Architecture of Rajasthan

Architecture of Rajasthan

 

The Hindi words for Architecture are 'Sthapataya Kala' or 'Vastu Kala'. The later has its root in the hindi word 'Vas' which means to live or settled at a place. Thus, construction of buildings, temples, dams, monuments, forts etc. are included within this art. The art comprises three major elements viz. length, breadth and thickness, Precision is the chief characteristic of the art of architecture. Thus, the latent feelings of human being are more explicitly manifested through this art as compared to other art forms.

 

However, this art form has continuously been in the state of flux not only because of the periodic changes in human civilization but also due to political activities. The architecture of Rajasthan is quite ancient. Kali Banga excavations have established the presence of the architecture of Indus Valley Civilization over here. Similarly, the architecture of Ahar Civilization has been discovered near Udaipur and the traces of the civilization as developed during the Maurya period have been discovered at Bairath.

 

Rajput architecture has been the major architecture of Rajasthan. Consequent upon which the whole of Rajasthan is full of forts, temples, ramparts, palaces, water tanks, pillars and tombs. As such the architecture of this place presents a true picture of the history, civilization and culture of Rajasthan. The architecture further reveals the thoughts, feelings and objectives of the rulers and the people of this place.

An example of Architecture of Rajasthan

The Hindu style of architecture was the major one in Rajasthan before coming into contact with the Mughals. There was great importance of pillars, straight planks, high beaks, ornamented figures, lotus and metallic pinnacle of Hindu temple in this Style of architecture. Rajasthani architecture come under the impact of Mughal style during the Mughal Period. The characteristic features of this style were painted trident, arches, archway, roofs, eight-faced halls of the buildings, dome, towers etc. Amalgamation of the two styles gave a superb look to Rajasthani architecture.

 

Although Mughal impact is clearly visible in the architecture of Rajasthan yet Rana Kumbha is considered as the father of Rajasthani architecture ho himself was very much impressed by the literature Obtained in five volumes viz. Roop Mandan, Griha Mandan, Prasad Mandan, Roopavtar and Vastusar Mandan written by master craftsman Mandan. The impact of craftsman ideals as suggested by Mandan visible on the buildings that were constructed during the regime of Rana Kumbha.

 

The 'Kirti hambh' of Chittorgarh was got constructed under thedirect supervision and direction of Mandan himself. The architecture of Rajasthan can be witnessed in the temples, pillars, reservoir or water-pool, gardens and tombs of this place and, therefore, the study of these become more or less imperative.

 

Town and city Plans

 

Morphology of towns and cities of Rajasthan was chiefly based upon and was in time with principles laid down in Arthasastra, Mahabharat, Kam Sutra etc. Before the establishment of contact with the Mughals. Accordingly, weightage was given on the protection and security of cities by ramparts and trenches and the residential localities were divided in terms of professions. Ajmer is the living example of these facts.

 

Wherever capitals were established during the Rajput period, the role of city situation was important. The place selected from the viewpoint of security and facilities of the city was of prime importance. From the said point of view the cities like Bhinmal, Chittor, Mandor, Ranthambhore, Jhalarapatan and Amer were developed. Later, the native kings founded cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota, and Jaipur as their capitals and thereby overwhelmed their dream of perfect city.

 

The importance of circle and square has always been there in town planning since ancient time. Hindu craft of architecture is based upon astrology. According to the science of architecture, ten lines are drawn from east to west and from south to north which resulted in the formation of a square shape.

 

In the planning of Jaipur city, the two major principles of circular perimeters and square shape. In the planning of Jaipur city, the two major principles of circular perimeters and square shape as found at that time in Chinese cities, cities of Ketoya and Baghdad. Great craftsman Vidyadhar founded the city of Jaipur on the principle of nine squares. Adequacy of water and hilly state has a big hand in the architecture of Bundi. Construction of forts, ramparts, building construction etc. in the foundation of Jodhpur and Bikaner are closely related to the geographical conditions of these places. The whole city of Udaipur has been founded on the shores of lake has been provided protection by hilly enclosure, ramparts, trenches and strong gates.

 

Forts

Rajasthan is the home of forts. One can come across a fort at a distance of every 16 km. Mewar alone has 48 forts of which as many as 32 were got constructed by Rana Kumbha alone. As such, it becomes clear that the fort architecture witnessed immense development in Rajasthan. The following are the main reason for the same:

 

✔For residential purpose and for the protection of princely state owing to the prevalence of feudalism in Rajasthan.

✔ For the protection of the subject during the period of invasion.

✔ For the protection of army, cattle and property.

✔For the accumulation of necessary material.

✔To protect the cattle wealth from the ill-effects of flood and natural calamities.

 

The tradition of fort construction is quite ancient. Our religious and ethical texts bear testimony to this fact which contain detailed explanation of the craft of fort construction and its various types. Sukneetikar has indicated a nine-fold typology of forts:

 

(i) Airen Fort: Forts with roads made inaccessible by trenches, stones and thorns.

(ii) Parikh Fort: Fort which is circumvallated by huge trench.

(iii) Paridhi Fort: One which is circumvallated by rampart of big walls made up of bricks, stone and clay.

(iv) Forest Fort: The fort which is circumvallated by host of big thorny trees.

(v) Dhanva Fort: A fort which is circumvallated by extensive desert land.

(vi) Jal Fort: One which is extensively circumvallated by water.

(vii) Giri Fort: A fort located on a hill with facilities of storing water is known as Giri fort.

(viii) Sainya Fort: fort which is impenetrable due to the presence of clever and brave soldiers with strategic disposition of the forces is called Sainya fort.

(ix) Sahaya Fort: A fort inhabited by courageous, brave and always dependable kinsmen is called Sahaya fort.

 

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