FORTS OF RAJASTHAN

(INDIA)

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CONTENT

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Land 1.2 Climate 1.3 People 1.4 Land 1.5 Culture 1.6 Music & Dance

CHAPTER 2- ARCHITECTURE

CHAPTER 3- VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF RAJASTHAN

CHAPTER 4- FORTS

4.1 Pavillions 4.2 Chhatries 4.3 Courtyards 4.4 Entrance 4.5 Climate 4.6 Orientation

CHAPTER 5- MEHRANGARH FORT

5.1 Jai Pol 5.2 Lakhan Pol 5.3 Amrit Pol 5.4 Suraj Pol 5.5 Palace Apartments 5.6 Galleries 5.7 Daulat Khana 5.8 Shastra Khana 5.9 Sheesh Mahal 5.10 Phul Mhal 5.11Takhat Villa 5.12 Jhanki Mahal 5.13 Moti Mahal

CHAPTER 6- BIBLIOGRAPHY

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INTRODUCTION

Rajasthan, state of India, located in the northwestern part of the subcontinent. It is bounded to the north and northeast by the states of Punjab and Haryana, to the east and southeast by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, to the southwest by the state of Gujarat, and to the west and northwest by Pakistan. The capital city is Jaipur, in the east-central part of the state.

Area 132,139 square miles (342,239 square km). Pop. (2011) 68,621,012.

LAND

Relief: The Aravalli (Aravali) Range forms a line across the state running roughly from Guru Peak (about 5,650 feet [1,722 metres]), near the town of Abu (Mount Abu) in the southwest, to the town of Khetri in the northeast. About three-fifths of the state lies northwest of this line, leaving two-fifths in the southeast. These are the two natural divisions of Rajasthan.

The southeastern area lies at a somewhat higher elevation (330 to 1,150 feet [100 to 350 metres]) than its northwestern counterpart; it also is more fertile and has a more diverse topography. The hilly tract of Mewar lies in the southern region, while a broad plateau stretches across the southeast. In the northeast a rugged badlands region follows the line of the Chambal River. Farther north the country levels out into flat plains that are part of the alluvial basin of the Yamuna River.

Drainage:

The Aravallis form Rajasthan‘s most important watershed. To the east of this range, the Chambal River—the only

large and perennial river in the state—and other waterways generally drain toward the northeast. The principal

tributary of the Chambal, the Banas, rises in the Aravallis near the great Kumbhalgarh fort and collects all the

drainage of the Mewar plateau. Farther north, the Banganga, after rising near Jaipur, flows east toward

the Yamuna before disappearing.

CLIMATE:

Rajasthan has a wide range of climate varying from extremely arid to humid. The humid zone spans the southeast

and east. Except in the hills, the heat during the summer is great everywhere, with temperatures in June—the

warmest month—typically rising from the mid-80s F (about 30 °C) to nearly 110 °F (low 40s C) daily. Hot winds and

dust storms occur in the summer, especially in the desert tract. In January—the coolest of the winter months—daily

maximum temperatures range from the upper 60s to the mid-70s F (low to mid-20s C), while minimum

temperatures are generally in the mid-40s F (about 7 °C). The western desert has little rain, averaging about 4

inches (100 mm) annually. In the southeast, however, some areas may receive almost 20 inches (500 mm).

Southeastern Rajasthan benefits from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches of the southwest

(summer) monsoon winds, which bring the bulk of the annual rainfall.

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PEOPLE:

Population composition Most of Rajasthan‘s population consist of Indians of various social, occupational, and religious backgrounds. The Rajputs (various clans of landowning rulers and their descendants), though representing only a small percentage of Rajasthan‘s residents, are perhaps the most notable section of the population; indeed, the state draws its name from this community. In terms of caste structure, theBrahmans (highest caste) are subdivided into many gotras (lineages), while the Mahajans (trading caste) are subdivided into a bewildering number of groups. In the north and west the Jats (peasant caste) and Gujars (herding caste) are among the largest agricultural communities.

Hindi is the official language of the state, and to some degree it has overshadowed the local languages of Rajasthan. Much of the state‘s population, however, continues to speak Rajasthani languages, which comprise a group of Indo-Aryan languages and dialects derived from Dingal, a tongue in which bards once sang of the glories of their masters.

Hinduism, the religion of the vast majority of the population, is generally practiced through the worship of Brahma, Shiva, Shakti, Vishnu, and other gods and goddesses.

CULTURE OF RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is a rich and varied folk culture from villages which is often depicted symbolic of the state.

This historical state of India attracts tourists and vacationers with its rich culture, tradition, heritage, and monuments. It is also rich in its flora and fauna with some of popular wildlife sanctuaries & national parks.

MUSIC AND DANCE

A Rajasthani folk dance, Kalbeliya.

Highly cultivated classical music and dance with its own distinct style is part of the cultural tradition of Rajasthan.

The music is uncomplicated and songs depict day-to-day relationships and chores, more often focused around

fetching water from wells or ponds.

The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk

music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. Kathputali, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, Kachchhighori, Tejaji,parth

dance etc. are the examples of the traditional Rajasthani culture. Folk songs are commonly ballads which relate

heroic deeds and love stories; and religious or devotional songs known as bhajans and banis (often accompanied

by musical instruments like dholak, sitar, sarangi etc.) are also sung.

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ARCHITECTURE

Rajasthan is famous for the majestic forts, intricately carved temples and decorated havelis, which were built by

kings in previous ages.Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Mirpur Jain Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel,

City Palaces, Jaisalmer Havelis are part of the architectural heritage of India. Jaipur, the Pink City, is noted for the

ancient houses made of a type of sand stone dominated by a pink hue. At Ajmer, the white marble Bara-dari on

the Anasagar lake is exquisite. Jain temples dot Rajasthan from north to south and east to west. Dilwara

temples of Mount Abu, Mirpur Jain Temple of Mirpur, Ranakpur Temple dedicated to Lord Adinath near Udaipur.

THE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF RAJASTHAN In Indian architecture there are features like pavilions, courtyards, terraces, as well as threshold and realm

accentuating transition. All these come together to articulate the space. To these new room are also added. These structure can also be a part of temple, palaces, ghat and institutional buildings.

These features show the simultaneous existence versatility and anonymity. In essence, the meaning emerges from the context and the manner of its application.

Indian architecture, generally speaking, conjures up images of huge temple spires and gateways, large fortified palace complexes, mosques and tombs. On the other hand, there is the mundane domestic architecture with its occasional flair for refinement. Yet there are features that retain continuity and scale, playing an instrumental role in the characterization of Indian architecture.

An effort to understand space in Indian architecture can draw on the simple and direct physical conditions of the environment prevailing at any place, thus giving meaning to the creation of spaces within specific physical parameters. Amongst these parameters, climate has a very deterministic role in shaping activity areas by creating indoor, outdoor and in-between spaces. Consequently, for Indian communities, 'outdoor activity' spaces acquire special significance.

FORTS

Of all the Indian monuments, forts and palaces are most fascinating. Most of the Indian forts were built as a defense mechanism to keep the enemy away. The state of Rajasthan is home to numerous forts and palaces. Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are also not far behind. In fact, whole India is dotted with forts of varied sizes. The magnificent forts and palaces of Rajasthan were built during the medieval period. The notable feature about each of the forts and palaces is the exquisite carving work that has survived till date and still receives appreciation from all over. These magnificent forts can not be described in words as they will look too small in front of splendor of forts that beautify India. Some prominent forts of Rajasthan are Amber fort, Chittorgarh fort, Jaisalmer fort, Lohagarh fort, Bikaner fort and Jaigarh fort. Delhi, the capital of India also boasts of some great forts. Some of the notable forts of Delhi are the Red fort, Purana Quila and the Tughlaqabad fort.

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These grand forts clearly depict the glory of Indian majestic past. There are many other forts of importance in India. Some of the most notable are the Red fort, Agra, the Gwalior fort and the Junagarh fort.

The Forts of Rajasthan follow a complex plan, using fortified walls and moats, with some like the Amber and Mehrangarh Fort enclosing some intricately adorned structures within. Locally available material like yellow and red sandstone has been used to build these structures.

Fig.1 - Forts Of Rajasthan

PAVILIONS:

They came into being by multiplying very simple spatial units in modules. Consisting of four columns and a

roof. Irrespective of the style and construction method, their essence is the same.

Mandapas and baradaris are some outstanding examples of spaces created to provide well-articulated

shelters for gatherings or for pleasure. Pleasure pavilions known as baradaris have an extremely

sophisticated form in Rajput and Mughal complexes. The most important aspect of this kind of space is that

it offers a simultaneous experience of the inside and the outside.

Climatic Response: It is clear that such open shelters served best during summer evenings in arid regions, or even

in the warm humid regions, allowing a free flow of fresh air.

Fig.2 - Pavilions

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BARADARIS AND CHATTRIS:

Fairly common in north-western parts of India. It is a beautiful example of how the basic form has

responded to the various construction methods and styles of building. Every royal complex has to have a

baradaris often more than one.

The use of the baradaris as pleasure pavilions is clearly understandable since they are invariably located in

gardens, or on high points or along water tanks and lakes. These structures are so articulated with the

landscape and the spatial order of a building complex as to provide the most strategic location for a good

view, fresh air and general comfort.

Fig.3 - Chattris

COURTYARDS:

Internal open spaces, become another thematic element in all scales of domestic architecture. From small

urban houses to large mansions and palaces, courtyards became the key organisational elements

responding to climatic conditions as well as the cultural needs of communities.

This private internal open space also acquired special significance while serving various levels of privacy. A

wide range of household activities could extend into courtyards. These spaces became the living areas of

all domestic architecture.

Courtyard spaces, drawing people out into the open, were further supported by terraces serving similar

functional and climatic needs. In the warmer and more and zones, one can see the extra effort made to

build terraces, as if one was gilding a courtyard at a higher level. It would not only be articulated in its

construction system, but also get connected to the spaces at that level.

Courtyard contributes to its spatial quality beautifully by bringing in a subdued light, creating a peaceful

environment. In most cases courtyard is scaled to human proportion making it comfortable space to use. At

houses it becomes larger, it is the number of courtyards and terraces that multiply, not the size. A

sequence of courts is generated based on a hierarchy ranging from public to private.

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Fig.4 - Courtyard

ENTRANCES:

The most important transitional relationship between two distinct realms is expressed through entrances.

Whether it is the entrance to a city through a fort wall with defense as the major consideration, or a

hierarchical sequence of spatial layers with a series of in-between realms,incorporating symbolic as well as

functional values, transition remains the most significant aspect.

The complexity of transition as an architectural element varies from community to community.

Fig.5. - Entrance

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PLANNING ISSUE AND CLIMATE:

A typical town of Rajasthan presents a very compact picture of houses and other buildings huddled

together so that they not only shade each other but also considerably reduce the exposed open spaces

around them.

The height of the building compared to the width of the streets is large to create shaded cool environment

for the pedestrians and other social activities on the streets

In cases where normal low level dust swirls within the settlement the interiors of buildings are protected by

almost blank walls with very small openings.

All major streets are oriented almost in the East-West direction at right angles to the direction of dust

storms.

The famous have,lies with jharokhas and decorative facades are located on these streets. The streets are

relatively narrow and winding .

ORIENTATION:

The building is always oriented by the cardinal directions: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest,

Southeast and outhwest. Each of these directions is considered as energy by itself. Hence the spaces in

different orientation are considered differently for design purposes which is a very climate sensitive

approach. For example the East or the North walls are made more open to light and air as the West is the

heat gaining side in the warm humid climates of India

The placement of the building within the site is the first step toward forming the grid for internal planning.

The centre of the plot is generally not where the centre of the building is placed, only exception being

temples. The climatic logic behind this is that in the house the outdoor and indoor is designed as one.

THE FOUR GOLDEN PRINCIPLES:

The four golden rules in architecture which were outlined in the great epic ―Ramayana‖, the story of Lord

Rama, summarise Indian architecture as a whole. They are function or bhogadayam, aesthetics or sukha

darsham, harmony and poornam. The perfect example which explains all the four principles is a temple

structure which is designed and built by the most skilled architects .

Function or bhogadam which was given the first priority keeps climate among the first considerations in

architectural design. Bioclimatic approaches to new forms and materials were explored. The architects

never considered climate as a force to fight or win but to enhance and enjoy.

Even extremities in climate were handled with master skill and remarkable comfort levels were achieved.

There was no question of thinking about climate in the last stage of design and trying to come up with

‗quick fix‘ solutions. Most of the forms were aimed at long term benefit and well thought about before the

designed building is built.

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The aesthetics or sukha darsham were not ‗added on‘ to the building but were an integral part of it. It is

sometimes difficult to tell apart where the functional aspect stops and the aesthetic one starts.

Harmony or ramyam was achieved by geometry and play of shapes, Solids and voids. The architectural

language was of simple spaces with complex ornamentation, which in most cases had a use along with its

aesthetic appeal. For example a rain water gutter was so well sculpted in the temples that one just thinks it

is for the delight of the eye.

Lastly, the ‗all encompassing‘ factor or poornam of Indian Architecture was a result of the perfect blend of

the above-mentioned three factors which makes it feel eternal.

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MEHRANGARH FORT

Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is one of the largest forts in India.

The fort is situated 400 feet (122 m) above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are several palaces known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards. A winding road leads to and from the city below. The imprints of cannonball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate. To the left of the fort is the chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot defending the Mehrangarh fort.

• Over 5 centuries – the headquarters of Rathore. • Rao Jodha – led its foundation in the mid C15th. • Below which Jodhpur was formed. • In reference to the clans mythical descent from the sun god ‗Surya‘. • Current Head - Maharaja Gaj Singh. • Military base • Palace for the rulers and their wives.

• The centre of patronage for art, music and literature.

• A place of worship for temples and shrines

Fig.6 - Mehrangarh Fort

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JAI POL

• Entrance to the fort. • Seems to grow out of the hill. • Made of -reddish brown sandstone. • Built in 19th century by Maharaja Man Singh. • To the left, a small shrine of silvered Ganesha image.

Fig.7 - Jai Pol Fig.8 - Lakhan Pol / Dedh Kangura Pol

LAKHAN POL / DEDH KANGURA POL

• ―One and a half merlons.‖ • Has a lintel no arch. • Doors just stand against the wall, not mounted. • Followed by an ascent ramp.

AMRIT POL & LOHA POL

• Leading to Amriti pol. • Stilted and pointed arches . • It has small guard rooms, • It steeply rises at the top ramp is the Loha pol.

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• The Loha pol leads to Naqqar Khana – • Announce Maharaja‘s arrival or departure (now a café).

Fig.9 - Amrit Pol & Loha Pol

SURAJ POL

• Grand entrance has 2 entrances. • 1 to the Zenana or woman‘s quarters. • The other to Suraj pol nearer one at lower level - less imposing. • Leading to the public parts of the palace.

Fig.10 - Suraj Pol

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PALACE APARTMENTS

• 1st courtyard - the Shrinagar Chowk. • The Raj Tilak (enthroning ceremony) • A modest marble seat.Many different patterns of perforations for the breeze to flow through the galleries.

THE GALLERIES

• Hawda Khana(s) displays C18th and C19th Howdahs with fine silver works. • On the east similar arrangement of Palki Khana, red and silver striped velvet covering for women in

Purdah.

Fig.11 – Inside the gallery

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DAULAT KHANA

2nd court yard:

• Most prestigious royal apartment.. • The floor being the audience hall or main reception room personnel apartment and sleeping chamber • Terrace with pavilions – a place for recreation.

Fig.12 - Daulat Khana

SHASTRA KHANA

• One apartment was used as a Bhojan Shale offer feasts to this nobles (Thakurs or Pandits) • Now enclosed to convert it into a museum space – the Armoury. • Koft gari – decorative inlay

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`

Fig.13 - Shastras

SHEESH MAHAL

• Bed chamber of the rulers • Decorated with mirrors.

Fig.14. - Inside Sheesh Mahal

PHUL MAHAL

• Over the amoury,, private audience hall, perform personal rituals. • Elaborate jaali work blaustered.

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TAKHAT VILAS:

• All surface is painted. • Windows have coloured glass planes. • Model on local folk art. • Ceiling are wooden beams.

Fig.15 - Inside Takhat Villa

JHANKI MAHAL

• Jaalis & small window. • Allow to get a glimpse without being noticed. • Cradles and Jhulas are seen here.

Fig.16 – Inside Jhanki Mahal

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MOTI MAHAL

• Has five alcoves leading onto hidden balconies. • The throne is placed centrally. • White painted stone Jaali work.

Fig.17 – Moti Mahal

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BIBLIOGRAPHY