Rajput architecture

{{See also|Architecture of Rajasthan}}

{{See also|List of palaces in Rajasthan}}

File:Jaipur 03-2016 13 Jorawar Singh Gate.jpg]]

File:Junagarth Fort, Bikaner.jpg, Bikaner]]

The Hill Forts of Rajasthan (Amer, Chittor, Gagron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambore), a group of six forts built by various Rajput kingdoms and principalities during the medieval period are among the best examples of Rajput Architecture. The ensemble is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other forts include the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort.

The walled city of Jaipur was formed in 1727 by Kacchwaha Rajput ruler Jai Singh II, and is "a unique example of traditional Hindu town planning", following the precepts set out in much Hindu texts.  Subsequently, the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Rambagh Palace, Jal Mahal and Albert Hall Museum were also built. Udaipur also has several palaces, including the Bagore-ki-Haveli, now a museum, built by an 18th-century chief minister.

The rulers of the princely states of Rajputana continued the tradition of building elaborate palaces almost until independence, with examples such as the Lalgarh Palace in Bikaner, Monsoon Palace in Udaipur, and Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur.  Many of these are in versions of Indo-Saracenic architecture, often using European architects.

File:Ahar Cenotaphs.JPG outside Udaipur]]

A number of the Rajput dynasties built groups of cenotaph memorials for their members, mostly using the chatri form, and often at the traditional site for cremations. These include the Ahar Cenotaphs outside Udaipur, and Bada Bagh near Jaisalmer. Individual examples include the Jaswant Thada at Jodphur, and Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi; there are many others.

File:Rani_ki_vav1.jpg, Patan, Gujarat, 11th century]]

Māru-Gurjara architecture, or Solaṅkī style, is a distinctive style that began in Rajputana and neighbouring Gujarat around the 11th century by the Solanki Rajputs. Examples of Solanki Rajput architecture include Taranga Jain temple, Rudra Mahalaya Temple, and Modhera Sun Temple. The Dilwara Jain Temples of Mount Abu built between the 11th and 13th centuries CE, The Rani ki vav was also built during this period.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/make-them-well-again-trying-to-save-gujarats-ancient-stepwells/article26553408.ece|title=Make them well again: trying to save Gujarat's ancient stepwells|last=Rahman|first=Azera Parveen|date=2019-03-16|work=The Hindu|language=en-IN|issn=0971-751X|access-date=5 June 2021|archive-date=5 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605142137/https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/make-them-well-again-trying-to-save-gujarats-ancient-stepwells/article26553408.ece|url-status=live}}

The small but richly carved Hindu Ambika Mata temple in Jagat, built before 960, and The five Kiradu temples, of the 11th or 12th century, are examples of the Pratihar Rajput style.Michell, 295-96 The Jagdish Temple, Udaipur (completed 1651), is an example of a Hindu temple using the Māru-Gurjara style at a late date; in this case a commission of Jagat Singh I, ruler of Mewar.Michell, George (1990), The Penguin Guide to the Monuments of India, Volume 1: Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, 1990, Penguin Books, pg -311 {{ISBN|0140081445}} On the exteriors, this style is distinguished from other north Indian temple styles of the period

{{Blockquote|that the external walls of the temples have been structured by increasing numbers of projections and recesses, accommodating sharply carved statues in niches. These are normally positioned in superimposed registers, above the lower bands of moldings. The latter display continuous lines of horse riders, elephants, and kīrttimukhas. Hardly any segment of the surface is left unadorned.}}

The main shikhara tower usually has many urushringa subsidiary spirelets on it, and two smaller side-entrances with porches are common in larger temples.{{Cite journal|last=Hegewald|first=Julia A. B.|title=The International Jaina Style? Māru-Gurjara Temples Under the Solaṅkīs, throughout India and in the Diaspora|journal=Ars Orientalis|volume=45|issue=20191029|doi=10.3998/ars.13441566.0045.005|issn=2328-1286|year=2011|doi-access=free}}

File:Teli ka mandir fort Gwalior - panoramio - Gyanendrasinghchauha… (1).jpg was built inside the Gwalior Fort by the Pratihara Rajput ruler Mihira Bhoja{{Cite web |url=https://www.google.com/search?q=Two+consecutive+Rajput+kings+,+Mihira+Bhoja+I+and+Mahendrapala+I+,+ruled+with+force+from+Kanauj&tbm=bks |title=A History of India from the Earliest Times to the Present Day - Page 85 |access-date=6 June 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718182954/https://www.google.com/search?q=Two+consecutive+Rajput+kings+,+Mihira+Bhoja+I+and+Mahendrapala+I+,+ruled+with+force+from+Kanauj&client=ms-android-asus-tpin&prmd=vni&sxsrf=ALeKk02B_SThbAAAl1eF4dvvQ_KjTOB99w:1622965445489&source=lnms&tbm=bks&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwizgfG2wYLxAhWCbysKHYiQDdkQ_AUoBnoECAIQBg&biw=360&bih=593&dpr=3 |url-status=live }}{{cite book|author=K. D. Bajpai|title=History of Gopāchala|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3KcwLKuRnYC&pg=PA31|year=2006|publisher=Bharatiya Jnanpith|isbn=978-81-263-1155-2|page=31}}]]

File:Khajuraho.KandariyaMahadeva.jpg were built by Chandela Rajputs[https://www.google.com/search?q=The+temples+of+Khajuraho+are+India%27s+unique+gift+to+the+world+,+representing+paean+to+life+,+love+and+joy+%3B+perfect+in+execution+...+in+stone+,+testifying+to+the+craftsman%27s+artistry+and+the+pote+extraordinary+breadth+of+vision+of+the+Chandela+Rajputs+.&client=ms-android-asus-tpin&prmd=inv&sxsrf=ALeKk032Ov1hSRoJQ9EsAUWsAqySkUamnQ:1622965870976&source=lnms&tbm=bks&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji-eKBw4LxAhXHdCsKHS-CAbcQ_AUoBnoECAIQBg&biw=360&bih=593&dpr=3 Explore India: The Official Newsletter of the Ministry of Tourism] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718182952/https://www.google.com/search?q=The+temples+of+Khajuraho+are+India%27s+unique+gift+to+the+world+,+representing+paean+to+life+,+love+and+joy+%3B+perfect+in+execution+...+in+stone+,+testifying+to+the+craftsman%27s+artistry+and+the+pote+extraordinary+breadth+of+vision+of+the+Chandela+Rajputs+.&client=ms-android-asus-tpin&prmd=inv&sxsrf=ALeKk032Ov1hSRoJQ9EsAUWsAqySkUamnQ:1622965870976&source=lnms&tbm=bks&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji-eKBw4LxAhXHdCsKHS-CAbcQ_AUoBnoECAIQBg&biw=360&bih=593&dpr=3 |date=18 July 2021 }} Quote: "The temples of Khajuraho are India's unique gift to the world, representing paean to life, love and joy; perfect in execution ... in stone, testifying to the craftsman's artistry and the pote extraordinary breadth of vision of the Chandela Rajputs."]]

File:Gwalior Fort Palace.JPG]]

File:OrchhaPalace.jpg was built by Vir Singh Deo as a symbol of welcome to the Mughal emperor Jahangir]]

File:Sailana_Palace.jpg Palace, built by the Rathores of MalwaArt, Archaeology, and History of Ratlam, Madan Mohan Upadhyaya

Sharada Prakashan, 1992.]]

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments were built by the Chandela Rajput rulers from 885 AD to 1050 AD.

The Gwalior Fort is a hill fort near Gwalior. The fort has existed at least since the 10th century, and the inscriptions and monuments found within what is now the fort campus indicate that it may have existed as early as the beginning of the 6th century. The fort is considered among the finest of Rajput architecture.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fpJ7ry7B5TYC&dq=gwalior+fort+finest+rajput+architecture&pg=PA158 |title=Textbook of Indian history and culture |isbn=9781403932006 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135509/https://books.google.com/books?id=fpJ7ry7B5TYC&dq=gwalior+fort+finest+rajput+architecture&pg=PA158 |url-status=live |last1=Sen |first1=Sailendra Nath |year=2007 |publisher=Macmillan India Limited }} Most part of the present day fort was built by Man Singh Tomar, the Rajput king who ruled the region from 1486 to 1516.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vyVW0STaGBcC&dq=gwalior+fort+built+by+rajputs&pg=PT1085 |title=Last Spring: The Lives and Times of the Great Mughals |isbn=9789351181286 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135451/https://books.google.com/books?id=vyVW0STaGBcC&dq=gwalior+fort+built+by+rajputs&pg=PT1085 |url-status=live |last1=Eraly |first1=Abraham |date=14 October 2000 |publisher=Penguin UK }}

The Orchha state was founded in 1531 (the 16th century AD)[http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm Orchha] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190718190603/http://tikamgarh.nic.in/tourism.htm |date=18 July 2019 }} Tikamgarh district Official website. by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh,{{Cite book |last=Sen |first=Sailendra |title=A Textbook of Medieval Indian History |publisher=Primus Books |year=2013 |isbn=978-9-38060-734-4 |pages=187}} who became the first King of Orchha, (r. 1501-1531) and also built the Fort of Orchha.[http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/019pho000430s21u00011000.html Mausoleum of Raja Rudra Pratap] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718182955/http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/apac/photocoll/m/019pho000430s21u00011000.html |date=18 July 2021 }}, British Library. The Chaturbhuj Temple was built during the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, by the queen of Orchha, Ganesh Kunwar,[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 Orchha] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207053923/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000050S2U00134000 |date=7 February 2009 }} British Library. while Raj Mandir was built by 'Raja Madhukar Shah' during his reign, 1554 to 1591.{{cite web|url=http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html|title=UQconnect, The University of Queensland|access-date=23 July 2016|archive-date=21 January 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040121140739/http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/o/orchha.html|url-status=live}}[http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 Raj Mandir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112035021/http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personalisation/object.cfm?uid=019PHO0000002S4U00056000 |date=12 January 2012 }} British Library. The Jahangir Mahal was built in 17th century by Vir Singh Deo as a symbol of welcome to the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

The Singorgarh fort was built by Raja Belo from the Chandela dynasty of Mahoba.[https://books.google.com/books?id=I_pndNDyhtoC&dq=According+to+Sir+William+Sleeman%2C+the+fort+of+Singorgarh+was+built+by+R%C3%A1j%C3%A1+Belo%2C+one+of+the+Chandel+R%C3%A1j%C3%A1s+of+Mahoba&pg=PA19 Gbooks] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135503/https://books.google.co.in/books?id=I_pndNDyhtoC&pg=PA19&dq=According+to+Sir+William+Sleeman,+the+fort+of+Singorgarh+was+built+by+R%C3%A1j%C3%A1+Belo,+one+of+the+Chandel+R%C3%A1j%C3%A1s+of+Mahoba&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiyiPPnq5TxAhVCWysKHXcNCdcQ6AEwAXoECAcQAw#v=onepage&q=According%20to%20Sir%20William%20Sleeman%2C%20the%20fort%20of%20Singorgarh%20was%20built%20by%20R%C3%A1j%C3%A1%20Belo%2C%20one%20of%20the%20Chandel%20R%C3%A1j%C3%A1s%20of%20Mahoba&f=false |date=14 March 2023 }} Quote: "According to Sir William Sleeman, the fort of Singorgarh was built by Rájá Belo, one of the Chandel Rájás of Mahoba."

File:Panoramic view of Rani Mahal Kalinjar fort.jpg]]

File:Temple GovindaDev.JPG]]

File:Chhatris of Barsana 02.jpg, Barsana]]

Many Rajput dynasties ruled over Uttar Pradesh in the medieval era. Many forts, palaces and temples were built by the Rajputs. The Kalinjar Fort was built by the Chandela Rajput dynasty in the 10th century.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c79aDwAAQBAJ&dq=Kalinjar+fort+built+by+rajput&pg=PT122 |title=Kalinjar Fort Google Books |date=5 May 2018 |publisher=Hachette India |isbn=9789351952404 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135452/https://books.google.com/books?id=c79aDwAAQBAJ&dq=Kalinjar+fort+built+by+rajput&pg=PT122 |url-status=live }} Built on a rocky hill, the fort was also used by the Solankis of Rewa. The Jaichandra fort was built by the Rathore Rajputs of Kannauj.

The Jhansi Fort is attributed to the Bundela Rajput ruler Raja Bir Singh Ju Deo.{{Cite web |url=https://jhansi.nic.in/tourist-place/jhansi-fort/#:~:text=The%20fort%20of%20Maharani%20Jhansi,has%20ten%20gates%20(%20Darwaza). |title=Jhansi Fort - Govt of Uttar Pradesh |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=13 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613101654/https://jhansi.nic.in/tourist-place/jhansi-fort/#:~:text=The%20fort%20of%20Maharani%20Jhansi,has%20ten%20gates%20(%20Darwaza). |url-status=live }}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K1TuDwAAQBAJ&dq=jhansi+fort+built+by+bundela+rajputs&pg=PT150 |title=Indian Stories: Images and Thoughts |isbn=9789390040346 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314135503/https://books.google.com/books?id=K1TuDwAAQBAJ&dq=jhansi+fort+built+by+bundela+rajputs&pg=PT150 |url-status=live |last1=Valluri |first1=Ravi |date=30 June 2020 |publisher=BecomeShakespeare.com }} The Sun temple and forts of Charkhari and Mangal Garh in the Mahoba district were built by the Chandela rulers of Bundelkhand.{{Cite web |url=https://bundelkhand.in/charkhari-bundelkhand-ka-kashmir |title=चरखारी : बुन्देलखण्ड का काश्मीर |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718183003/https://bundelkhand.in/charkhari-bundelkhand-ka-kashmir |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/mahobas-sun-temple-in-shadow-of-ignorance/articleshow/63810149.cms |title=On World Heritage Day, Mahoba's Sun Temple in shadow of ignorance The Times of India 18 April 2018 |website=The Times of India |date=18 April 2018 |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=28 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328073412/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/mahobas-sun-temple-in-shadow-of-ignorance/articleshow/63810149.cms |url-status=live }}

File:A side view of part of Palace of Arki princely state, now residence of its heirs, Himachal Prades, India.jpg]]

The Kangra Fort was built by the ruling Katoch Rajput dynasty.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tUezEAAAQBAJ&dq=Kangra+fort+built+by+katoch+rajputs&pg=PA8 | title=A Study of Ancient Monuments & Historic Heritage Sites of Himachal Pradesh | isbn=9789390835003 | last1=Kanda | first1=Ravi Kumar | last2=Mahajan | first2=Varun | publisher=Rudra Publications | access-date=16 March 2023 | archive-date=29 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230429075130/https://books.google.com/books?id=tUezEAAAQBAJ&dq=Kangra+fort+built+by+katoch+rajputs&pg=PA8 | url-status=live }} The Arki Fort was built between 1695 - 1700 by Rana Prithvi Singh. The Kutlehar Fort was built by Sansar Chandra, the Rajput ruler of Kangra.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oqnBDwAAQBAJ&dq=Sansar+chand+rajput&pg=PT124 | title=Himalaya: A Human History | isbn=9781473546141 | last1=Douglas | first1=Ed | date=27 August 2020 | publisher=Random House | access-date=16 March 2023 | archive-date=19 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419091137/https://books.google.com/books?id=oqnBDwAAQBAJ&dq=Sansar+chand+rajput&pg=PT124 | url-status=live }}

File:Islam Garh Fort Cholistan.jpg]]

File:Derawar Fort, Bahawalpur I.jpg in Cholistan, an example of Rajput architecture]]

The forts of Derawar and Amarkot were built by Hindu Rajput rulers during the medieval era, and are examples of early Rajput architecture.

File:Jagat 22-76 (cropped).jpg|Ambika Mata temple in Jagat, Rajasthan, by 960

File:Worshippers leaving the temple in Ranakpur.jpg|Ranakpur Jain temple

File:Dev Somnath Temple, Dungarpur.jpg|Dev Somnath Temple, Dungarpur

File:Deshnoke Karni Mata.jpg|Detailed Stone work, Karni Mata Temple, Bikaner Rajasthan

File:Umaid Bhawan palace, Jodhpur 02.jpg|The Umaid Bhawan Palace at Jodhpur built between 1929 and 1942 is one of the largest royal palaces in the world. It was designed by Henry Vaughan Lanchester in a blend of Beaux-Arts and traditional Rajput styles

File:Laxmi Niwas Palace.jpg|Lalgarh Palace, Bikaner, designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Samuel Swinton Jacob

File:Albert Hall ( Jaipur ).jpg|The Albert Hall Museum was designed by Samuel Swinton Jacob, and was opened as public museum in 1887

File:Amber Fort (आमेर का किला ).jpg|Amer Fort

File:Hawa Mahal Located in Jaipur.jpg|Hawa Mahal, Jaipur

File:Mehrangarh Fort.jpg|Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

File:Nagda2.jpg|One of the Sahastra Bahu Temples built during the 10th century CE in Pratihara era

File:N-RJ-87 Fort including Ancient Temples Jaisalmer SolReyes20100917 332.JPG|Jain Temple inside Jaisalmer Fort

File:Amer Fort Entrance.jpg|Ganesh Pol Entrance, Amer Fort

File:Sheesh Mahal, Amer Fort.jpg|Sheesh Mahal, Amer Fort

File:Jaisalmer Fort.jpg|Jaisalmer Fort

File:Aerial view of Kumbhalgarh.jpg|Aerial view of Kumbhalgarh Fort

File:Temple in Kumbalgarh fortress 01.JPG|Hindu temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort

File:Looking down on Ranthambore Fort.jpg|Ranthambhore Fort

File:Ranthambore Fort Jain Temple.jpg|Jain Temple, Ranthambore Fort

File:Gagron fort 2nd view.jpg|Gagron Fort

File:Victory tower.jpg|Vijay Stambha at Chittor Fort

{{Reflist}}

Category:Rajput architecture