{"id":118410,"date":"2024-05-27T10:26:30","date_gmt":"2024-05-27T08:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magikindia.com\/?p=118410"},"modified":"2024-05-27T10:26:34","modified_gmt":"2024-05-27T08:26:34","slug":"the-royal-chhatardis-of-the-jadejas-of-bhuj","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magikindia.com\/en\/the-royal-chhatardis-of-the-jadejas-of-bhuj\/","title":{"rendered":"The Royal Chhatardis of the Jadejas of Bhuj"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For some reason, some guides skip the Chhatardis of Bhuj<\/a>. And, if we are poorly informed by the locals, we could miss these remarkable cenotaphs built in memory of the Maharaos Jadeja of the Kutch district, Gujarat.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Chhatardis
The site of the Chhatardis of Bhuj, partly in ruins<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The chhatardis are located only 5 minutes as the crow flies from the temple of Swami Swaminarayan,<\/strong> one of the key places in Bhuj; it would therefore be a shame not to see such a site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The site was heavily damaged during the 2001 earthquake. The remains of the cenotaphs nevertheless remain very interesting architecturally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chhatardis
The chhatri of King Lakhpatji, the most important on the site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cChhatardi\u201d is the Gujarati version of \u201cChhatri\u201d, which means \u201cumbrella\u201d in Hindi and refers to the shape of the cenotaph domes.<\/strong> The “umbrella” roofs that top pavilions are typical of Rajput architecture <\/a>and have their origins in Rajasthan<\/a>, one of Gujarat’s neighboring states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chhatardis
Details of the outer wall of the chhatri of Maharao Lakhpatji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A cenotaph, unlike a mausoleum, is an empty tomb which is erected in memory of a dead person<\/strong>. The last funeral rites are performed at the site of chhatardis (cremation), but there is no burial of the ashes, they are scattered in sacred rivers like the Ganges.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
One of the two entrances to the chhatri of Maharao Lakhpatji<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Chhatardis of Bhuj were built in the 18th century by the rulers of the Jadeja dynasty.<\/strong> As Rajput architecture was strongly influenced by the Mughal style, we find elements of Islamic architecture such as jalis (openwork stone panels) or polylobed arches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chhatardis
The alley leading to the center of Maharao Lakhpatji’s chhatri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The site of the royal cenotaphs of Bhuj includes around thirty buildings, that of King Lakhpatji is the most important.<\/strong> During his reign (from 1741 to 1752 CE) this Jadeda sovereign surrounded himself with the best artists. This is how he called on Ram Singh Malam, a navigator, architect and craftsman to build the palace of Aina de Bhuj<\/a> as well as its cenotaph. Ram Singh Salam having lived in Holland, he brought back to India various artistic and architectural influences which made his reputation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lakhpatji cenotaph is designed like a temple, placed on a raised polygonal platform with two galleries. <\/strong>The exterior is richly carved with floral motifs and figures from everyday life such as dancers, musicians and courtesans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chhatardis
Maharao Lakhpatji in the center on his horse surrounded by his many wives<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The two entrances to the chhatardi are overlooked by a polylobed arch, flanked by two guardians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A colonnaded avenue leads us directly to the heart of Chhatri where there is a representation of the Maharao on horseback surrounded on either side by his numerous wives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
One of the life-size female statues in the center of Maharao Lakhpatji’s Chhatri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The center of the cenotaph is decorated with beautiful life-size statues of women and men carved on pillars<\/strong>. This is perhaps what is most impressive about this cenotaph. The characters present precise details on the fashion of dress and jewelry of this era, a real step back in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
One of the life-size statues of men in the center of Maharao Lakhpatji’s Chhatri<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other chhatardis on the site are worth a detour. Right next to that of Lakhpatji, you can admire a cenotaph topped with a dome with earthenware in blue tones, again influenced by Islamic architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A dome decorated with colored earthenware<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Chhatardis of Desarji and Raydbanji II, currently being restored, are among the most elaborate on the site<\/strong>. They both feature fine stone screens embellished with floral motifs and figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Chhatardis of Desarji and Raydbanji II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of them is flanked by two elephants in relief on the exterior sides of its staircase. The movement of the elephant’s head is very realistic and seems to come out of the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Detail of the Chhatardi of Maharao Raydbanji II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you will have understood, this Chhataris site is a must in Bhuj! There is no sign indicating the place, insist a little with your guide or driver to take you there. You will not be disappointed!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best seen at sunset when the red and ocher stone seems to ignite under the last rays of the day.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Detail of the Chhatardi of Maharao Raydbanji II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n

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