Jaisalmer has many interesting sites of architectural importance. One of them is Bada Bagh that is on the outskirts of the city just 6 kms away.
It contains a set of royal cenotaphs built in memory of Kings and Queens of Jaisalmer. The first one to be built is for Maharaja Jai Singh II of Bhatti Dynasty in 18th century.
There are two distinct rows of cenotaphs, that look distinctly similar. They have been carved beautifully and some of them have interesting carvings on them.
Later on, many more cenotaphs were constructed here for other Bhattis. The last one built was for Maharaja Jawahar Singh sometime in 20th century.
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Other posts will give you more details about this monument.
A glimpse of heritage monument of India in black and white. Check other posts that will give you more details about this monument.
Cave No. 19 at Ajanta is a very grand chaityagriha of 5th century A.D. belonging to Mahayana cult of Buddhism. This hall of worship is considered one of the most perfect specimens of Bhuddist art of India.
The exquisitely decorated facade and beautiful interior, form a grand combination of richness of detail and graceful proposition. The exterior facade of the cave has small elegant pillared portico and projected ornate cornice, and a window at the top flanked by corpulent figure of yakshas against a background of delicately carved friezes.
The sidewalls along with the facade are carved with array of multiple figures of Lord Buddha. There are two sculpture of Lord Buddha in standing position flanking the entrance wearing ornate crowns on their head.
In front there is a courtyard with side-chapels flanked by two cells. In the left cell there is a beautiful sculpture of a Naga couple seated on a rock with a female chamara-bearer standing on the left-side.
The apsidal hall is divided into a nave, an apse, and aisles by a colonnade of 17 pillars. The votive stupa with an elaborate and elongated drum and a globular dome stands against the standing image of Lord Buddha and other decorative motifs.
The columns have square bases, round shafts, and rich bands of carvings on bracket capitals. The sidewalls are also adorned with countless figures of Buddha while the ceiling is filled with painted floral motifs in which animals, birds and human figures are cleverly interwoven. Paint still clings to the inner faces of the great arch at the entrance.
This cave is known for it sculptural grandeur of the facade and particularly the two life size Yaksha images on the exterior facade. The sculptural extravagant is exquisite.
Jodhpur (State: Rajasthan) has many historical monuments of interest. One of them is Jaswant Thada, located on the long road that takes one to the Mehrangarh Fort.
This monument is built by Sardar Singh in 1899 in memory of Maharja Jaswanth Singh II. This ornamental cenotaph is entirely built using white marble. It is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers.
The above image was taken from the fort. The monument in the empty hilly region is Jaswant Thada.
In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere.
Here the Chhatris are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. The architecture has elements of Hindu as well as Mughal architecture in them.
The royal chattris are memorials to Bundelkhand's former rulers. One can see series of rows of pale brown weed-choked domes and spires inside a compound on the banks of Betwa river.
In Orchha (State: Madhya Pradesh) the cenotaphs (chhatris) of 16th century are located on the banks of Betwa river. They are basically tomb erected in honor of a person, whose remains are elsewhere.
Here the Chhatris of Bundela dynasty kings are elevated, dome-shaped pavilions. But this unusual cenotaph different in design from rest of the royal cenotaphs caught my attention.
In Shivpuri there is a historic site of Scindia's cenotaphs. In the formal Mughal garden facing each other across a water tank are the cenotaphs (Chattris) of the Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia and the Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia. The cenotaphs are blended with architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions.
The queen's cenotaph has a noble dignity of line and superb structural harmony.
The memorial contain life-size image of the Queen. It is rendered extreme devotion by ceremonially dressed retainers who perform the rituals of placing flowers and incense before the statue each day.
Next day we left Jaisalmer in the early morning and reached our next destination Jodhpur in the afternoon. We stayed for 1 night in this place. We could not not spend more time here due to the schedule we had sketched. Another extra half day would have really helped.
Once a major trade center of the 16th century A.D. it is now the second largest city of Rajasthan. While the graceful palaces, forts and temples strewn throughout the city bring alive the historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances music and the brightly attired people lend a romantic aura to the city. The jumble of wide winding streets are flanked with pavement stalls. It is also referred as the Blue City due to the indigo tinge of the whitewashed houses around the Mehrangarh Fort.
The major attractions in the city are given below:
Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort was built in 15th century by the Rathore Rajputs when they shifted their capital from nearby Mandore to Jodhpur. The architecture is such that, one can not separate the fort from bluff-colored sandstone hill on which it is constructed. Past the gates, the fort-palace takes one's breath away.
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. To enter the fort, seven gates have to be crossed. The fort encloses many palaces, which are known for their intricate carvings and sprawling courtyards.
Jaswant Thada
The Jaswant Thada, is located on the long road that takes one to the fort. It is the traditional cremation ground of the rulers of Jodhpur.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
We reached this place at 6 p.m and the gates were closed for us. The snap here is from my friend. If one wishes to visit this place be here before 5 p.m. After 5 p.m the gates are closed for visitors and they are allowed nowhere near the gates.
From Jodhpur we traveled to Ranakpur, the temple town of Rajasthan.
Distance: Jodhpur ---> Ranakpur 180 kms
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
After completing the tour of the Havelis in Jaisalmer we moved ahead to see other attractions that this city has to offer. The city has lot beautiful lake and cenotaphs that are a must watch.
Apart from the Junagarh Fort of Bikaner has lot to offer to the tourists.
The other major attractions here are:
Devi Kund
Eight Kilometers east of Bikaner, this is the site of royal chatris of many of the Bika dynasty rulers. The royal crematorium has several exquisite cenotaphs (Chatris).
Another attraction of the city is Lalgarh Palace.
That is for the tourist attractions of Bikaner. Apart sight seeing in the city we went around the streets of the city in the market area. You will find lot of sweet stalls or bakery's around. Bikner is famous for Bikaner Bhujia. It is a spicy snack made from moth dal, spices and edible oil. There are lot of varieties in them. We purchased quite a few varieties for the rest of the trip.
From Bikaner we traveled to Jaisalmer, the Golden City.Distance: Bikaner ---> Jaisalmer is 333 kms
P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.
