Master of Architecture

(Conservation)
COMPARATIVE STUDIES IN ART & ARCHITECTURE
MACO 105

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
PROF AJAY KHARE KUNAL GAURAV
2021MCO002
 Content

1. Gatore ki Chhatri 3-9

 History
 Location
 Architectural Description
 Bibliography

2. Newly Excavated Stupa 10-14

 Introduction
 History
 Location
 Stupa Architecture
 Description of Stupa
 Photographs
 Bibliography

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 Gatore Ki Chhatriya Jaipur

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

Source: www.manavsinghi.com

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 or Cupolas’, 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.
1

1
Chhatris or Cupolas- Ornamented Umbrella
Cenotaphs- A monument to someone buried

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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.

Ganesh Garh

Gatore ki Chhatri

Nahargarh Hill

Figure 2. Gatore ki Chhatri

Source- Google earth

Architectural descriptions

The Chhatris or 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. 

Figure 3. Chhatris or Cupolas

Source- www.manavsinghi.com

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Its ch Figure 3.1 Plan & Site Section of Royal Cenotaphs of Gaitore owk 
or Source- India by students at School of Environment & Architecture. 2018
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.

Figure 3.2 Chowk or Courtyard

The chhatris has Source-www.manavsinghi.com 20 exquisitely
carved pillars. The dome or the cupola is placed over an octagon. The brackets supporting this
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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 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.

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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.

Figure 3.3 Exquisitely carved pillars

Source-www.manavsinghi.com
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 these three
have exquisite carvings and meticulous retails. However, their size differs but they are no less
commendable in grandeur.
Figure 3.4 Third courtyard. Chhatri of Sawai Madho Singh in Centre
Source-www.manavsinghi.com

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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. This gives us a glimpse of how being one of best monuments of
Jaipur, it became one of the least known monuments.2

Figure 3.5 Stone Carvings

Source-www.manavsinghi.com

2
Mausoleum- a stately or impressive building housing a tomb or group of tombs.

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 Figure 3.6 Arches
Source-www.manavsinghi.com

Bibliography

DNA, H. (2011, 6 11). Jaipur Tourism. Retrieved from Jaipur Tourism: www.jaipurtourism.co.in

Dreamstime. (2006, March 21). Dreamstime. Retrieved from Dreamstime: www.dreamstime.com

Manavsinghi. (2013, June 8). Manavsinghi. Retrieved from Manavsinghi: www.manavsinghi.com

Travel, T. (2019, 2 19). Times of India. Retrieved from Times of India: www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

New Excavated Stupa

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 Figure 4. Newly Excavated Stupa
Source-Self/Kunal Gaurav

Introduction
The word Stupa is mentioned in the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Vajasaneyi Samhita, Taittriya
Samhita, in the Panchavimsata Brahmana, and the Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary
49 which says it is a “knot or tuft of hair, the upper part of the head, crest, top, summit, a
heap or pile of earth or bricks, etc.”

Stupa can be classified into three categories:

1. Religious edifies, or Stupa dedicated either to the celestial or the Adi Buddha or to the mortal
Buddha.
2. Funeral Stupa erected over the relics of mortal Buddha or over his disciples.
3. Stupa for commemorative Buddha

After the demise of Buddha and his cremation at Kushinagar and later the corporeal relics were
distributed among eight Mahajanapadas, initially, eight Stupas (Saririka Chaityas) were
constructed at eight centers namely, Rajagrihya, Vaishali, Kapilavastu, Allakappa, Ramagrama,
Vethadipa, Pava, and Kushinagar.

History
The stone structure, built by King Ajatasatru, is mentioned in ancient Buddhist texts and in the
accounts of foreign travelers but was buried in the sands of time for thousands of years. Stupas
were built over the relics of Lord Buddha after his death in 483 BC in Kushinagar. The relics
were divided into eight categories and many stupas were built by the Licchavi kings and by
Ajatasatru - who belonged to the Haryanka dynasty of Magadh and had his capital in Rajgir.
Ajatasatru, who died circa 462 BC, is believed to have met Buddha and had patronized
Buddhism. He is said to have begged forgiveness for killing his father Bimbisara and ascending

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the throne of Magadh. Ajatasatru, who, according to some historians, was a follower of Jainism
initially, became influenced by Buddha and his teachings.

Figure 2. Bimbisar Figure 2.1 Ajatsastru

Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

According to sources in the archaeological survey, the stupa built in Rajgir by Ajatasatru had
remained untraced. The Mahaparinirvansutta, a book on the life of Lord Buddha, mentions the
stupa, built of brick, and says that its location is somewhere in Rajgir. The stupa is mentioned
even in the accounts of foreign travelers like Fa Hien, who has talked of the structure in detail.
But till recently, archaeologists believed that the stupa might have been located somewhere on
the northern side of the city. But they abandoned hope after extensive excavations yielded a
stone structure. There was no doubt about the stupa being built of brick since Atma Katha,
another authentic source of Buddhist stupas, says the structure was brick-made.

Location

Figure 3.1 Site Location

Source-Google Earth

On the Figure 3. Location Map southeastern side of Rajgir town, which had been covered with
Source-Google Earth
thick forest, the history-diggers saw a flat land flanked by mounds.

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Survey experts, who were working on the possible location of the stupa, decided to excavate this
area in 1997. Soon a structure emerged, raising hopes among the excavators.

Stupa architecture
It can be compared with different stages of man’s life. He observes
 “Putting off the relics in a covered casket indicated the stage of conception.
 Putting the casket in a stone box indicates birth.
 Covering the box by a brick structure as infancy.
 The rise of the structure above the ground (Medhi) as childhood.
 Oval-shaped (anda) that of adolescence.
 The chatravali and in compassing it by a stone railing keeping guard that of youth and
coronation.
 The lion statues guarding the approaches are that of manhood.
 Erection of ornamental archways and completion of sculptural representations that of
maturity and victory.
 The addition of an outer railing and construction of the flights of steps that of decline and
old age.

Description of Stupa
This brick structure is pyramidal in style with narrow step-like structures that may have helped
the devotees to climb to the top level.
The structure that has now been unearthed is made of bricks and has two terraces measuring 29
meters by 25 meters. On the top terrace, a structure has been found that matches the description
given in Jivakamravana, an ancient Buddhist text. 'Although some of the relics were in a broken
state, they seem to be authentic. The fact that it was made of brick lends credence to its
authenticity,' said K.K. Muhammad, superintendent of the Archaeological survey in Patna.

Figure 4 Remains of Newly Excavated Stupa

Source-Self/Kunal Gaurav

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 Photographs

Figure 5 Step Brick Masonry Used as retaining wall

Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

Figure 5.1 Core of Stupa. Relics of Lord Buddha was buried here.
Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

Figure 5.2 SE view of Newly Excavated Stupa

Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

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 Figure 5.3 Degraded Brick masonry Steps
Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

Figure 5.4 Degraded Brick

Source- Self/Kunal Gaurav

“He who having turned his thoughts to the enlightenment for the sake of all living things reverentially salutes the
top of the savior of the world, becomes everywhere in all his lives as he fares on the way to enlightenment, mindful,
thoughtful, virtuous, and assured”

-Mahavastu Avadana of the Lokuttaravadins

Bibliography

Gaurav, A. (2019). Development of Stupa Architecture in India. Origin & Development of Stupa, 9.
Pritam, R. (2019, 5 20). Rajgir – The first kingdom at the dawn of history. Retrieved from Pragayta:
www.pragyata.com
Story, S. V. (1998). Maha-parinibbana Sutta: Last Days of the Buddha. Buddhist Publication Society.

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