort even more spectacular and memorable. In fact, the best way to travel across Amber Fort is a ride on the elephant’s back. On the elephant’s back you can reach each and every corner of this massive fort without any problem.

Transportation Facilities for Amber Fort
Amber Fort lies towards the north east of Jaipur and only 11 kms far. The air and train facilities as such are available at Jaipur. One can easily access the fort by reaching Jaipur in a train, flight or a long distance bus. Services are provided from many cities like Agra, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, etc. From Jaipur there are buses plying to the region. A better option would be hiring a taxi.

Places Where You Can Stay
The best of the accommodation is provided in the city of Jaipur, not far away from Amber. Some noted hotels include Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur Palace, Hotel Mansingh, Raj Vilas, Rambagh Palace and Rajputana Palace.

Chittorgarh Fort

It is a famous historical place of rajasthan. Chittorgarh FortThe Chittorgarh Fort has witnessed three bloody sieges and ‘jauhars’ (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens and ladies immolate themselves in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy). The walls and the atmosphere is still haunted with the gloom of despair, valiant pride of the Rajput queens and ladies and sheer zeal and bravery of their men who refused to cow down before the enemy. The Rajput style of architecture is clearly visible in the fort, historical placewhich is said to be the Gahlot and Sisodia ruler of Mewar from the 8th to the 16th century. Named after Chittrangad Mauraya, the magnificent fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.

The legend says that when the talks hitorical places of Rani Padmini’s beauty reched the years of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, the powerful ruler of Delhi, he requested her husband, Rana Rattan Singh, for a glimpse of the queen. Though, it went against the honor code of Rajputs, yet he was allowed to get a glimpse of the queen through the reflection of the queen in a water tank that overlooked the palace. Alauddin, then, had the audacity to attack Chittor to gain her possession. He won the war but lost Rani Padmini who committed ‘jauhar’ to save her honor.

The entrance of the Chittorgarh has seven massive gates, the two towers known as the ‘Kirti Stambh’ (Tower of Fame) and the ‘Vijay Stambh’ (Tower of Victory) along with several temples, reservoirs, and palaces dating between the 9th and 17th centuries.these are good historical places.

Sahelion Ki Bari Udaipur

Sahelion Ki Bari RajasthanSaheliyon-ki-Bari or the ‘Garden of the Maids of Honor’ of Udaipur was once reserved for the royal ladies who came here for a stroll. A well planned garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks situated on the banks of the dainty Fateh Sagar Lake was constructed in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house, as part of the dowry as a cool summer retreat for them. Located in the northern precincts of the city, the suburb of Polo Ground, it has now been opened for the public. Its numerous fountains located strategically in the four scenic pools of the garden attract as much tourists as the chiseled and sculpted kiosks and marble elephants. However, they had been added later. A rose garden with over 100 varieties greets the visitors.

The garden’s lotus pools and fountains have been so placed that they are at a lower level than the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake and are thus are gravity-fed. The main fountain sports a white marble pavilion in the centre and the contrasting black marble for the four corners of the pond. The ‘Savan-Bhado’ fountain is on the left of the central square and there is yet another one on the right. The pond on the west features daintily sculptured chhatris (pavilions) of soft black stone, which are surrounded on all sides by more fountains. It is one of the finest examples of Hindu landscape gardening and is a favorite picnic spot of the city. The gardens had been damaged once when the water of the lake flooded them but Maharana Fateh Singh reconstructed in the late nineteenth centuries to lend them their present forms.

Fateh Sagar Lake Udaipur

Fateh Sagar Lake – UdaipurTo be found to the north of Lake Pichola, Maharana Jai Singh as a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir originally this historical place built the pretty Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur in 1678. Hills on three sides and Pratap Memorial on the fourth surround it and thus it presents captivating scenery. Since it had been destroyed due to heavy rains historical places, Maharana Fateh Singh took it upon himself to bear the pains and expenditure of reconstructing the dam and it was in honor of his contributions to the place that the lake was named after him.

Today, in its present capacity, this lake serves as a second major source of drinking water of the city of historical placesUdaipur. One may opt to drive along the east bank while enjoying the scenic beauty of the lakeside or go in for a boat ride to any of the three islands of the lake that is a sure to be a pleasure with their distinct fervor and panoramic location. The largest of the three islands is indeed a lovely garden known as Nehru Park, which has been named after the esteemed first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru historical place. Its focal point is the boat shaped café, which is a hot favorite amongst the visitors who love to sip coffee as they take in the reigning tranquility and serenity of the place. The second island is for more scientific-minded people, especially those who love astronomy, as this is the place where a high-resolution solar observatory is strategically installed. It is considered a prime site for obtaining good solar images because of its secluded location with clear skies above and clear waters below it.it is historical place. The smallest island to the west has proved itself useful by providing a site to support a jet fountain. Lake Fateh Sagar is connected to Lake Pichhola through a canal that has gates. The lake has shape of a pear but has scant vegetation surrounding it.

Shrinathji Temple Nathdwara

Shrinathji Temple – Udaipur48 km from Udaipur, Shrinathji of Nathdwara is actually a temple of Lord Krishna with his image carved out of a single block of black marble. Set amidst idyllic hills, it is said to be the second richest temple in the world. The royalty of Udaipur pray at the temple and as the head of his clan, the Maharana is also called as Shriji among his people. As the legend goes, Goswami Dev fled from Mathura to escape from Aurangzeb and carried this particular idol in a chariot with an intention to take it to Udaipur. However, his chariot got stuck in Sinhad and finally, he took it as a token of the divine will and decided to consecrated it on the spot. This place is now known as Nathdwara. Glimpses of the idol situated in the inner sanctum of the temple are permitted only for short intervals eight times a day in different moods. Besides those intervals, the temple precincts is relatively free from crowds and people who are here to capture the beauty of art and architecture of the place, may move around at their leisure and enjoy the still-preserved royal splendor of the bygone era.

The temple is referred to as ‘Haveli’, commonly used in Rajasthan historical places for the mansions of the wealthy merchants. Temple servants wear the clothes and costumes of the bygone era of kings and queens and serve the deity as the beloved prince and darling of historical places Nandaraj and Yashoda maiya, the adoptive parents of Lord Krishna. At regular intervals, there is a live performance of classical music in its many fragrant marble halls and courtyards, to entertain Him. There are ‘pankhwalas’ historical places who still pull on the large fans manually to cool the interiors historical places. There are drums and trumpets to announce the ‘Royal Darshan’ in the noon just as the announcements that the kings entering their courts were once made. The temple is built around several split-level courtyards to keep it airy with a solid-white façade at its exteriors. There are paintings of elephants, horses, beautiful maidens and doorkeepers on all the doorways. It is said that famous pichwai paintings originated from the custom of painted curtain cloths behind the idol.