FORTS & PALACES

Mesmerizing Rajasthan Forts and Palaces tell the bygone era of former royal seat of the Rajputs. The
Rajputs like the Mughals were creative builders and have patronized some of the most illustrious and
impressive forts and palaces in Rajasthan. Almost every city of the spectacular desert land Rajasthan
is lined with fabulous forts and palaces built by various rulers and architects. These forts and palaces
were generally built outside the walled city over the high hills to protect the city.
The glory is well conserved in the people of Rajasthan and in the majestic forts and palaces.
Enduring the unmerciful desert winds and oppressing heat of the scorching sun, they have stood
unshakable against many-a-sieges and have provided protection to the rulers in their time of conflict.
Now, they have been opened to the tourists who come here to see a wonderful presentation of their
rich heritage and splendid artistic architecture. Many of these forts and palaces retain their old allure
and ritual. Some of the royal residences have been now turned into heritage hotels, where the visitors
can still experience the magic of India's imperial past.
FAMOUS FORTS
AMER FORT (JAIPUR)
 

Best Time to Visit - Amer Fort : November - February

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Daily
Amber Fort is sited at the town of Amber, 11 kms from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The
former rulers of Amber used it as their fortress till they shifted the capital to Jaipur. Raja Man Singh I
began construction in 1592 but it was Sawai Jai Singh who completed it. Amber Fort Palace looks
rugged on the outside but once get inside visitors are enthralled by the scrupulous intricate works of
murals and frescoes, paintings from scenes of everyday life, carvings, mosaic and detailed minute
mirror work splattered all over the walls. The architectural wealth of the fort is no surprise
considering the fact that it was designed based on both Hindu and Mughal elements. Huddling on the
hilltop, the fort showcased some unique work of delicate glass mirrors on the walls and ceiling that
reflect the golden rays of the sun all over the premises. The fascinating royal elephant ride up to the
fort is quite seductive and a real attraction for the tourist.
The Amer fort is built in red sandstone and white marble. The entrance to the fort is through the
Suraj Pol which opens into the Jaleb Chowk, the main courtyard.
The most prominent structures inside the Amer fort is the Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public
Audience. The Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience was a special place where the king met
and discussed important issues with respected dignitaries from his court and outside. The grace of the
hall is enhanced by the mirror work that adorn the ceiling.
Other masterpieces include in the Fort are Sheesh Mahal, Jai Mandir, The Sukh Niwas. There are two
temples in the Amer fort complex too. The first one of these, a small Kali temple is the place where
Maharaja Man Singh prayed before he left for any war. The second temple, Shila Mata Temple.
According to beliefs, the deity that is placed in the temple was brought specially by Raja Man Singh
from Jessore in East Bengal (now Bangladesh).
Dil-i-Aaram Garden and Kesar Kyari garden are the two worth seeing gardens in the Amer fort
complex. The Dil-i- Aaram Garden also houses the Archaeological Museum of Amer which is
divided into three section - archaeological, sculpture and epigraphy. There is also an art gallery in the
fort complex.
JAIGARH FORT (JAIPUR)
 

Best Time to Visit Jaigarh Fort : November - February

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Daily
The Jaigarh Fort, located on one of the peaks of the Aravalli range of hills is built about 400 m above
the Amber Fort. It provides an excellent view of Aravalli hills and the Amber Fort down below. The
fort, rugged and similar in structural design to the Amber Fort, is also known as Victory Fort. The
fort features a cannon named Jaivana, which was manufactured in the fort confines and was then the
world's largest cannon on wheels. The palace complex (Laxmi Vilas, Lalit Mandir, Vilas Mandir and
Aram Mandir) located within the fort has a well-tended garden where the royal family resided, the
Shubhat Niwas (an assembly hall of the warriors), an armory and a museum.
The fort is 15 km away from Jaipur city. It stands on a short diversion from the Jaipur-Delhi
Highway, which leads to the Jaivana cannon at the Dungar Gate. It can also be approached from the
Amer Fort over a short climb along a steep hill track, arriving at the Awami Gate near the fort
museum. Jaigarh Fort gives some spectacular views of Jaipur and Amber Fort from the Diwa Burj
watchtower. There were rumors that there was a large treasure of gold buried in the premises of the
fort. Thus, it had to be sealed from the public for seven long years. Now, it has been opened to the
public to display its several beautiful palaces, gardens, its granary, an armory which has a stunning
collection of arms and weapons and its temples.
NAHARGARH FORT (JAIPUR)
 

Best Time to Visit Nahargarh Fort : November - February

Opening Hours: 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Daily
Nahargarh Fort has its own significant place in history. Built by Sawai Raja Jai Singh in the year
1734 and located on the Aravalli hills, the Fort was required to strengthen the protective coverage of
Amber, the capital of the earlier rulers of Jaipur. Further extension and expansion work was done in
the fort by later rulers and it is these additions that today hold the attention of the tourists. Nahargarh
Fort has an interesting tale attached to its construction. It is said that the fort was haunted by a spirit
of a prince called Nahar. He made sure that an obstruction occurred every time the construction of
the fort progressed smoothly. Eventually, a saint prayed to the spirit of the prince who agreed to
leave only on the condition that the fort was named after him.
The Fort, is also known as the Tiger Fort. On the top of the hill, the beautiful Man Sagar Lake
spreads a welcoming glance. Right in the middle of the lake, Raja Jai Singh II built a duck blind, a
shelter for screening duck hunters, for his shooting parties. The prime attraction of the Nahargarh
Fort is the Madhavendra Bhavan which was the summer retreat of the royal family. The structure was
built by Sawai Ram Singh II in 1880s and boasts of 12 completely alike suites for the use of queens.
The suite of the king was constructed at a convenient place so that he could visit his queens without
any hassles.
This pleasure palace is one of the most loved picnic spot today. It offers a perfect retreat for all those
who wish to spend some quiet moments with themselves. The tranquility offered by the fort draws
many tourists from far and wide.
RANTHAMBORE FORT (SAWAI MADHOPUR)
 
Best Time to Visit Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) Fort : November -
May
Opening Hours 10 a.m. to 5.30
The Ranthambore Fort was built during the 8th century by the Chauhans. The Ranthambore Fort is
situated in the lush greenery of the Ranthambore National Park atop a hill. The name Ranthambore
draws from the name of the hills - Thanbhore is the hill on which the fort is situated and Ran is the
nearby hill.
The fort was attacked by a number of big powers at different point of time in history. Finally, the fort
was captured by the Mughals who earlier used it as a staying place and later as a prison fortress. In
the 19th century, the fort was given back to the Maharaja of Jaipur and it remained with them till the
time India gained independence in the year 1947.
For tourists visiting the Ranthambore Fort, it is advisable to keep enough time on hand. It is partly
because of the reason that there is no pathway approaching the fort which means that visitors need to
climb up the stairs of the hill to reach it. The fort has so much to offer in terms of attractions that time
will fly out without even giving a slightest of clue of its passage. The other plus point of the fort is
that its location in midst of the wildlife sanctuary ensures that there is neither any entry fee nor any
over anxious guide to trouble the visitors.
The attractions of Ranthambore Fort caters to the varying interests of the tourists. For those who love
history, the fort has unending stories to narrate while for people with religious bent of mind, there are
numerous big and small temples. Lastly, those visitors who are interested in wildlife adventure, there
is the breathtaking view of the Ranthambore National Park. Animals rambling lazily to drink water
from the lake below arouse an entirely different kind of feeling in the visitors.
One of the oldest forts in India, the Ranthambore Fort spreads over an area of 7 kms in circumference
and occupies a group of buildings like palaces, temples, mosques and barracks enthuse the visiting
tourists.
The Hammir court is the prime attraction of the Ranthambore Fort. The Ganesh Temple is not to be
missed by the religious people. An interesting aspect about the temple relates that devotees write
letters to Lord Ganesha and send it to this temple. These letters are delivered daily by the local
postman.
The Gupt Ganga, a stream that continues to flow throughout the year. Other attractions inside the
Ranthambore Fort include Toran Dwar, Mahadeo Chhatri, Sameton Ki Haveli, 32 pillared Chhatri,
and a Mosque.
CHITTAURGARH FORT (UDAIPUR)
 

Best Time to Visit Chittaurgarh Fort (Udaipur) : November - February

Opening Hours 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
Chittaurgarh Fort, situated in the state of Rajasthan was built between the 5th and the 8th century by
the Mori Rajput ruler, Chitrangad. It was known Chitrakot at that time. Later, Sisodia Rajput ruler,
Ajai Pal Chauhan made some amendments in it.
The Fort has witnessed three bloody sieges and 'jauhars' (a Rajput tradition in which royal maidens
and ladies immolate Desert Festival themselves in the fire to save their honor from the cruel hands of
the enemy, when there is no chance of defeating the enemy). The walls and the atmosphere is still
haunted with the gloom of despair, heroic pride of the Rajput queens and ladies and sheer enthusiasm
and valor of their men who refused to cow down before the enemy.
The first battle was waged by the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-din Khilji in the 14th century after he had a
glimpse of the beautiful wife of Ratan Singh in a water tank.
The second time the fort was attacked in 1535 by Sultan Bahdaur Shah of Gujarat. Sikramjeet was
the ruler of the Chittaurgarh during that period. The third attack came from none other than the great
Mughal ruler Akbar in 1567 and Udai Singh was left with little option.
The entrance of the Chittorgarh has seven massive gates, the two towers known as the 'Kirti Stambh'
(Tower of Fame) and the 'Vijay Stambh' (Tower of Victory) along with several temples, reservoirs,
and palaces dating between the 9th and 17th centuries
JAISALMER FORT (JAISALMER)
 
 Best Time to Visit Jaisalmer Fort : October - March
Opening Hours Early morning till 5 p.m.
Jaisalmer Fort is one of the largest forts in the world. It is situated in Jaisalmer city in the state of
Rajasthan. It was built in 1156 AD by the Bhati Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal, from where it derives its
name. The fort stands proudly amidst the golden stretches of the great Thar Desert, on Trikuta Hill,
and has been witnessed many battles. Its massive yellow sandstone walls are a tawny lion color
during the day, fading to honey-gold as the sun sets, thereby concealing the fort in the yellow desert.
For this reason, it is also known as the "Golden Fort". This fort, popularly known as the 'Sonar quila'
by the locals, is located in the very heart the city, and is one of the most breathtaking monuments in
the locality.
Major attractions in the fort are :
 4 massive gateways. There are four massive gateways that lead to the gate including Akshaya
Pole, Suraj Pole, Hawa Pole and Ganesh Pole. The Suraj and the Ganesh Pole have an image of Sun
and Lord Ganesh respectively at the top.

 Raj Mahal (Royal palace), which was once the residence of the royal family but today it has
been converted into a museum and heritage centre.

 The seven Jain Temples hold a powerful presence in the Jaisalmer Fort and are devoted to the
revered Jain Tirthankaras like Sambhavanath, Rikhabdev, Chandrprabhu and Parasnath. The
temples are interconnected by a series of courtyards and walkways.

 Merchant Havelis.
These are large houses often built by wealthy merchants in Rajasthani towns and cities in North
India, with beautiful, ornate sandstone carvings. These havelis have presently been converted into
shops, with the exception of one that serves as a museum.
 Laxminath temple.
 
MEHRANGARH FORT (JODHPUR)
 
Best Time to Visit Mehrangarh Fort (Jodhpur) : October - March
Opening Hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Daily
Mehrangarh Fort, located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is one of the largest forts in India. The fort is situated
400 feet above the city and is enclosed by magnificent thick walls. Inside its boundaries there are
several palaces known for their elaborate carvings and expansive courtyards. A twisting 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.
There are seven gates, which include Jayapol (meaning 'victory'), built by Maharaja Man Singh to
memorialize his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol (also meaning 'victory') gate was
built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of the Mughals. The palm imprints upon these still
attract much attention even today.
The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one
section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed
gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The
museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period
rooms.
Several brilliantly crafted and decorated palaces are found within the fort,. Of these, Moti Mahal
(Pearl Palace), Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Sheesha Mahal (Mirror Palace), Sileh Khana, and
Daulat Khana are notable. One also finds the fort museum comprising several palaces. This museum
houses an exquisite collection of palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, musical
instruments, costumes and furniture. The ramparts of the fort are home to not only several excellently
preserved old cannon but also offer a breath-taking view of the city.
JUNAGARH FORT (BIKANER)
 
Best Time to Visit Junagarh Fort (Bikaner) : November - February
Opening Hours 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. daily
Junagarh Fort situated in Bikaner was built by Raja Rai Singh, in 1587. The fort is surrounded by a
high wall and deep trenches. There are 37 bastions guarding the fort with only two gates as the
entrance pathway to the fort, the main one being the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate. The Junagarh Fort has
yet been unconquered excepting the brief victory of Kamaran, which he could not retain for more
than 24 hours.
There are 37 red sandstone marvels inside the premises of the fort, which include palaces with
intricately carved windows, beautiful balconies, towers , temples and pavilions. The highlights of the
fort are Chandra Mahal, decorated beautifully with mirrors, paintings and carved marble panels, the
Phool Mahal, the Karan Mahal and the multi-storeyed Anup Mahal, which was once used as the
governance chambers for the rulers.
Ganga Niwas, Dungar Niwas, Vijai Mahal and Rang Mahal are also fine examples of the splendid
architecture. The fort also houses a museum with an extensive collection of illuminated and rare
manuscripts, jewellery, utensils, carpets, arms and weapons, treaties and other royal accouterments.
FAMOUS PALACES
CITY PALACE, JAIPUR
 
Best Time to Visit City Palace (Jaipur) : October - March
Opening Hours 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daily
The palace complex lies in the heart of Jaipur city, to the northeast of the very centre. The site for the
palace was located on the site of a royal hunting lodge on a plain land encircled by a rocky hill range,
five miles south of Amber (city). The history of the city palace is closely linked with the history of
Jaipur city and its rulers.
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II is credited with initiating construction of the city complex by building
the outer wall of the complex spreading over many acres. Initially, he ruled from his capital at
Amber, which lies at a distance of 11 km from Jaipur. He shifted his capital from Amber to Jaipur in
1727 because of an increase in population and increasing water shortage. He planned Jaipur city in
nine blocks separated by broad avenues, on the classical basis of principals of Vastushastra and other
similar classical treatise under the architectural guidance of Vidyadar Bhattacharya.
It is a unique and arresting complex of several palaces, pavilions, gardens and temples. The most
prominent and most visited structures in the complex are the Chandra Mahal, Mubarak Mahal,
Mukut Mahal, Maharani's Palace, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
HAWA MAHAL
 

Best Time to Visit Hawa Mahal (Jaipur) : October - March

Opening Hours 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Daily
Built of red and pink sandstone, the palace is situated on the main street in the heart of Jaipur’s
business centre. It forms part of the City Palace, and extends to the Zenana or women's chambers, the
chambers of the harem. It is particularly striking when viewed early in the morning, lit with the
golden light of sunrise.
Maharaja Sawai Jai singh, the ruler of Rajasthan of the Kachwaha clan, was the original planner and
builder who built the Jaipur city in 1727. However, it was his grandson Sawai Pratap Singh, who
built the Hawa Mahal in 1799 as a continuation of the Royal City Palace.
The palace is a five-story pyramidal shaped monument that rises to a height of 50 feet (15 m) from its
high base. The top three floors of the structure have a dimension of one room width while the first
and second floors have patios in front of them, on the rear side of the structure. The front elevation,
as seen from the street, is like a honeycomb web of a beehive built with small portholes. Each
porthole has miniature windows and has carved sandstone grills, finials and domes.
The royal family ladies witnessed proceedings in the market centre and watch the royal processions
and festivities sitting behind the stone carved screens. Hawa Mahal did just that in style, amidst its
luxurious comforts and behind strict screened exclusivity, unseen by outsiders.
RAMBAGH PALACE
 

Best Time to Stay at Rambagh Palace (Jaipur) : January - December

Opening Hours - 24/7 Hours
The Rambagh Palace was originally constructed in the year 1835 as a school for a young Ram Singh
after his father, Sawai Jai Singh III died under mysterious circumstances. Initially, according to
Rajput customs, Ram Singh, who was then just 15 months old, stayed inside in the Zenana, away
from the influence of British. However, later, the experienced elders of Rajput clan felt that the
young prince needed to move out of the Zenana in order to gain proper education. This laid the
foundation of the Rambagh Palace.
After Independence the Palace is used as royal residence for Raja Sawai Man Singh and then
converted as heritage Hotel.
Today, Rambagh Palace is one of the best heritage hotels in Jaipur. The Palace Hotel, sprawling in an
area of 47 acres, is a terrific palace to stay at. Guests can easily slip back into an earlier era when
kings and queens, in their exquisite ensemble, majestically drifted past the richly decorated palace
halls and colourful gardens. The entire ambience of the palace hotel, the look, decor and the
treatment offered, is completely adorable and mesmerizing.
The management of the hotel was taken over by the Taj Group in the year 1972.
JAI MAHAL PALACE
 
Best Time to Stay at Jai Mahal Palace: January - December
Opening Hours - 24/7 Hours
Jai Mahal Palace, the current residence of the royal Maratha family 'Scindia', is an Italianate structure
combining the Tuscan and Corinthian architectural modes. About 35 of the rooms have been
converted into the Scindia Museum. The main durbar hall is impressive.
The Jai Mahal Palace is an luxurious Italianate structure, set in carefully laid lawns. Built in 1809,
this palace was designed by Lt. Col. Sir Michael Filose. In these rooms, so evocative of a regal
lifestyle, the past comes alive.
The impressive Durbar Hall has two central chandeliers, weighing a couple of tones, and hung only
after ten elephants had tested the strength of the roof. Ceilings picked out in gilt, heavy draperies and
tapestries, fine Persian carpets, and antique furniture from France and Italy are some of its features.
UMAID BHAVAN PALACE
 

Best Time to Stay at Umaid Bhavan Palace : January - December

Opening Hours - 24/7 Hours
Umaid Bhawan Palace, located at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private
residences. A part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels. Named after Maharaja Umaid Singh,
grandfather of the present owners of the palace, this monument has 347 rooms and serves as the
principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family.
Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to its location on Chittar
Hill, the highest point in Jodhpur. Ground for the foundations of the building was broken on 18
November 1929 by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943.draft
by Chatra Mohan Sharma chief draftsman in Indian railway.
At present the Palace is divided into three functional parts - a luxury Taj Palace Hotel (in existence
since 1972), the residence of the erstwhile royal family, and a Museum focusing on the 20th century
history of the Jodhpur Royal Family.
LAL GARH PALACE
 

Best Time to Stay at Lal Garh Palace : January - December

Opening Hours - 24/7 Hours
This palace was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singhji in respect of his father Maharaja Lal
Singhji. The palace is a pretty recent construction (1902) and reflects a wonderful blend of three
different style, Rajput, Mughal and European, which definitely deserves an appreciative glance. The
regal red sandstone building with its overhanging balconies and refined lattice work radiates a classic
beauty.
Step inside the palace to discover grand halls, lounges, cupolas and pavilions. Today, the palace
boasts of a library that is regarded as the fourth largest in the world and a musuem (Shree Sardul
Musuem) that showcases a wide variety of artifacts and personal possessions of Bikaner Maharaja.
Some of the interesting items on display are empty wine and sherry bottles; brass vessels known as
tokna used to connect revenue in earlier days; an old film projector; personal belongings of Maharaja
Karni Singh like golf tees, electric tooth brush, swimming goggles, earplugs and even his sneakers.
The library too has a commendable or rather largest collection of original Sanskrit manuscripts on
parchments, copper and gold or silver plaques.
CITY PALACE, UDAIPUR
 
Best Time to Visit Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan: November - February
Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. daily
The City Palace in Udaipur was built in a glitzy style and is considered the largest of its type in
Rajasthan, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, and was built on a hill top that
gives a panoramic view of the city and its surrounding, including several historic monuments such as
the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola, the Jag Mandir on another island in the lake, the Jagdish Temple
close to the palace, the Monsoon Palace on top of an overlooking hillock nearby and the Neemach
Mata temple.
The Palace was built concurrently with establishment of the Udaipur city by Maharana Udai Singh II,
in 1559 and his successor Maharanas over a period of the next 300 years. It is considered the largest
royal complex in Rajasthan and is replete with history.
The famous structures or palaces viewed from the Lake Palace appear like a fort. They are
interlinked inside the complex through a number of chowks or quadrangles with zigzag . Erected in
the complex, after entering through the main Tripolia (triple) gate, are the Suraj Gokhda (public
address facade), the Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), the Dilkhush Mahal (heart’s delight), the Surya
Chopar, the Sheesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), the Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls), the
Krishna Vilas (named after Lord Krishna), Shambu Niwas (royal residence now), the Bhim Vilas, the
Amar Vilas (with a raised garden) that faces the Badi Mahal (the big palace), the Fateprakash Palace
and the Shiv Niwas Palace (the latest addition to the complex); the last two have been converted into
heritage hotels.
The entire complex is the property of the Mewar royal family and a number of trusts take care of the
running and maintenance of the structures. The earliest royal structure built in the complex was the
Royal courtyard or Rai Angan.
UDAI VILAS PALACE
 
Best Time to Stay at Udai Vilas Palace: January - December
Opening Hours - 24/7 Hours
The Udai Vilas Palace is situated on the Brahmapuri island on the western side of Lake Pichola and
spreads in an area of 30 acres of beautiful gardens lined up with decorative fountains and pavilions.
The palace is a classic example of the architectural skills of the Mewar dyansty. The palace took
nearly ten years to complete and served as a hunting resort for the royal family. Today, the palace has
been converted into a heritage hotel.
Udai Vilas Heritage Hotel functions under the benefaction of the famous Oberoi Group of Hotels.
The Udai Vilas Hotel enjoys a perfect setting amidst natural beauty with the the Aravalli Hills in the
backdrop and the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola in the front. The spectacular views of the
Jagmandir and Jagniwas palaces, specially during sun rise and sun set adds to the feeling of being in
a completely different world. The beauty of hand-painted mural, carved stone columns, landscaped
terraces, lotus flowers carved in marble, brilliantly shinning gold-leaf cover of domes inside the hotel
are a feast for eyes and joy for heart.
Rambling around in the lush greenery of lawns, guests can feel the exhaustion of their body slipping
out very fast and a renewed vigour replacing it with a remarkable ease. Guests have always found the
true meaning of luxury after even a brief stay in this hotel. A stay in Udai Vilas Palace is truly an
amazing experience that leaves guests asking for more. The love for the royal treatment offered here
is pretty much apparent in the number of guests who decide to come back here for another round of
stay.
 

Rajput Architecture
Oct 31, 2014 15:27 IST
JAGRAN JOSH
General Knowledge Category:History

The Rajputs had a keen insight for creation of the beautiful temples, forts and palaces.

Temples built by the Rajputs

During 600 AD to 900 AD, the Rajputs had built the Rathas of Mahabalipuram, the Kailash temple at
Ellora and the engravements of Elephanta.

During 900 AD to 1200 AD, they had developed the Pallava, Chola and Hoysala temples. Also
included are the Vishwanath and the Khandariya temples, the Khajuraho temples, the Surya temple
at Konark, the Lingaraj temple at Bhubaneshwar, the Jagannath temple in Puri and the Tejpala
temple at Mt. Abu. Amongst these, the Khajuraho temples are considered the most beautiful, as
those are made of pink buff-coloured and yellow fine grained sandstone. The most awesome feature
of these temples is the balcony window. There are floral designs encarved on the doors, passages,
pillars and ceilings. Sculpturing of the various legends like fairies, spirits and others are there.

In 1002 AD, the Vishwanatha Temple was built by Dhanga, a Chandela King. The Khandariya
Temple is the largest monument of Khajuraho, and was built between 1017 AD and 1029 AD.

During 950-70 AD, the Parswanatha Temple was built as one of the largest Jain temples in
Khajuraho. The shape of this temple is rectangular, with some projections here and there. The Shri
RushabhaDev Temple and Chaumukh Temple, are located in Palitana, the city of temples.

In 1088 AD, the Dilwara Jain Temples were constructed in white marble. A deity is place in a cell,
raised on a high platform surrounded by a courtyard. The Vimalavasahi temple and the Tejpala
temple are the prominent ones.

The Forts and Palaces built by the Rajputs

The Rajputs had built magnific fortresses at Chittorgarh, Amber (Jaipur), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,
Ranthambhor, Gwalior, and many other places. It is noted that these forts are usually made on small
hills and some barriers were also made to prevent the entry of any unwanted person. All the forts
had magnificent walls and various towers.

The Chittorgarh fort is the largest fort in India, which was made in the 7th century AD by the
Mauryans. This fort has seven gates, and also consists of many historical monuments such as the
Vijay Stambh, KirtiStambh, Fatah Prakash palace, etc. The most admirable one is the Jaya Sthamba
or Tower of Victory built in Chittor. It is approximately 37 metres of height with nine storeys. Statues
of Hindu deities are encarved throughout the walls of the tower. This was built by MaharanaKumbha
during the 13th century in order to celebrate his victory over the ruler of Malwa, Mahmd. I. This tower
is of square shape and has balcony windows all over.

Jaisalmer fort was constructed by the Bhati Rajput king Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD, which gave the name
Jaisalmer. This fort is located on the Trikuta hill in the Thar Desert.

The Udaipur Palace located on lakePicholawas built by MaharanaUdai Singh. The HawaMahal in
Jaipur was built by Raja Jai Singh. Their architecture consists of decorative marble work, with
mirrors and small paintings.

Origin of Rajputs (Hindu Rajput, Rajput

Community, Rajput Clan)
On November 19, 2013 By Rajiv SinghCategory: History of Ancient India

Introduction
The centuries that intervened between the death of Harsha and the Muhammadan
conquest of India were marked by the ascendancy of the Rajputs and establishment of
numerous powerful kingdoms by them in Northern India. This period has conveniently
been termed as the `Rajput period’ of Indian history. The Rajputs filled the political
canvas of India during this period.

Origin of the Rajputs

There is a keen controversy among scholars regarding the origin of the Rajputs. There
is difference in the views of various scholars.

In the absence of any definite theory on the origin of the Rajputs, we can merely discuss
the salient views about it.

Legends ascribe lofty origin to the Rajputs

The Rajputs trace their origin to the legendary Solar and Lunar dynasties. Some of them
claim to be lineal descendants of the Kshatriyas of Vedic fame. The word Rajaputra is
mentioned in the Puranas. The term `Rajput’ seems to have been derived from the
Sanskrit word Rajaputra. Bana uses the term to denote a high-born Kshatriya. These
points lead to the conclusion that the term Rajaputra or Rajput was known in early
times.
Agnikula theory

The poet Chand Bardai in his poetical work `Prithviraj Raso’ has recorded a legend that
the Rajputs of Parmar, Chauhan, Pratihara and Chalukya clans sprang from Vasishta’s
sacrificial fire pit at Mount Abu. This is known as the theory of Agnikula origin. Some
Rajputs firmly advocate even now their `Agnikula origin’.

Theory of Kshatriya origin of the Rajputs

Ethnology and tradition point to Aryan origin of the Rajputs. Although there are some
similarities in the manners and customs of the Rajputs with that of the Sakas and other
foreigners, these are not conclusive proofs of their foreign origin. The Asvamedha
sacrifice, the practice of Sati, and the worship of Sun practice by the Rajputs are not
clear marks of foreign heritage. These practices were ingrained in Hindu society. The
theory of Kshatriya origin of Rajput clan has more acceptability.

Theory of foreign origin of the Rajputs

Some historians have suggested that the Rajputs were descendants of the Sakas,
Huns, Kushanas and the Gurjaras, who became hinduized. Smith has further suggested
that the invasion of the Huns and other associate foreign tribes in the fifth and sixth
centuries shook the Indian society in the North to its foundation. It brought about a
rearrangement of castes and ruling families. When the equilibrium was reached it was
found that people belonging to many diverse races were lumped together and were
called Rajputs. However, the theory of foreign origin of the Rajputs has less
acceptability.

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3. Rajput Kingdoms (Rajput Empire)
4. Vajji or Vrijji or Vriji Clan
5. Differences between Community and Society
6. Muslim Community in India
7. What is the meaning of Clan in Hinduism?
8. Sakya Clan | Sakya Buddhism | Sakyas
9. Parsi Community (Zoroastrian, Zoroastrianism) in India

Category: History of Ancient India