Architecture of Forts and palaces

By Yashdeep Shisodhia
Rajat Singh
S!ddharth Atreya
 Fortress cities

• Fortress cities were based on five principle types.

1. Mountain or hill
2. Forest or desert
3. Lake or sea
4. Marshy land
5. Metropolis (in open plain)
• These sites were selected for the security
purpose .
Example of a fort situated on mountain
 Types of forts on india

• We are mainly focused on two types of

fortification.
1. Rajputana palaces
period- during 16th and 17th century.
examples are those at bikanir, jodhpur,
jaiselmer, udaipur and jaipur.
2. Bundela type of palaces
period- 15th and 16th century.
examples of these type of palaces are- at
orchha and at datia.
 Rajputana palaces
exterior treatments
• copper gilt cupolas flashing in the sunlight
• Bold patterns of elephants birds , trees,
makaras and ornament in blue , green, and
yellow glaze.
• Fine rounded bastions that project and
support the lofty retaining wall at close
intervals, while between each, and breaking
the skyline of perforated parapet are well
designed balcony kiosks.
Massive boundary walls enlosing forts and round bastions
• Long loggias supported on rows of elaborately
carved brackets.
• With these are pillared kiosks having fluted
cupolas which rise from every angle above
perforated stone parapets.
• Endless arcades forming the upper stories ,
every arch engrailed and every opening filled
with the lattice screen.
• Curved cornice or eave, arcuate in shape, and
it is considerably projected producing
shadows arched like a bow.
• Fanciful pavilions overhanging the stern and
 planning
• The main buildings of palace are within an
open courtyard or darbar square, which is
approached by means of fine staircases and
through an imposing gateway.
• Two halls within this square are prominent,
the diwan-am or hall of audience and the
entrance to the palce itself both of which in
the style are apparently improvisations from
the existing architecture of the mughals.
• Of these the former most nearly reproduces
the mughal type of hypostyle hall, its double
pillars, clusters of brackets, wide eaves and
high perforated parapet above, being
reminiscent of the pavilion known as the
zenana palace in the fort.
• Beyond the durbar square are leading out of it
is an extensive range of structures consisting
of minor palaces, zenana apartments ,
courtyards, terraces and gardens, covering a
large space and forming the inner precincts of
the palace.
 interiors
• In the interior arrangements of such palaces
there are few signs of any ordered plan
beyond the inclusion of a large durbar hall,
and a court of assembly , the remaining space
being occupied by a labyrinth of appartments
connected by passages, the whole often dimly
lit and steeped in that atmosphere of
seclusion and mystery which pervaded the
palace life of the time.
 Materials used
• Same order of treatment as the brick and tile
phase of the mughal style in the punjab
• Tudor arches and panelled walls.
• Glazed tiles replaced by patterns painted in
tempera.
• In the interior carved dodos and ceilings of
inlaid glass producing bizarre effect.
Amer fort jaipur
 Amer fort jaipur
• Amer Fort is located in Amer near Jaipur,
Rajasthan state, India. It is one of the
principal tourist attractions in the Jaipur area,
located high on a hill.Amer Fort was made by
Meenas king Raja Alan Singh Chanda
later occupied by Kachhawa rajput.
• Amer Fort is known for its artistic style, blending
both Hindu Rajput elements. The fort with its large
ramparts, series of gates and cobbled paths, overlooks
the Maota Lake, at its forefront.
• The aesthetic ambiance of this formidable fort is seen
within its walls on a four level (each with a courtyard)
layout plan in well turned out opulent palace complex
built with red sandstone and marble consisting of the
Diwan-e-Aam or the "Hall of Public Audience", the
Diwan-e-Khas or the "Hall of Private Audience", the
Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace) or Jai Mandir, and the
Sukh Niwas where a cool climate is artificially created
by winds that blow over the water cascade within the
palace
 layout
• The fort is divided into four main sections each w
Main entry is through the Suraj Pole (Sun Gate)
which leads to Jaleb Chowk, which is the first main
courtyard. This was the place where armies would
hold victory parades with their war bounty on their
return from battles, which were also witnessed by
the Royal family women folk through the latticed
windows. This gate was built exclusively and was
provided with guards as it was the main entry into
the palace. It faced the eastern direction towards the
rising Sun and hence the name. Royal cavalcades and
dignitaries entered the palace through this gate.
View of the Jaleb Chowk
• Jaleb Chowk is an Arabic usage, which means
a place for soldiers to assemble. This is one of
the four courtyards of the Amer Palace, which
was built during Sawai Jai Singh’s reign (1693–
1743 AD). The Maharaja's personal
bodyguards held parades here under the
command of the army commander or Fauj
Bakshi. The Maharaja used to inspect the
Guards contingent. At this location, the horse
stables were also located where its upper level
rooms were occupied by the guards
 First courtyard
Left: Latticed screens above Ganesh Pol. Right: View of Ganesh Pol.
• An impressive stairway from the Jaleb Chowk leads into the
main palace grounds. Here, at the entrance itself to the right
of the stairway steps is the Sila Devi temple where the Rajput
Maharajas offered worship, starting with Maharaja Mansingh
in the 16th century till the 1980s, when the animal sacrifice
ritual (sacrifice of a buffalo) practiced by the royalty was
stopped .
• Ganesh Pol or the Ganesh Gate, named after the hindu god
Lord Ganesh who removes all obstacles in life, is the entry
into the private palaces of the Maharajas. It is a three level
structure which has many frescoes and was also built at the
orders of the Mirza Raja Jai Singh(1621–1627) and leads to
the private quarters of the royal family. Above this gate is the
Suhag Mandir where ladies of the royal family used to watch
through the latticed windows functions held in the Diwan-i-
Am.
Embossed double leaf silver door entry in to the Sila Devi temple
• On the right side of the Jaleb Chowk there is a
small but an elegant temple called the Sila
Devi (an incarnation of kali or Durga) temple.
The entrance to the temple is through silver
sheet covered double leaf gate with raised
relief. The main deity inside the sanctum is
flanked by two lions made in silver.
 2 courtyard
nd

• The second courtyard, up the main stairway of

the first level courtyard, houses the Diwan-i-
Am or the Public Audience Hall. Built with
double row of columns, the Diwan-i-Am is a
raised platform with 27 colonnades, each of
which is mounted with elephant shaped
capital with galleries above it. As the name
suggests, the Raja held audience here to hear
and receive petitions from the public.
 3rd courtyard
mirrored ceiling in the mirror palace and sheesh mahal interior
• The third courtyard is where the private quarters of
the Maharaja, his family and attendants were built.
This courtyard is entered through the Ganesh Pol or
Ganesh Gate, which is embellished with mosaics and
sculptures. The court yard has two buildings, one
opposite to the other, separated by a garden laid in
the fashion of the Mughal Gardens. The building to
the left of the entrance gate is called the Jai Mandir,
which is exquisitely beautified with glass inlaid panels
and multi-mirrored ceilings. The mirrors are of
convex shape and designed with coloured foil and
paint which would glitter bright under candle nights
at the time it was in use
• . Also known as Sheesh Mahal (mirror palace),
the mirror mosaics and coloured glasses were
"glittering jewel box in flickering candle
light". However, most of this work was
allowed to deteriorate during the period
1970–80 but has since then been subjected to
a process of restoration and renovation.
Carved marble relief panels are placed on
walls around the hall. The hall provides
enchanting vistas of the Maota Lake
 Magic flower

• A particular attraction here is the “magic

flower” fresco carved in marble at the base of
one of the pillars around the mirror palace
which is identified by two hovering butterflies
depiction; the flower has seven unique designs
of fish tail, a lotus, a hooded cobra, an elephant
trunk, a lion’s tail, a cob of corn and a scorpion,
each is viewed by a particular way of partial
hiding of the panel with hands.
Magic flower fresco and baradhari pavilion at man singh 1 palace square
• South of this courtyard lies the Palace of Man Singh I,
which is the oldest part of the palace fort.The palace
took 25 years to build and was completed in 1599
during the reign of Raja Man Singh I (1589–1614). It is
the main palace. In the central courtyard of the palace
is the pillared baradari or pavilion; frescoes and
coloured tiles decorate the ground and upper floor
rooms in this palace. This pavilion (which used to be
curtained for privacy) was used as the meeting venue
by the maharanis (queens of the royal family). All sides
of this pavilion are connected to several small rooms
with open balconies. The exit from this palace leads to
the Amer village, a heritage town with many temples,
palatial houses and mosques.
 4 courtyard
th

• The fourth courtyard is where the Zenana (Royal family

women, including concubines or mistresses) lived. This
courtyard has many living rooms where the queens resided
and who were visited by the king at his choice without being
found out as to which queen he was visiting, as all the rooms
open into a common corridor.
• The queen mothers and the Raja’s consorts lived in this part of
the palace in Zanani Deorhi, which also housed their female
attendants. The queen mothers took deep interest in building
temples in Amer tow
• Jas Mandir, a hall of private audience with floral glass inlays
and alabaster relief work is also located in this courtyard.
 Hawa mahal
jaipur
• Hawa mahal is situated on sireh deodhi side of
badi chauper.
• It was constructed in ad 1799 by sawai pratap
singh.
• Its chief architect was lala usta also known as
usta lalchaND.
• Hawa mahal was dedicated to radha and
krishna.
• It is famous for its graciously decorative
façade.
• This is a five storeyed building along the main
street of the old city in pink splendour with
semi octagonal and delicately honey combed
sandstone windows.
• This monument was originally conceived with
the aim of enabling ladies of the royal
household to watch the everyday life and royal
processions of the city.
 Architectural features
• Hawa mahal displays all the architectural
characteristics of the period. fountains, jali,
jharokha And wall painted with decorative
patterns.
• Hawa mahal , the palace of winds stands on a
high platform.
• It consists of two courtyards which are entered
in by arched entrances from the west.
• It is surrounded by verandahs and living rooms.
• The palace is on the east side.
• The second court is placed higher than the first
court.
• The entrance from lower court to higher court is
decorated by dvarapals or gatekeepers and
some images of hindu gods .
• In the artches of the south dalana of the upper
court , miniature arches made by joining two
scallops in their edges are used.
• The palace is five storeyed in height.
• Every storey is decorated by series of semi
octagonal oriel windows fitted with jalis.
• The second and the third storeys are provided
by chandnis (open terraces) on either side and
the fourth storey has one chandni in front.
• These chandnis or open spaces allowed air
and sun light to enter in hawa mahal.
• It is fitted by both curvilinear and squat type
of domes crowned by finials.
• The fifth storey giving the whole structure the
shape of a pyramid due to being in the centre.
xterior
Hawa mahal exterior
Hawa mahal- front view
Archway windows- hawa maHAL
ORRIDOE
CORRIDOR VIEW- HAWA MAHAL
CHITTORGARH FORT
Location – Lat. 24* 53’N; Long. 74* 39’E.
The ancient name of Chittaurgarh
Fort was Chitrakuta-durga. It is the largest fort of India.
The fort stands on a 152 m high hill 5km long and 0.91km wide,
covering an area of about 700 acres.
It has witnessed a rule of many dynasties such as the Moris or
the Mauryas, Pratiharas, Paramaras, Solankis and followed by
Sisodias.
The fort is remembered for three bloody seiges.
The fist sake was by Alla-ud-din Khalji in 1303 AD. The second
was by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujrat in 1533 n the third was
by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567. The fort occupies a
place of pride in the history of the Rajputs.
Plan
 Architectural Features

• The fort was protected by a massive fortification wall all

around the hill with seven gateways in the west and
another entrance named Suraj Pol in east. The walls
were strengthened by round bastions and immense
watch towers.
• Permanent water supply made this fort stronger.
• Its rich monumental heritage is characterized by its
strong fortifications, gateways and bastions, sacred
reservoirs, magnificent temples, towers, palaces,
• The winding road from west of the fort is guarded by
seven gateways i.e. Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman
Pol, Ganesha Pol, Torla pol, Laxman Pol and Ram Pol
in acending order.
 JAINA KIRTI STAMBHA
• Kirti stambha or tower of fame is located on the
eastern side of the fort, close to the fortification
wall
• It is adorned with sculptures and mouldings from
the base to the top
• It was dedicated to rishabhadeva or adinath
• The face of the tower is decorated with hundreds
of miniature figures of jaina tirthankars
• It is 24m high, 9m in dia at the base and 4.5m at
the top and it stands on a square platform about
3m high
• A small entrance on the west side leads to the
central straircase which end up to a open
pavilion of elegant design, the roof of which
stands on 12 decorated pillars
Plan
 RANA KUMBHA PALACE
• Palace occupy a large area, it shows domestic
architecture of rajputs before the invasion of
muslims
• The original building was extensively large due
to the additions carried out by maharaja
kumbha
• Poetess meera bai, wife of bhoj raj, the eldest
son on rana sanga lived here and sung
emotional devotional songs of lord krishna
Plan
 Layout
• It a three storied mansion with a high parapet wall from the
east and a principal entrance
• The entire palace has many rooms and open courtyards on
first floor surrounded many cells
• Walls are ornamented with artificial battlements, turrets,
balconies, and verandas
• The principal entrance is through padal pol
• The second gate is Tripolia which leads to an open
courtyard and it has underground entrance which leads to
the vaults
• The east facing wall of palace is plane, but an arched screen
was provided on the third floor, locally called surya gokhta
RATAN SINGH’S PALACE
Plan
• Situated in northern part of fort complex
• The main entrance is facing east with a lofty arch and
chhatris
• First courtyard surrounded by small rooms and deorhi in
north west, second courtyard surrounded by rooms and
narrow staircase provided in south east which leads to
first floor
• The second storey of this open courtyard has an
audience hall with fine balcony in east
• To north there is another courtyard which has lofty
building adorned with domes
• Walls are plain, plastered with lime mortar on rubble
masonry
• The palace also has shiva temple
PADMANI PALACE
Plan
• Named after queen padmani, wife of ruler rawal ratan
singh of chhitorgarh
• It has two apartments, one on north and other on south
• In the center of northern apartment is a 3 storied
structure with arched opening
• It is made of rubble masonry with plastered walls
• The second mansion is a beautiful building having 3
courtyards. The main gate facing west leads to a
courtyard surrounded by a row of small rooms
• The second courtyard has a circular hall in southern side
• The third courtyard has a double storied rooms on
south side
• According to legend, alauddin khilji, saw padmini’s
reflection in a mirror here
 HINDOLA MAHAL- MANDU
• The hindola mahal or swaying palace (1425)
acquired its name from its battered or sloping,
side walls and its austere simplicity.
• On both sides are windows fillec with delicate
stone tracery.
• T shaped in plan , it is probably late 15th
century in date and was designed as a hall of
auduence under ghiyath-ud-din.
Balcony- hindola mahal mandu
View of hindola mahal
Hindola mahal- interior view
Hindola mahal- northern extension
View of hall of audience
 Jahaz mahal-mandu
• the jahaz mahal or ship’s palace( late 15th
century) embodies the romance of india , for it is
situated between two lakes and was once staffed
entirely by women.
• From a distance it resembles a ship, but in reality
it is an elegant range with an arcaded ground
storey and a wide flight of steps leading to a roof
terrace, punctuated with kiosks and pavilions.
• Inside there are three large halls, with a bath at
north end surrounded by collonade.
• Architecturally , it comes at the end of
mandu’s classical period by which time the
style was imbued with qualities of lightness
and grace enriched with dazzling coloured
glazes.
• The kapur tank in front of the jahaz mahal is
lined with masonry, in the middle of which is a
ruined pavilion once connected to the west
side by a causeway.
• Remains of an adequate from which water
cascaded into the tank survive in the front of
the jahaz mahal.
MEHERANGARH FORT, JODHPUR
• 122 m above the plane stands on a steep escarpment with a
sheer drop over 36.5m at the south end
• It is enclosed by a high wall, it is divided into three areas: the
palace to the north west, the strongly fortified area to the
south edge of the cliff and a long and wide terrace to the
east of palace
• The approach is via a steep park from west side of hill and
through seven separate large gateways
• To its right is the Jaswant thada, the crimination ground of
rulers of jodhpur
 Layout
• Fatah gate has barbican, pock marked by canon balls with a wing wall
and heavy spiked gates
• After a short turn, the second gate is reached which has pointed arches,
ogee heads and armored spike gates
• The third gate is similar with guard rooms and the fourth is demolished
• The fifth gate has unusual composition standing over a turn in path with
a loop battlements
• In north east corner lies sixth gate with long passage defended by guard
room on both side
• Last gate, loha pole or lion gate, are hand prints of 15 royal suttees,
wives of maharaja
• Two small tanks, the rani talao or queen’s lake and gulab sagar or rose
water sea are in south
SONAR QUILA, JAISALMAR
Plan
• Location : Lat.26* 55’N; long.70* 55’E
• One of the most important and unique fort in Rajasthan due
to its appearance and location.
• It was founded on 12th July 1156 on Trikut hill by Bhati ruler of
Maharawal Jaisal.
• The Fort is made on almost flat peak which is about 250 feet
in height.
• It has a double fortification wall running around the whole
area, which is made of sandstone. The upper fort wall is
strengthened by a series of 99 round bastions and corner
towers are surrounded by high turrets such as kanguras, gun
holes, peep holes and jharokhas.
• The fort is made accessible from North East through gates
such as Suraj pol, Ganesh Pol and Hawa pol.
• It has regular supply of water through a few wells including
the Jaisalmer well which is set to be dug by Lort Krishna
• The fort was renovated between AD 1577 and 1623.
• In the 3rd phase of construction (1633-1647) 92 burjis
were added of height 60 feet each.
• The 2nd wall of fort known as Mori for security
purpose runs parallel to the main wall constructed
shorter in height (about 4.5 M) just half the size of
the main wall.
• The fort consist of three parallel lines around it.
• There are splendid places and several Jaina and
Brahmanical temples, wells etc inside the fort.
 Salim Singh Ki Haveli

• It was the residence of influential mohta family and is still

occupied.
• It was built in 1815 possibly on the core of an earlier building
of late 17th centaury.
• It has a beautiful arched roof with brackets in the form of
peacocks.
• The entrance is guarded by a large stone elephant.
• The upper portion of the house over sails boldly like a ships
prow and therefore, it is also called Jahajmahal or ships palace.
• The top two storey's – Kanchanmahal and Rangamahal were
once adorned with glass mosaics and bright colors.
 Patwon Ki
Haveli
• It is the largest and most elaborated hawali
among all.
• It stand in a narrow alley and has beautiful
murals.
• One of a group of 5 built for the five Patua
brothers.
• The entire front is carved with elaborate detail.
 Nathumal’s haveli

• It was built for Prime Minister as late as 1855.

• There are stone elephants on the enterance and entire
façade is carved with a riot of ornamental detail-solders,
horses, elephants, flowers and birds.
• It was designed by two craftsmen-architects: Hati, Lulu.
• Extraordinarily, the house was built of rock and not dressed
stones.
• At the first floor level, the entire front wall is a huge, single
rock carved into a single bay.
• The inner wall are counter pointed with beautiful miniatures.
 Royal Apartments
• Inside the fort are a maze of interconnecting
palaces and chambers, oldest part of which is
the Juna Mahal, dated from about 15000 with
ancient Jali Screens on the South front.
 Rang Mahal
• It is situated above Hava pol.
• It was built by Mulraj-II (1762-1820)
• It has richly detailed mjurals.
• Sarvottam Vilas, was the most distinguished
structure.
• It was build by Akhai Singh (1722-62).
• It is ornamented with blue tiles and glass
mosaics.
 Gaj Vilas
• It was build in 1884.
• It stands on a high plinth.
• Its Eastern elevation facing the
square or chauhata.
• The plain base is over sailed by a
honeycomb of projecting
pavilions, pillars and balconies.
 Moti Mahal

• It lies across a narrow, winding lane.

• It was built in 1813 by Mulraj-II.
• The front is treated with floral patterns.
• The carved doors are very fine.
• The second story is decorated with mirrors inlay work.
• The first floor, the former audience chamber, is now a
school.
 Zenana Mahal
• It runs down but can be recognized by its arch
decoration.
 Bundela type of palaces
• Bundela type of palace may be seen in two
palaces, at orchha, an ancient town some 15
miles from the cantonment city of jhansi , and
at datia on the central railway.
• The beginning seems to have been made at
orchha by bundelkhand raja rudra
pratap( 1501-31) who selected a site for his
capital seat in a position which, for such
purpose is unequalled in central india.
 Palace of orchha
• SITE SELECTION- on an island of rock around
which loops the betwa river necessitating the main
approach over a substantial many arched bridge.
• The whole commanding a wide landscape of
exceptional beauty.
• Successor raja bharti chand carried on the work,
completing the city walls, erecting the citadel and
the first of the three palaces which comprise this
group., the ramji mandir.
• The ramji mandir at orchha consists of a
central rectangular courtyard , around this the
apartments arise in receding planes the whole
contained within a high retaining wall.
• The next palace to be built in orchha was
known as the raj mandir or royal palace,
erected probably by madkukar shah about
1575 a solid structure in one block and
surmounted by a considerable number of
small open pavilions.
 Architectural features
• Orchha palace is immensely larger and more
incricately planned.
• In order to maintain communication with the
various parts, each group of rooms was
approached by continuous hanging balcony,
with its sloping balustrade, wide eave,
ornamental brackets
• In upper storey, its angular passage is
responsible for much of the variety of effect.
• This great palace was designed so that every
part was fulfilled its function and expressed its
purpose.
• Its rooms were devised for seclusion.
• Its terraces fot the cool air.
Its corridors for convenience.
• Each compartment, court, hall and passage
had its specific use, and was introduced into
the scheme to accord with the requirements
of its inmates.
Orchha- range of palaces
View of orchha palace with betwa river.
Entry to the palace
Carving detail in orchha palace
Orchha palace- ceiling
Orchha palace- garden view.
Top storey view
Courtyard view
Carving and painting on ceiling.
 Datia palace
• Raja bir singh’s palace at orchha did not satisfy
this ruler’s building aspirations, for about 1620
he caused to b built at datia, some 30 miles away
• On an outstanding rocky eminence a castelated
palace of such a distinctive character as to stand
in class by itself.
• Its sides are just under 200 ft in length, while the
total height to the apex of the central domes is
just 130 ft.
• Partly owing to its foundations a remarkable
feature is that the whole pile is conceived on a
principle not unlike the phenomenon of an
iceberg, as there appears to be as much of
structure underneath and out of sight as there
is visible above.
• For the superstructure consists of a congeries
of large subterranean halls, descending for
several stories, some of which are evidently
excavated out of the basement rocks.
• A suit of underground apartments or taikhana
was not an unusual plan in the houses of hot
countries where the summer days could be
passed in these cool cavern like retreats and
such appears to have been the object in this
particular design.
• The outer square is in the five stories of
different heights, each defined by a
stringcourse or cornice and broken at intervals
by projecting windows.
• At each corner and in the middle of each side
rises a large cupola flanked by kiosks.
• The centre supported by a square gallery , soars
the main dome.
• On the eastern side is the principal facade., and
here is a well designed doorway.
• The interior resolves itself into the five
stories of apartments visible from the outside ,
and which face on to the large open space
forming the courtyard.
• In the middle of this courtyard stands the five
storied structure containing the strictly royal
compartments and cnstituting the central
feature of the entire composition.
• This central edifice is nt entirely isolated from
the ranges of rooms by which it is surrounded,
as it is connected with theseby means of four
flying corridors or bridges in double stories,
carried across from the middle of each side.
• The chief effect of the interior is produced by
the ingenious innovation of these bridging
stories.
• They present a variety of pleasing vistas from
whichever point of view.
• Each portion enriched by balconies on
brackets, wide eaves, arcades, kiosks and oriel
windows, some supported on voluted struts,
the variety of surface and play of light and
shade give this interior a most animated
appearance.
• Strange is that this palace is not only deserted
bt according to report, was never occupied, no
royal family has ever lived within its precincts,
it stands as a superb structural achievement,
yet never put to an use.
Façade of datia palace
View of datia palace
It is overlooking the Karna Sagar Lake.
Main entrance to the palace on eastern side
Ceilings are intricately decorated. These murals seem to
have somehow withstood the test of time.
The halls have an embellished finish and some fine
paintings
Certain places present a beautiful play of light and shade
as can be seen in these pictures
the view from the terrace
The windows have beautiful stone lattice work
Ribbed dome over which ia a shikhara with lotus petal
design