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The
earliest phase of architectural activity in Rajasthan was an offshoot
of the extensive and virile movement initiated during the Gupta period
ofIndian history (4th to 6th centuries) known as the Golden Age of
Indian History. It gave Rajasthan many great temples between the 8th
and 11th centuries. Most of these monuments suffered destruction
during the early Muslim invasions. However, the beauty of their
workmanship can well be imagined from the carved pillars of Hindu
temples used by Muslim builders in Adhai-din-ka-Jhonpra at Ajmer.
Fortunately, a few of the old temples have survived the ravages of man
and time. In the village of Osia in Rajasthan are some sixteen ruined
Brahminical and Jain temples. The earlier of these, belonging to the
8th and 9th centuries, from a group in which no two temples are alike.
Representing the post-Gupta style in Rajasthan is the rock-cut temple
at Damnar, about 80 km. (50 miles) from Jhalra Patan. The temple of
Kalika Mata in Chittor and the Siva temple at Bundi are notable
examples of the 10th-century architecture. The temple of Eklingji
Mahadeva, 19 km. (12 miles) from Udaipur, built in the 8th century by
Bapa Rawal, is a structure of unusual design. The neighbouring village
of Nagda, an ancient site, has many beautifully sculptured temples.
Rana Kumbha of Mewar built many temples at Chittor in the 15th
century. Of these, a Siva temple and two temples dedicated to Lord
Krishna are worthy of note. Of the Jain shrines in Rajasthan, the
Dilwara temples in Mount Abu are famous for the richness of their
carvings in marble. Among the Muslim monuments, the shrine of Khwaja
Muin-ud-Din Chishti at Ajmer is worthy of note.
With the advent of Muslim power in India, Rajasthan’s architecture
became secular in character, finding expression in palaces, forts and
citadels. Their builders, mostly Hindu princes, borrowed structural
features from Muslim buildings. As a rule, the forts and citadels are
situated either on rocky eminences or by the side of lakes which
afforded protection against enemy attacks. Generally, their basements
are fortified with round towers and bastion or are built solid up to a
considerable height. This gives a pleasing effect of solidity to the
whole, however light the superstructure may be. The forts of Chittor,
Kumbhalgarh, Ranthambhor, Jalor, Jodhpur, Vijay garh and Basantgarh
are some of the examples of military architecture in Rajasthan. The
richly-carved Victory Tower built by Rana Kumbha in 1468 is a monument
to the Rajputs’ architectural greatness.
Of the princely mansion and palaces in Rajasthan, built mainly during
the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, the main examples are those at
Udaipur, Amber, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and at Bundi.
Unlike the temples, these buildings do not conform to any rigid
pattern. Instead, they show evidence of individual taste and liking.
Most of these palaces are large and irregular buildings, often
enlarged and altered from time to time. Their interior consists of a
large durbar hall and a court of assembly, the remaining space being
occupied by apartments with inter-connecting passages. They have about
them an atmosphere of seclusion and mystery.
Among these structures, the magnificent palace of Amber has pride of
place. Described as ‘the sleeping beauty of Rajasthan’, it is perched
on a rose coloured ring of granite hills in idyllic surroundings. In
this palace may be seen marble tracery, halls of mirrors and excellent
frescoes. The castellated palace of Bundi and the Maharana’s palace on
Lake Pichola at Udaipur have a rare magnificence. Then there is the
fanciful architecture of the Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds at
Jaipur and of the palace at Deeg in Bharatpur.
There
is ample evidence of the influence of Rajput art and architecture in
the Muslim buildings at Agra, Fatehpur Sikri and Ajmer.
Heritage
Walk is a walking tour of Jaipur city and has been designed to
acquaint people with Jaipur city. Our Walking tours are designed very
properly and covers old city, temples, monuments, shops and bazaars of
Jaipur. Our heritage walk help you to explore the city of jaipur and
to experience the culture and tradition of jaipur city by walking on
the busy streets of Jaipur.
The
tradition and custom of people, architecture and culture becomes
attractive through walking leisurely and engaging with the community
along our City Walks. Our
walking tours will give you a very unique and amazing experience about
the history and culture of jaipur city that one can experience best
only by walking.
You can
also join our heritage walk and experience Jaipur at its best by
visiting the old pink city of jaipur on foot, to meet local craftsmen
at work, to view Rickshaw Drivers, to visit some sweets shop etc. In
addition to Walking Tours we also organize some theme-based walks,
such as Photographer's Walk, Food Lover's Walk, Shopaholic Walks and
Birdwatcher's Walk.
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Earlier Amber was the capital of Kachhawaha dynasty for 6 centuries
before it was moved to newly created Jaipur, the capital city of
Rajasthan. Structures belonging to 16th century onwards are present in
the Amber fort in a very wonderful position, but structures belonging
to early centuries have disappeared or damaged from the Fort.
Amber Fort
was founded by Raja Man Singh I. Amber fort exhibits unique Mughal
influences, it is a typical combination of Hindu and Mughal
architecture which was constructed in white marble and red sandstone.
Amber Fort is also famous for unique style of Hindu artifacts.
Our
well-planned 2 hours walking tour help you to visit the beautiful fort
of Amber and explore the culture and tradition of the place.
Trekking
Extension:
For those who want to do some long tour and want to explore the
outdoors and amazing landscape, we combine this walk with some serene
trekking in the nearby Aravali hills.
In this
tour we visit a ruined fort, beautiful temples and also meet some
local people to know about their daily life and their culture.
Note:
This walk starts from the parking behind the Amber Fort at 10:00 A.M
and ends at Badrinath Temple. It will take about 3 hrs for this walk.
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Jaipur Old City Heritage
Walking
Tour is a walking tour of one section of old city of jaipur. It has
been especially designed by us to acquaint people with the old city of
jaipur.
The city
of Jaipur is a very excellent place to experience the rich culture,
tradition and Art & Craft of the city. From the olden days since the
time of royals various craftsman and artisans are manufacturing
various items in the city. Presently these traditional methods are
still used to produce expensive and precious items.
Our
walking tour through the bazaars of jaipur will help you to explore
the city of Jaipur, its culture and tradition and talk with the local
people, visiting some sweets shop and also try some of the delicious
dishes like Samosa Kachori, Kulfi, delicious sweets and also try
Lassi.
You may
also view local artisans Bangle makers, Rickshaw Drivers, Silversmiths
doing their routine work, talk with the local people of jaipur to know
about their lifestyle.
Heritage
Walk provided by us is a very unique way to explore the beautiful city
of jaipur and to learn about the culture and traditions of the city.
Note:
Bazaars, Crafts & Cuisine Walking tour starts from the front of
Palace of Winds (Hawa Mahal) - Badi Chaupar at 1 PM & 4 PM and ends at
Badi Chaupar. In our
evening walk dinner is also included.
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Temples & Havelis Walking Tour is a walking tour of the Jaipur city
which will take you to the old havelis, beautiful shrines of the city
to observe the Hindu prayer ceremony which will help you to know the
religious life of local people of jaipur.
Temples &
Havelis Walking Tour is the best way to experience the culture and
traditions of the walled city – Jaipur. In this
tour you will also be introduced with a local family and experience
their daily lifestyle in their adorned home with a cup of tea and
snacks.
In our
walking tour we also explore some of the hidden tourist attractions
of Pink City, Jaipur. This walk has been very properly designed by us
to offer the traveller a unique and memorable lifetime experience. In
addition to a local family you will also be introduced with temple
priests, local artisans, local citizens and temple priests which make
this tour a memorable experience for you.
Note:
Temples &
Havelis Walking Tour starts from Choti Chouper (in front of
Police station) at 7:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M from March to November. From
December to February this tour operates at 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M.
This tour ends at Ram Chandra Temple (near Chandpole Gate). It takes
about 3 hrs to finish this tour. This tour operates daily subject to
local conditions.
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