Architecture III: Palaces & Royal Monuments

Rajasthan's palaces represent the pinnacle of Rajput grandeur, often blending Mughal and European influences. • City Palace, Udaipur: Initiated by Maharana Udai Singh II. Known as the 'Windsor of Rajasthan' (by Fergusson). Largest palace complex in the state. • Hawa Mahal, Jaipur: Built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh. Architect: Lal Chand Ustad. 5 stories, 953 jharokhas. Shaped like Lord Krishna's crown. • Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur: Known as Chitar Palace (built with Chitar stones). India's last major palace (built 1929-43). Indo-Deco style. • Jal Mahal, Jaipur: Built by Madho Singh I in Man Sagar Lake. 5 stories, with 4 submerged under water. • Laxmi Niwas Palace (Bikaner): Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob; a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic style.

Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions serving as memorials for royalty. • Jaswant Thada (Jodhpur): Called the 'Taj Mahal of Rajasthan'. Built by Sardar Singh for Maharaja Jaswant Singh II in white marble. • Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri (Alwar): An 80-pillared cenotaph built by Vinay Singh in memory of Bakhtawar Singh. • 84-Pillared Cenotaph (Bundi): Built by Rao Anirudh in memory of his foster brother Deva. Dedicated to Lord Shiva. • Gaitore (Jaipur): Royal crematorium for Kachwaha rulers; features delicate stone carvings of Sawai Jai Singh II. • Ahar (Udaipur): Memorials for Mewar kings, known as 'Mahasatyaji'. • 32-Pillared Cenotaph (Ranthambore): Known as the 'Cenotaph of Justice'; built by Hammir Dev Chauhan for his father Jaitra Singh.