Chhatri are semi-open, elevated, dome-shapedpavilions used as an element inIndo-Islamic architecture[1] andIndian architecture. They are most commonly of square, octagonal, and round shapes.[2]
Originating as a canopy abovetombs, they largely serve as decorative elements as opposed to functional elements.[1][2] The earliest examples of chhatri being used in theIndian subcontinent were found in theShrine of Ibrahim inBhadreswar, constructed between 1159 and 1175 AD.[1]
Chhatri are found particularly withinMughal architecture. The most notable surviving examples today are to be found atHumayun's Tomb inDelhi and theTaj Mahal inAgra. TheBerar Sultanate in theDeccan added chhatris on buildings in its various capitals.[3] Chhatri have also been used inRajasthan and other parts of theIndian subcontinent by bothMuslim andHindu rulers.
They are primarily used to manipulate skylines, an important aspect of Rajasthani architecture.[2] For instance, they may be added to building roofs, and larger chhatri may be used as cenotaphs.[2] Its origins are, however,Rajastani. While chhatri inShekhawati 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 chhatri is painted in the same manner as thehaveli (mansions) of the region.
Many other chhatri exist in other parts of Rajasthan. Their locations include:
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Some of the best-known chhatri in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan are located in the following cities and towns:
The region ofMadhya Pradesh is the site of several other notable chhatri of its famousMaratha rulers:
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Chhatri were features in many buildings ofMughal architecture:
Chhatri can also be found in the outskirts ofBhuj city belonging mainly toJadeja rulers of Kutch. The chhatri of Rao Lakhpatji is very famous for its intricate designs and carvings. Most of them but have been destroyed in the2001 Gujarat earthquake. The restoration work is going on.
There are two notable chhatri in theUnited Kingdom, a country with strong historical links to India. One is acenotaph in Brighton, dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in theFirst World War.
The other is inArnos Vale Cemetery nearBristol and is a memorial to the distinguished Indian reformerRaja Ram Mohan Roy, who died in that city.
84 Khambho ki Chhatri- memorial of Shatrusal (1631 AD),Bundi ruler - contemporary ofShah Jahan . Built in the memory of Rao Raja Aniruddh Singh's nursemaid Deva, near Devpura village ofBundi .
Kesarbagh, located about 4-5 kilometers fromBundi, has 66 chhatris of rulers ofBundi and royal families. The oldest among these is chhatri of Maharaj Kumar Dadu and the newest is the chhatri of Maharaja Raja Vishnu Singh.
Their canopy is located inRajasthan'sAlvar The canopy of 60 the pillars of Hindu architecture on the south side of Sagar below the Bala Durg was built in the memory of the Musi Queen of Maharaja Bakhtar Singh during the period of Maharaja Vinay Singh. The upper storey of this canopy, built of white marble and red sandstone, is also decorated with mural paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
These chhatris are also located in Alwar district of Rajasthan.
The Mishraji Chhatri located here is particularly renowned; it was constructed around 1432 CE.
The dome of this chhatri is supported by eight upright, square pillars. The distinguishing feature of this chhatri is the unparalleled ornamentation of its mural paintings.
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