Rajput Architecture
Rajput Architecture is a style of architecture associated with the Rajput kingdoms of India. Found primarily in regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and parts of northern and central India, this architectural tradition includes a wide range of structures such as forts, palaces, temples, stepwells, and cenotaphs.
Rajput architecture is known for its emphasis on defense and grandeur, often reflected in massive hill forts, fortified walls, and elevated locations. At the same time, it features detailed carvings, chhatris (domed pavilions), jharokhas (balconies), and intricate stone work that highlight artistic and religious elements. The style developed independently in different Rajput states, leading to regional variations while retaining common cultural themes.
Rajput were among the most prolific patrons of architecture in Indian history, contributing significantly to the subcontinent's built heritage. A large portion of India's historic forts, temples and palatial complexes were constructed under Rajput dynasties. Several Rajput architectural sites, including Chittorgarh Fort, Khajuraho Group of Temples, and others, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their historical and architectural value and popular tourist attractions.. These structures not only reflect regional variations and dynastic identities but also represent one of the most enduring legacies of Indian architecture.
Major Sites and Monuments
| MONUMENT NAME | TYPE | LOCATION | ARCHITECTURE STYLE | BUILT BY | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Temple Modhera | Temple | Modhera | Maru-Gurjara Arch. | Bhimadev Solanki I | 11th Century |
| Happy Villa Palace | Palace | Gandhinagar | Rajput Architecture | Gambhirsinhji Sahib | 19th Century |
| Jahangir Mahal | Palace | Orccha | Timurid-Rajput Arch. | Vir Singh Bundela | 17th Century |
| Chaturbhuj Temple | Temple | Orccha | Maru-Gurjara Arch | Vir Singh Bundela | 17th Century |
| Lakshmi Narayan Temple | Temple | Orccha | Timurid-Rajput Arch. | Vir Singh Bundela | 17th Century |
| Orccha Fort | Fort | Orccha | Rajput Architecture | Rudra Singh Bundela | 15th Century |
| The Raja Mahal, Fort Orccha | Palace | Orccha | Rajput Architecture | Madhukar Shah | 16th Century |
| The Sheesh Mahal, Fort Orccha | Palace | Orccha | Rajput Architecture | Udait Singh | 16th Century |
| The Rai Praveen Mahal | Palace | Orccha | Timurid Architecture | Indrajit Singh Bundela | 16th Century |
| Phool Bagh, Fort Orccha | Garden | Orccha | Rajput Architecture | Rudra Singh Bundela | 15th Century |
| The Govindgarh Palace | Palace | Govindgarh | Rajput Architecture | Raghuraj Singh Judeo | 19th Century |
| The Rewah Fort | Fort | Rewah | Rajput Architecture | Vikramaditya Singh Judeo | 16th Century |
| Venkat Bhavan | Palace | Rewah | Rajput Architecture | Venkatraman Singh Judeo | 20th Century |
| Bandhavgarh Fort | Fort | Umaria | Rajput Architecture | Kalchuri Kings | 10th Century |
| Baderi Fort | Fort | Umaria | Rajput Architecture | Lal Ranmat Singh Baghel | 19th Century |
| Bardi Palace | Palace | Singrauli | Rajput Architecture | Brahmjit Singh Chandel | 12th Century |
| Sohawal Fort | Fort | Sohawal | Rajput Architecture | Rais Fateh Singh Baghel | 16th Century |
| Kothi Fort | Fort | Kothi | Rajput Architecture | Rais Duniyapati Singh Baghel | 19th Century |
| Teli Ka Mandir | Temple | Gwalior | Rajput Architecture | Mihir Bhoj Pratihar | 9th Century |
| Gwalior Fort | Fort | Gwalior | Rajput Architecture | Suraj Pal Kachwaha | 7th Century |
| Gurjari Mahal | Palace | Gwalior | Rajput Architecture | Man Singh Tomar | 15th Century |
| Man Mandir Palace | Palace | Gwalior | Rajput Architecture | Man Singh Tomar | 15th Century |
| Sailana Palace | Palace | Ratlam | Rajput Architecture | Jai Singh Rathore | 18th Century |
| Singorgarh Fort | Fort | Damoh | Rajput Architecture | (Not Provided) | (Not Provided) |
| Jhansi Fort | Fort | Jhansi | Rajput Architecture | Vir Singh Bundela | 17th Century |
| Jharia Palace | Palace | Jharia | Rajput Architecture | Raghunath Singh Baghel | 16th Century |
| Khandpara Palace | Palace | Khandpara, Orissa | Rajput Architecture | Raghunath Singh Baghel | 17th Century |
| Amer Fort | Fort/Palace | Amer, Jaipur | Rajput & Mughal | Raja Man Singh I | 1592 |
| Chittorgarh Fort | Fort | Chittorgarh | Rajput | Rawal Ratan Singh | 7th century+ |
| Mehrangarh Fort | Fort | Jodhpur | Rajput | Rao Jodha | 1459 |
| Kumbhalgarh Fort | Fort | Rajsamand | Rajput | Rana Kumbha | 1443 |
| Jaisalmer Fort | Fort | Jaisalmer | Rajput | Rawal Jaisal | 1156 |
| Hawa Mahal | Palace | Jaipur | Rajput | Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh | 1799 |
| Junagarh Fort | Fort | Bikaner | Rajput | Raja Rai Singh | 1593 |
| Ranthambore Fort | Fort | Sawai Madhopur | Rajput | Chauhan Rajputs | 10th century |
| Taragarh Fort | Fort | Ajmer | Rajput | Chauhan rulers | 14th century |
| City Palace Jaipur | Palace | Jaipur | Rajput & Mughal | Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II | 1727 |
| Gagron Fort | Fort | Jhalawar | Rajput | Kumbha Rajput | 12th century |
| Bhangarh Fort | Fort | Alwar | Rajput | Madho Singh | 1573 |
| Samode Palace | Palace | Samode, Jaipur | Rajput | Rawat Mohan Singh | 16th century |
| Nahargarh Fort | Fort | Jaipur | Rajput | Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II | 1734 |
| Lohagarh Fort | Fort | Bharatpur | Rajput | Raja Suraj Mal | 1732 |
| Taragarh Palace | Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Ratan Singh | 16th century |
| Vijay Stambh | Victory Tower | Chittorgarh | Rajput | Rana Kumbha | 1448 |
| Kirti Stambh | Tower | Chittorgarh | Jain & Rajput | Possibly 12th century | 12th century |
| Neemrana Fort Palace | Fort/Palace | Neemrana, Alwar | Rajput | Raja Dup Raj | 15th century |
| Devigarh Palace | Palace | Rajsamand | Rajput | Rawat Bhawani Singh | 18th century |
| Jawahar Singh Palace | Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Jawahar Singh | 17th century |
| Moti Mahal | Palace | Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Jagat Singh II | 17th century |
| Fateh Prakash Palace | Palace | Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Fateh Singh | 1885 |
| Bundi Palace | Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Ratan Singh | 17th century |
| Garh Palace | Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Raja Singh | 17th century |
| Sajjangarh Palace | Palace | Udaipur | Rajput & European | Maharana Sajjan Singh | 1851 |
| Jag Mandir | Palace/Island | Lake Pichola, Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Jagat Singh I | 1620 |
| City Palace Udaipur | Palace | Udaipur | Rajput & Mughal | Maharana Udai Singh II | 1553 |
| Fatehgarh Fort | Fort | Chittorgarh | Rajput | Rana Fateh Singh | 15th century |
| Mandore Fort | Fort | Mandore, Jodhpur | Rajput | Rao Jodha | 9th century+ |
| Jawahar Chowk | Square/Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Madho Singh | 18th century |
| Moti Mahal | Palace | Jaipur | Rajput | Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh | 18th century |
| Ramgarh Lake Palace | Palace | Near Jaipur | Rajput | Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II | 18th century |
| Ramnagar Fort | Fort | Sawai Madhopur | Rajput | Rawat Mohan Singh | 18th century |
| Bhainsrorgarh Fort | Fort | Sawai Madhopur | Rajput | Rawat Bhim Singh | 17th century |
| Deeg Palace | Palace | Bharatpur | Rajput & Mughal | Maharaja Suraj Mal | 18th century |
| Laxmi Niwas Palace | Palace | Bikaner | Rajput & European | Maharaja Ganga Singh | 20th century |
| Umaid Bhawan Palace | Palace | Jodhpur | Rajput & Art Deco | Maharaja Umaid Singh | 1943 |
| Ranakpur Jain Temple | Temple | Ranakpur, Pali | Rajput & Jain | Rana Kumbha | 15th century |
| Eklingji Temple | Temple | Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Hammir | 14th century |
| Jagdish Temple | Temple | Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Jagat Singh I | 1651 |
| Charbhuja Temple | Temple | Garh, Rajsamand | Rajput | Rawat Raj Singh | 10th century |
| Brahma Temple | Temple | Pushkar, Ajmer | Rajput | Local Rajput rulers | 14th century |
| Galtaji Temple | Temple Complex | Jaipur | Rajput | Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II | 18th century |
| Chaurasi Khamba Temple | Temple | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Ratan Singh | 17th century |
| Chittorgarh Palace | Palace | Chittorgarh | Rajput | Rawal Ratan Singh | 7th century+ |
| Jag Mandir | Palace | Lake Pichola, Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Jagat Singh I | 1620 |
| Lohagarh Fort | Fort | Bharatpur | Rajput | Raja Suraj Mal | 1732 |
| Chhatris of Gaitore | Cenotaphs | Jaipur | Rajput | Maharajas of Jaipur | 18th century |
| Bundi Stepwells | Stepwell | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Anirudh Singh | 17th century |
| Jodhpur Stepwell | Stepwell | Jodhpur | Rajput | Rao Jodha | 15th century |
| Mirla Stepwell | Stepwell | Jodhpur | Rajput | Rao Maldev | 16th century |
| Jawahar Sagar Dam | Dam | Bundi | Rajput | Maharaja Jawahar Singh | 18th century |
| Bijolia Fort | Fort | Bijolia, Bhilwara | Rajput | Rawat Vijai Singh | 12th century |
| Sariska Palace | Palace | Alwar | Rajput | Maharaja Vinay Singh | 19th century |
| Mandore Gardens | Garden/Monuments | Mandore, Jodhpur | Rajput | Rao Jodha | 9th century+ |
| Jagat Niwas Palace | Palace | Bundi | Rajput | Rao Raja Raja Singh | 18th century |
| Udaipur Lake Palace | Palace | Udaipur | Rajput | Maharana Jagat Singh I | 1746 |