Heritage: Forts, Palaces, Temples, Literature

Chapter Summary

Rajasthan's heritage is rich in literature and architecture. The literature evolved from Sanskrit and Prakrit to Dingal and Marwari. The architecture is renowned for its massive forts, intricate temples (Maha-Maru style), and artistic havelis. UNESCO has recognized sites like Jantar Mantar for their scientific value.

Literature (Sahitya)

• Maru Bhasha: Mentioned in the 8th-century text Kuvalayamala by Udyotan Suri. Also known as Marwari.
• Charan Sahitya: Heroic poetry (Veer Ras). Key works include Prithviraj Raso (Chand Bardai), Vansh Bhaskar (Suryamal Misran), and Achaldas Khichi ri Vachanika.
• Jain Sahitya: Includes works like Bharateshwar Bahubali Ghor by Vajrasen Suri.

Architecture: Forts (Durg)

According to Shukra Niti, there are 9 types of forts. Kautilya classified them into 4 categories: Audak (Water), Parvat (Hill), Dhanvan (Desert), and Van (Forest).

Temples and Architecture

• Temple Style: The Gurjar-Pratihara era (8th-11th century) is considered the Golden Age. The style is known as Maha-Maru.
  • Examples: Osian, Kiradu (Someshwar Temple), Abhaneri (Harshat Mata).
  • Oldest Dated Temple: Sheetaleshwar Mahadev (Jhalrapatan).
• Jain Temples: Dilwara (Mt. Abu) and Ranakpur (famous for 1444 pillars).
• Havelis: Jaisalmer is famous for stone lattice work (Patwon ki Haveli, Salim Singh ki Haveli). Shekhawati is famous for frescoes.
• Jantar Mantar (Jaipur): Solar observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh. It features the Samrat Yantra (largest instrument). A UNESCO World Heritage Site.