Master of Architecture

(Conservation)
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN ART & ARCHITECTURE
MACO 105

ASSIGNMENT NO 2

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
AR AJAY KHARE KUNAL GAURAV
2021MCO002
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN ART & ARCHITECTURE / MACO 105
KUNAL GAURAV/2021MCO002

Gatore Ki Chhatriya Jaipur

Fig 1 Gatore ki Chhatri, Jaipur or Maharajaoen ki Chhatri or Gaitore or Cenotaphs of Kings.

Source: https://www.manavsinghi.com/2013/06/gatore-ki-chhatris-maharaja.html
History

It is believed that the ‘Gaitore ki Chhatriyan’ is derived from the phrase ‘Gaye Ka
Thor’- meaning ‘a place dedicated to souls of the departed Kings’ and thus named
Gaitore. Various ‘chhatris’, umbrella shaped, or domed pavilions have been built,
adorned with ornate carvings, supported by delicately sculpted pillars. Hence, the place
has been rightly named as ‘Gaitore ki Chhatriyan’. Here, deceased were cremated with
due honor and prestige and these cenotaphs were built commemorating them. The
edifice symbolizes a ‘memorial’ built in the memory of the prestigious and
dignified Kachchawa dynasty of Jaipur. It houses mausoleums of entire dynasty from
Sawai Jai Singh II to Sawai Madho Singh II, that ruled over Jaipur from 1727 A.D. to
1947 A.D. Chhatri of Sawai Ishwari Singh is not present here as his mausoleum is
situated behind Govind Dev Ji Temple, in the Jai Niwas Garden. Extravagance of each
chhatri reflects the stature and prowess of a particular king. It is believed that Sawai Jai
Singh II himself chose this place, in the 18th century, as the final abode of the
Kachchawas of Jaipur.

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Location

This memorial of Gaitore is located just down the hill of Garh Ganesh temple, also
known as Ganesh Garh. And from the other side, it lies in the foothills of Nahargarh.
This treasure trove of Gaitore is located right next to the place from where road to Garh
Ganesh starts to ascend.
Wrapped in historicism, surrounded by lush green and massive hills on its three sides,
this place has become a captivating attraction

Fig 2 Source: https://www.dreamstime.com/

Architectural descriptions
The cupolas are built on raised platforms or terraced pavilions supported by beautifully
carved pillars and are surrounded by stone lattices. The side walls of these platforms
are not simple, even they too are decorated with intricately carved floral designs.

Fig 3 Source: https://www.manavsinghi.com/2013/06/gatore-ki-chhatris-maharaja.html

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Fig 4 Plan & section of Site

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/SEAMumbai/gaitore-ki-chhatiryan

Its chowk or courtyard is divided into 3 sections with the oldest being farthest from
the entrance. The chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh II founder of the Jaipur city, stands at the
center of the courtyard. It is said that it is made up of Taj marble or white Makrana
marble which is the finest quality of marble.

Fig 5 chowk
Source: https://www.manavsinghi.com/2013/06/gatore-ki-chhatris-maharaja.html

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The chhatris has 20 exquisitely carved pillars. The dome or the cupola is placed over
an octagon. The brackets supporting this octagon are carved beautifully in the shape of
elephant trunk. These brackets join with the pillars. These pillars have lotus like carving
at both of their ends- the pedestal and the ceiling. Women figurines or better referred
as ‘apsaras’ can be seen inside the dome over the joint of architrave and pillars. The
cornice has been designed delicately by depicting beautiful scenes from Hindu
Mythology like Ram, Krishna, Shesnag, Samudra Manthan, holy procession and so on.
Even the stylobate has not been left undecorated, it has a beautiful floral boundary and
pictures of horses, elephants, warriors with weapons in separate block form or perhaps
they depicted royal games like horse polo, elephant polo, hunting activity. Or probably,
this signified cavalry, infantry or army of the king. As Sawai Jai Singh II was a true
warrior, he was Mansabdar in Mughal court as well as he was king of Jaipur, may be
these scenes are related to this dauntless character. This can thus be considered as the
finest specimen of craftmanship of the artist.

Although, being made up of fine white marble, it has now become dull and somewhat
pale but still it is the most magnificent of all the chhatris present here.

Just behind the chhatri of Sawai Jai Singh Ji, there lies mausoleum of Sawai Ram
Singh. It considered to be a replica of Sawai Jai Singh’s chhatri. As it resembles, Sawai
Jai Singh’s chhatri, it also has an exact depiction of those royal games of scenes from
army. It is said that it is built up of Italian Marble.

The next chhatri which needs our mention is of Sawai Madho Singh, most ornate and
elaborate of all chhatris. The chhatri made in his memory is commissioned by Sawai
Pratap Singh. It is a unique combination of stone and marble work. Its structure
corresponds to that of Taj Mahal to some extent. The two stone made lions at the
entrance seems to be the watch guard. As soon as you step forward, your feet rhythms
to see the fine and intricate carvings and designs.

This chhatri is structured over the pillars placed octagonally. Moreover, it is adorned
with ventilated octagonal windows. Standing in the center, you can have a look at the
open verandas on all the four sides. A way to go to upstairs is in the north direction of
the mausoleum. Here you can have the spectacular view of chhatris all around. They
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are 12 in number. Four large chhatris have been built on four corners along with eight
small chhatris.

This memorial is evident of art and craft splendor of Jaipur. Stone used here is the
special Redstone of Karauli and of ‘Raay wale ki khan’ near Ramgarh. Scenes of
traditional procession of elephant, horses etc. from Janani Deori to Sanganeri Gate are
beautifully depicted over the marble panels outside the chhatri.

The temple of Hanumanji is situated at Sanganeri gate and the majestic Hawa Mahal
are clearly visible from here.

Apart from this, two other chhatris are also located in this compound – One of Sawai
Prithvi Singh and Sawai Jagat Singh II. Smaller size indicating probably their brief
period of reigns.

Fig 6 exquisitely carved pillars

Source: https://www.manavsinghi.com/2013/06/gatore-ki-chhatris-maharaja.html

The third courtyard has three tombs: - One of Sawai Madho Singh II, second of Sawai
Man Singh II and the third belonging to Sawai Man Singh II – Bhavani Singh. All of

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Fig 7 Photography by Manav Singhi - Article by Garima Gupta

These three have exquisite carvings and meticulous retails. However, their size differs
but they are no less commendable in grandeur.

As soon as you cross the door, your eyes catch the sight of a large Ficus tree and a large
mausoleum consisting of small tombs. These memories belong to those children who
could not enjoy the pleasure of the royal house for long. They are also known as ‘Das-
daasiyon Ke Pardayton Ka Smarak’. Altogether there are 14 memorials. There is a large
chhatri in the center of it – it is named as ‘Baiji Ki Samadhi’. It is said to have been
dedicated to the daughter of Maharaja Madho Singh and Maharani Jojan Bai.

This large mausoleum comprising of several small memorials are built in the memory
of 120 children. These children were born from concubines.

One interesting fact about this winsome place is that few years ago, (few or may be
many, no one knows) as soon as the sun dropped down and the dusk draped the beautiful
environs, people came to lit lamps here with honor and prestige in their hearts for their
kings. Lighting lamps signified ‘paying tribute’ to their kings. But with the passing
moments, this beautiful activity disappeared.

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Fig 7

Fig 9 chhatris

Fig 8 One of the Many Carvings at Gaitore Cenotaphs.

Fig 10 Arches across corridor

Source
: https://www.manavsinghi.com/2013/06/gatore-ki-chhatris-maharaja.html
: https://www.dreamstime.com/
https://jaipurtourism.co.in/gatore-ki-chhatriyan-jaipur
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/gatore-ki-chhatriyan-a-beautiful-and-quiet-place-in-jaipur-
where-the-royals-were-cremated/as68049562.cms
https://www.jaipur.org.uk/forts-monuments/gaitore.html

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