News: Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series has organised a webinar titled “Bundi: Architectural Heritage of a Forgotten Rajput Capital”.
Facts:
- Bundi: It is an erstwhile capital of Hada Rajput province known as Hadauti located in south-eastern Rajasthan.
- Known as: Bundi is also known as City of stepwells, blue city and also as Chotti Kashi.It was known as Chotti Kashi owing to presence of over hundred temples within and around the hada capital.
- Temple architecture:
- First Phase: Temples constructed in the early phase of Bundi’s growth were in classical Nagara style.
- Second Phase: In later phases new temple typologies emerged from amalgamation of architectural form of traditional haveli with the classical Nagara style.
- Third Phase: Jain temples formed the third type of temple type constructed in an introvert form.
- Fourth Phase: A fourth temple type emerged in the form of a raised or elevated temple.
- Unique Feature: Absence of monumentality in their scale is a distinctive feature of temples in Bundi.
- Important Places:
- Taragarh Fort- It was constructed by Rao raja Bair Singh in 1354.The fort includes Hazari Darwaza, Haathi Pol, Nau Dhaan, Ratan Daulatkhana, Darikhana, Ratan Niawas, Chhatra mahal, Badal Mahal & Moti Mahal.
- Sukh Mahal- A small, two-storied palace was a summer retreat of past rulers.Located on the banks of JaitSagar lake, the palace was constructed by Rao raja Vishnu Singh in 1773 A.D.
- Rani Ki Baori- Bundi has more than 50 stepwells and is rightly known as the city of stepwells.Raniji ki Baori also known as ‘Queen’s Stepwell’ is a famous stepwell built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati Ji of Bundi.
- 84 Pillared Cenotaph- It is a structure supported by 84 columns. Commissioned by Rao Anirudh, the Maharaja of Bundi, this cenotaph was constructed in memory of his nurse, Deva,under whose love and guidance the prince grew up.
