Architecture: The Spiritual & Grand Stone Art

Phase 1: Major Temple Styles

Rajasthan temples primarily follow the Nagara Style, with regional variations like Maha-Maru and Maru-Gurjara.

1. Maha-Maru Style (8th-10th Century)

• Developed under the Pratiharas.
• Examples: Osian Temples (Jodhpur), Abhaneri (Harshat Mata).

2. Maru-Gurjara Style (11th-13th Century)

• Developed under the Solankis.
• Examples: Dilwara Temples (Mt. Abu), Kiradu Temples (Barmer - The Khajuraho of Rajasthan).

Phase 2: Iconic Temples

1. Dilwara Jain Temples (Sirohi)

• Famous for intricate white marble carving.
• Vimal Vasahi: Built by Vimal Shah (1031 AD) dedicated to Rishabhdev.
• Luna Vasahi: Built by Vastupal-Tejpal dedicated to Neminath.

2. Ranakpur Jain Temple (Pali)

• Built by Dharna Shah during Maharana Kumbha's reign.
• Architect: Deepak.
• Known as the "Forest of Pillars" (1444 pillars).

Phase 3: The Grand Havelis

Havelis are mansions famous for their stone latticework (Jali) and frescoes.

1. Patwon ki Haveli (Jaisalmer)

• Largest and most ornate haveli in Jaisalmer.
• Built by Guman Chand Patwa.

2. Salim Singh ki Haveli

• Famous for its ship-like ship-head (Jhajha) appearance.

3. Shekhawati Havelis

• Known as the "Open Air Art Gallery" of Rajasthan.
• Famous for Frescoes (Araish work).

[!TIP]
Kiradu: Often called the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan" due to its erotic sculptures and Nagara style.