Architectural Heritage

Travel Angel Says: Rajasthan's history lies enshrined in its forts, several of which dot the arid landscape. Over the centuries, several forts were abandoned, some captured, some disabused, leaving behind a rich history in their wake. While palaces outside of the forts have been a more recent phenomenon, ranging across the 19th and 20th centuries, the forts are often very old. However, since additions were constantly made to these dwellings, they provide a rich architectural legacy of influences on architecture that begins with the Hindu-Rajput, shows assimilation of the Mughal and, later the British, resulting in a sense of opulence best characterised by what has come to be referred as Indo-Saracenic architecture.

Provided here are small capsules of some of the more historic forts of Rajasthan. This is a small list, and completely overlooks others such as the forts at Ranthambhor and Gagron that have had a major role to play in the history of India because they are less frequented by visitors.


Jaipur : Royal Capital [ Click for more about Jaipur : The Architectural Heritage ]

SATI HANDS: At the entrances of most forts, you will see imprints or impres­sions of female hands. These were left behind by the women of the royal family when committing sati (burning on the funeral pyre with their hus­bands ).

JAUHAR PITS: Mostly closed to visitors, these were basement pits ringed with a ramp. It was here that the women of the zenana and small children would leap to a fiery death in the event of their armies losing a battle. It was not unusual for thousands to commit jauhar at any point.

CHHATRI: A cenotaph or memorial raised to a dead ruler or feudal chief.

BAORI: Stepwell, considered of great significance in this dry country, and therefore embellished with ornamentation. Stepwells were mostly dug and built as acts of philanthrophy.

HAVELI: A large mansion or townhouse built typically with a public area for men to receive visitors in the front. The domestic quarters were usually ranged around a courtyard.

MAHAL: Literally palace, apartments within forts were individually called mahals because each served its own purpose. Therefore, a fort or even a palace would consist of several apartments, each called a mahal.

JHAROKHA: A window with a projection and, sometimes, even a balcony, almost al­ways with a pierced screen that ensured privacy, and or­namental overhangs.

POL: Entrance or gateway. Though defensive by nature, they were usually also deco­rated.