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Architecture, Sculpture & Painting Styles

Fort Architecture (Durg Sthapatya)

Rajasthan is known for its majestic forts. According to ancient texts (Shukra Niti), forts are classified into categories like Giri (Hill), Dhanvan (Desert), Jal (Water), Van (Forest), etc.

Major Forts of Rajasthan

Fort Location Type Key Facts
Chittorgarh Chittor Hill (Giri) Largest living fort. Built by Chitrangada Mori. Witnessed 3 Sakas (1303, 1534, 1568). Features: Vijay Stambh, Kirti Stambh, Padmini Palace.
Kumbhalgarh Rajsamand Hill Built by Rana Kumbha (Architect: Mandan). 36 km long wall (Great Wall of India). Inner fort: Katargarh (Eye of Mewar).
Ranthambore Sawai Madhopur Forest/Hill Associated with Hamir Dev Chauhan. Site of Rajasthan's first Saka (1301). Famous Trinetra Ganesh Temple.
Gagron Jhalawar Water (Jal) Situated at the confluence of Kali Sindh and Ahu rivers. Associated with Sant Pipa.
Sonargarh Jaisalmer Desert (Dhanvan) Built by Rao Jaisal (1155). Made of yellow sandstone (Golden Fort). No lime used in construction. Famous for 2.5 Sakas.
Mehrangarh Jodhpur Hill (Chidiyatuk) Built by Rao Jodha (1459). Shape: Peacock (Mayuradhwajgarh). Famous cannons: Kilkila, Shambhuban.
Junagarh Bikaner Land/Desert Built by Rai Singh. Famous for Anup Mahal and gold work. Unlike hill forts, it is built on ground.
Lohagarh Bharatpur Moat (Parikh) Built by Suraj Mal (1733). Mud fort known for being invincible (Lord Lake failed to capture it).
Taraarh Ajmer Hill Known as Garh Bithli. Built by Ajayraj.
Taragarh Bundi Hill Star-shaped fort. Famous for its murals in Chitrashala.

Temple Architecture

  • Kiradu (Barmer): Known as the "Khajuraho of Rajasthan". Someshwar Temple (Solanki style).
  • Delwara (Mt. Abu): Famous Jain temples. Vimal Vasahi (Adinath) and Luna Vasahi (Neminath). Known for intricate marble carving.
  • Ranakpur (Pali): Jain temple dedicated to Adinath. Built by Dharnak Shah. Has 1444 pillars.
  • Eklingji (Udaipur): Dedicated to Shiva (Lakulish sect). Built by Bappa Rawal.
  • Jagat Shiromani (Amber): Built by Kanakawati. Contains the idol of Krishna worshipped by Mira Bai.
  • Bhand Devara (Baran): Known as "Mini Khajuraho".

Haveli & Water Architecture

Havelis

  • Patwon ki Haveli (Jaisalmer): Famous for stone lattice work and stone carving.
  • Salim Singh ki Haveli (Jaisalmer): 9-storied haveli.
  • Shekhawati Havelis: Famous for open art galleries and frescoes (Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Ramgarh).
  • Bachhawat & Rampuria Havelis (Bikaner): Made of red stone.

Stepwells (Bawdis)

  • Chand Bawdi (Abhaneri, Dausa): Deepest and most artistic stepwell.
  • Raniji ki Bawdi (Bundi): Bundi is known as the "City of Stepwells".

Painting Styles (Chitrashailiyan)

Rajasthan's painting schools are divided into four major groups:

1. Mewad School

  • Sub-styles: Udaipur, Nathdwara, Chavand, Deogarh.
  • Key Features: Oldest school. Bright colors (Red, Yellow).
  • Nathdwara: Famous for Pichwai paintings (cloth paintings behind Shrinathji idol) depicting Krishna Leela.

2. Marwar School

  • Sub-styles: Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Ajmer, Nagaur.
  • Kishangarh Style: Famous for Bani-Thani (Indian Mona Lisa), painted by Nihal Chand during the reign of Sawant Singh (Nagari Das). Theme: Radha-Krishna love.
  • Bikaner Style: Famous for Usta Art (Gold work on Camel hide) and Mathelan art.

3. Hadoti School

  • Sub-styles: Bundi, Kota.
  • Bundi Style: Famous for depiction of birds, animals, and rain.
  • Kota Style: Famous for hunting scenes (queens depicted hunting).

4. Dhundhar School

  • Sub-styles: Amber, Jaipur, Alwar, Shekhawati.
  • Jaipur Style: Heavily influenced by Mughal art. Famous for life-size portraits (Adamkad) by artist Sahibram.
  • Alwar Style: Known for delicate work and depiction of courtesans.

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Architecture, Sculpture & Painting Styles
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