Rajasthan Monuments

Bearing a testimony to a glorious past and epitomizing its valiant tradition, the monuments of Rajasthan, stand as mute evidences of a rich cultural heritage of the state. Obscurely crafted palaces, awe- inspiring temples and massive mansions of Rajasthan truly leave the spectators spellbound.

Upholding their own unique fable of survival, the forts and palaces built by the prolific Rajput rulers of the region defy time while narrating the valor of their builders. A land of ironies and extremes that this desert state is, its ancient monuments truly prove to be a living paradise for an architectural buff. Having strewn the parched Aravali landscape with their legacy of some most imposing and magnificent structures in the world, the Rajput rulers are yet remembered for their unmatchable contribution to the country's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Some of these rare structures worth mentioning here include Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Patwon ki Haveli, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Umaid Bhavan Palace, City Palace Jaipur and Padmini's Palace at Chittaurgarh.

The Hawa Mahal or Palace of the Winds : is one of the most massive structures of Jaipur. Built in 1799 by Sawai Pratap Singh, the palace is believed to have been made to keep the Purdah tradition intact by allowing the royal ladies to have a look of the outside world through the windows of this palace. The palace actually is a portico of five layers made up of arches, balconies and perforated screens set into the palace walls along Jaipur's main street offering a striking view of the city. With peephole like openings, partially blocked by fine latticework in lime plaster the palace was not meant for residential purposes thus lacking inner ornamentation. Appearing more like a fragile screen rather than a palace from the roadside, this palace has a pyramid-shaped structure.

Another wonderful monument of the desert state is nestled amongst the Nahargarh hills amidst Mansagar Lake. A pleasure palace of 18th century, this palace was the duck shooting place of contemporary rulers. Noted for its sophisticated design and architectural grandeur, the first four floors of the palace are under water. The palace offers a marvelous view of the lake and the Nahargarh Fort Built in 1799. With a number of others to be mentioned, the monuments of Rajasthan with impressive exterior views and superb interior décor stand proudly as unfathomable sagas of incredible beauty and bravery.