The vernacular architecture of Jaipur is quite unique and rich. For a person with a keen aesthetic sense, the old Jaipur architecture is a big magnet. There is inherent perfection in the architectural style; it is supported by the science of aesthetics. The best example of this architecture is Chhatri or cupolas. If you were to undertake a Jaipur architecture tour, nowhere else you will find such symmetric bazaars lined with beautiful chhatris, Jharokhas, and Jalis. This blog contains many Chhatri pictures.

Chhatri – An Important vernacular Architectural Style of Jaipur?

Planning and executing breathtaking architecture depicts the vision of founder, Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. He was well-versed in the art of creating grandeur through beautiful architecture. The idea of using Chhatris is to enhance the beauty of the buildings. The credit for architecturally rich Jaipur can’t be given only to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder. We need to credit the descendants too who contributed immensely by adding beautiful buildings. At the same time, to clarify, he was not the first one to use the elements of Chhatris.

What is Chhatri?

Featured in pictures of this blog are Chhatris. Chhatri in simple language means semi-open canopy.  It also refers to an umbrella. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word Chattra. Since these canopies resembled an umbrella, therefore named chhatri. These chhatris can be found across Rajasthan and not just in Jaipur.

Where To Find Chhatri In Jaipur And Rajasthan?

It is one of the important Rajput architectural elements and features in heritage buildings in Jaipur and elsewhere in Rajasthan. These were also used in the memorial architecture by royalty. Check out the write-up on Royal Gaitor which features a variety of Chhatris.

You can find Chhatri adorning many heritage buildings in Jaipur. If you were to take an architecture tour in Jaipur, there are many varieties of Chhatris to be found. Having done heritage walks in Jaipur, there are a couple of styles that are ubiquitous. Some are reserved to be used by a select few others are freely used by commoners.

Heritage Gardens In Jaipur

There are a few heritage gardens like Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh which has beautiful Chhatris. Here is a picture from Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh.

Temples in Jaipur

There are many heritage temples in Jaipur having these beautiful Chhatis. A few worth a visit are Kanak Ghati – Natwar Ji Temple, Radha Madhav Temple, Ghat Ke Balaji Temple, Sri Goverdhan Nath Ji Temple

A very simple Chhatri style adorns these old heritage city gates of Jaipur. You can check out the most popular temples in Jaipur as they usually have an element of Chhatri.

Walled City Of Jaipur

Here is a picture of a Jaipur Gate from the walled city area of Jaipur.

The Cenotaph or Tombs of Gaitore

Some experts believe Chhatris were first used in memorials or cenotaphs before being used for beautifying buildings. It is difficult to verify if this is entirely true, however, across Rajasthan, all cenotaphs consist of Chhatris be it Gaitore in Jaipur, Bada Bagh in Jaisalmer, or Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri in Alwar.

Featured above, a simple Chhatri in Gaitore Ki Chhatriyan – Royal Gaitore

The above picture features Chhatris of deceased Jain monks in one of the Jain Temples in Jaipur. Read The Historic Jain temple in Amer

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The above picture of Chhatri makes it amply clear that it is one of the most ornate and beautiful Chhatri to be found in Jaipur dedicated to Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II of Jaipur.

Chhatri is one of the most important elements of Jaipur’s heritage architecture and is hard to ignore. Despite being simple, its perfection & symmetry adds to its grace. What is your view on Chhatri being an important element of vernacular Rajput architecture?