Chhatri

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For the memorial to Indian soldiers in Brighton, England, see Chattri, Brighton.
Chhatris mounted atop each corner of the Diwan-i-Khas in the Fatehpur Sikri compound, India

Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. Chhatris are commonly used to depict the elements of pride and honor in the Jat, Maratha and Rajput architecture. They are widely used, in palaces, in forts, or to demarcate funerary sites. Originating in Rajasthani architecture where they were memorials for kings and royalty, they were later adapted as a standard feature in all buildings in Maratha ruled states, Rajasthan, and most importantly in Mughal architecture. They are today seen on its finest monuments, Humayun's Tomb in Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Chhatris are basic element of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture. The term "chhatri" (Hindi: छतरी) means umbrella or canopy.

In the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, chhatris are built on the cremation sites of wealthy or distinguished individuals. Chhatris in Shekhawati may consist of a simple structure of one dome raised by four pillars to a building containing many domes and a basement with several rooms. In some places, the interior of the chhatris is painted in the same manner as the Havelis (Mansions) of the region.

In Rajasthan

Chhatri of Rana Udaybhanu Singh at Dholpur
The Rashtrapati Bhavan's Chuttri
Chhatri at Rajgarh, Rajasthan
Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri, Alwar

Many other chhatris exist in other parts of Rajasthan. Their locations include:

  • Jaipur - Gaitore Cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Set in a narrow valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers of Jaipur consist of the somewhat typical chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Sawai Jai Singh II's Chhatri is particularly noteworthy because of the carvings that have been used to embellish it.
  • Jodhpur - White marble Chhatri of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II
  • Bharatpur- the cenotaphs of the members of the Jat royal family of Bharatpur, who perished whilst fighting against the British in 1825, are erected in the town of Govardhan. The chhatri of Maharaja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur has fine frescos illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depicting darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.
  • Udaipur- Flanked by a row of enormous stone elephants, the Lake Pichola island has an impressive chhatri carved from gray blue stone, built by Maharana Jagat Singh.
  • Haldighati - A beautiful Chhatri with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap, stands here. The cenotaph dedicated to Chetak, Rana Pratap's famous horse, is also noteworthy.
  • Alwar - Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is a beautiful red sandstone and white marble cenotaph of the rulers of Alwar.
  • Bundi - Suraj Chhatri and Mordi Ki Chhatri, Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi and Nath Ji ki Chhatri are located in Bundi. Rani Shyam Kumari wife of Raja Chhatrasal on the northern hill constructed the Suraj Chhatri and Mayuri the second wife of Chhatrasal on the southern hill erected Mordi Ki Chhatri.
  • Bikaner - Devi Kund near Bikaner is the royal crematorium place with a number of cenotaphs. The chhatri of Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. It has the spectacular Rajput paintings on the ceilings.
  • Ramgarh - Seth Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri
  • Nagaur - Nath Ji ki Chhatri, Amar Singh Rathore-ki-Chhatri

In Shekhawati

Some of the best-known chhatris in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan are located at the following cities and towns:

  • Ramgarh - Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri (Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri [1])
  • Bissau - The Raj ki Chhatri of the Shekhawat Thakurs
  • Dundlod - The beautiful chhatri of Ram Dutt Goenka
  • Mahansar - The Sahaj Ram Poddar Chhatri
  • Fatehpur - Jagan Nath Singhania Chhatri

In Madhya Pradesh

Chhatri of Vithoji in Maheshwar.

The region of Madhya Pradesh is the site of several other notable chhatris of its famous Maratha rulers:

  • Shujalpur - Tomb Of Ranoji Scindia, Founder Of Scindia Dynasty. Situated At Ranoganj, Shujalpur To Akodia Road.
  • Shivpuri - Intricately embellished marble chhatris erected by the Scindia rulers in Shivpuri.
  • Gwalior - Shrimati Balabai Maharaj Ladojirao Shitole Chhatri
  • Gwalior - Rajrajendra Ramchandrarao Narsingh Shitole and wife Gunwantyaraje Ramchandrarao Shitole (princess of Gwalior)Chatri
  • Orchha - Elaborate chhatris of local Hindu kings are not popular tourist attraction
  • Gohad - The Jat rulers of Gohad constructed the chhatri of Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana on the Gwalior Fort.
  • Indore and Maheshwar - Chhatris of Holkar rulers.
  • Alampur - Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar built the chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur in Bhind district in 1766 A.D.
Krishnapura Chhatri, Indore
Bolia Maharaj Ki Chhatri, Indore
Krishnapura Chhatri, Indore
Inside view of Krishnapur Chhatri, Indore

In Kutch

Rao Lakhaji Chhatri Bhuj

Chhatris can also be found in the outskirts of Bhuj city belonging mainly to Jadeja rulers of Kutch. The chhatri of Rao Lakhpatji is very famous for its intricate designs & carvings. Most of them but have been destroyed in the earthquake of 26 January 2000. The restoration work is going on.

Outside India

Chhatri of Ram Mohan Roy in Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol, England

There are two notable chhatris in the United Kingdom, a country with strong historical links to India. One is a cenotaph in Brighton, dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in the First World War. The other is in Arnos Vale Cemetery near Bristol and is a memorial to the distinguished Indian reformer Ram Mohan Roy, who died in the city.

See also

External links

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