Incredible Rajasthan

I cannot resist myself from writing about the marvelous palaces and forts of the most colorful state - Rajasthan. This state has exclusive architecture, an assortment Mughal and the Hindu structural plan. The splendid havelis are the result of productive Rajput designers and builders that stuns its spectators. The most magnificent are Dilwara temple, Chittaurgarh Fort, Lake Palace Hotel, Jaisalmer Havelis and City Palace. Here is a glimpse of architectural legacy of Rajasthan.

The city makes an indelible impression on the tourists across the world.

Pink city - Jaipur

Millions of men have lived to fight, build palaces and boundaries, shape destinies and societies; but the compelling force of all times has been the force of originality and creation profoundly affecting the roots of human spirit reflecting in these places.

Jaipur palaces carry strong Islamic influence and are designed in Islamic fashion using Islamic names, like the one above - The Hawa Mahal. The palaces reflect the European style architecture, for example, Balsamad Lake Palace, located at Jodhpur. It was served as summer palace and was designed in European style showcasing a garden of mughal style in front of man-made lake.

Genius without religion is like a lamp on the outer gate of a palace with the inhabitant sitting in darkness. The palaces present magnificent procession, complete with flags, arches, bands, troops, standards, palanquins and caparisoned elephants celebrating the grandeur of the royal families.

Rajasthan is culturally rich and has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. These grand havelis and astonishing forts and elaborately carved temples are the vital portion of architectural heritage of Rajasthan.

With such historically important monuments, the state was the major regional capital of Indus Valley Civilization with additional contribution of the Bhils, Rajputs, Yadavs, Jats, Gujjars and various other tribal people.

Palaces have chambers meant for administrative, residential and court functions constructed inside the multi-storied barrier.

Jantar Mandar is a monument constructed based on natural sciences in modern era.

Jharokha - basically stone window, is an overhanging enfolded balcony found in havelis and palaces. During earlier days, women with purdah use to visualize outside events by hiding themselves within these jharokas. These casements were also used to place spies and archers.

The bawdi or step-well, date back to several hundreds of years, is a pond or well where water is filled by climbing downwards on a batch of steps. The fences of the trenches are made up of stoneblocks with the absence of mortar, and acted as leisure spots. Bundi city situated near Kota carries approximately sixty stepwells. These step-wells are different from a Johad. Johads are used to store rainwater to be consumed for drinking by cattle and humans. Johads are called "Khadins" in Jaisalmer.

The lavish architectural heritage of these forts and palaces are spectacular and never fails to impress the spectators with its age old beauty that stands as a proof of India’s rich culture.