In the medieval period Rajasthan, the architecture of royal palaces, temples and forts held a great significance. A unique architecture style known as the Hindu architecture style was evolved during this period. Its specific features were architectural elegance, solidity, ornamentation, defence and security, utility, magnificence and diversity of subjects. After amalgamation with the Mughals, new style of architecture, known as the Hindu-Muslim architecture style, was evolved, under Turkey and the Mughal impact. We shall discuss below the Rajasthani architecture in different spheres.

1. Fort Architecture: 

Forts have remained an essential requirement for the rajas and the feudals of Rajasthan. Forts were constructed for various purposes as residence, safety, storage of supply and protection and defence of the people, animals and property at the time of external invasion. The forts were built on the high and broad hills where the means of agriculture and irrigation were available.

Main features of the forts were: 

1. Strong wall 

2. Huge rampart 

3. Impenetrable towers 

4. Deep canal or cleft around the fort 

5. Arsenal in the fort 

6. Water pond 

7. Temples inside the fort 

8. Provision of water tank 

9. Granary 

10.Secret entry gate 

11.Tunnel 

12.Royal palace and military rest house.

Chittor Durg is the oldest Giri durg which was got constructed by Maharana Kumbha. It is a famous saying about it — ‘Fort or garh is Chittorgarh, the remaining are Garauya i.e. small forts’. It is protected by high raised parapet and stands on huge and high hill. Other well known durgs/forts are Jalore durg of Parmars, Taragarh durg of Chauhans in Ajmer and Ranthambore durg, Taragarh durg of Bundi by Hadas, Rao Jodha’s Mehrangarh durg at Jodhpur, Ajmer durg of Kachhawaha near Jaipur, Nahargarh durg and Jaigarh durg.

Gagron durg of Parmars near Jhalawar fall in the category of Jal Durg. Maharawal Jaisalmer durg built of yellow stones is the Marusthali durg. Junagarh durg of Bikaner is built on the flat plain and is surrounded by a deep ditch. Other famous durgs of Rajasthan are Mandalgarh (Bhilwara) Achalgarh (Abu), Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur), Bayana (Bharatpur), Siwana (Barmer), Bhatner (Hanumangarh) v etc.

2. Royal Palaces (Mahals): 

Practice of raising Royal palaces started with the formation of the Rajput states in Rajasthan. The palaces had the separate male and the female apartments. The palaces were provided residential apartments, arsenal, granary, kitchen and temple. The special features of the palaces were simplicity, low ceilings, narrow gallaries, small rooms and slopes.

New additions of fountains, small gardens, domes, slender pillars, archs etc were made in the palaces as a result of coordination between the Mughals and the Rajputs.

The Kumbhalgarh and the Chittor palace are the specimen of simplicity Jagmandir, Jagniwas and Amarsingh palaces of Udaipur, Phool palace of Jodhpur, Diwan-eaam, and Diwan-e-khas of Amer, Rangmahal, Kammahal, Sheeshmahal and Anupmahal of Bikaner and palaces of Kota and Jaisalmer bear an impact of the Mughal architecture.

3. Temple Architecture: 

It owes its origin to the ancient period of Rajasthan. The impact of Durg architecture is clearly visible on the Ranakpur Jain temple and Shakti and Shaurya temple built till the 13th century. 

The Dilwara Jain temples of Mt. Abu are of the same period. Here the first temple was got built by Vimalshah. This temple houses the idol of Aadinath, with its jewels studded eyes. Another temple was built by Vastupal and Tejpal. It has the idol of Neminath.

It is unique in its stone pattern. Surya temple of Chittor and Shiva temple of Badauli (Chittorgarh) are also very famous. Shrinathji temple of Dungarpur and Jagdish temple of Udaipur excel in the Hindu architecture whereas the Ghanshyam temple of Jodhpur and Jagatshiromani temple of Amer give the impact of the Mughal style. In the 17th and the 18th centuries, the Rajput rulers got built Shri Nathji (Nathdwara), Dwarkadheesh (Kankroli), Mathureshji (Kotah) and Govind Devji (Jaipur) temples.

4. Buildings Architecture: 

(a) Havelis: 

The buildings architecture in Rajasthan is associated with the construction of havelis. Many seths and samants had constructed grand havelis in many cities of Rajasthan. Around the main gate there were artistic small windows or air holes, long poles, spacious broad court yard with rooms around it.

The havelis of Sujangarh, Ratangarh Sardarsahyar, Pilani, Mandawa, Mukundgarh, Fatehpur, Nawalgarh and Ramgarh in the Jaipur and Shekhawati region are the super example of the building architecture in Rajasthan. Salimsingh and Patawons Havelies in Jaisalmer have become the centre of attraction for their stone perforated work and engravings. Similarly the havelis of Kota, Bharatpur, Karauli made of Vanshi stone are known for their artistic sangatrashei. 

(b) Vijay Stambh (Chittorgarh): 

It was constructed by Maharana Kumbha in the memory of victory over the sultan of Malwa. It is also known as Kirti Stambh and is the unique specimen of building architecture. There are nine storeys in 122 ft high stambh and there are stairs inside it to go up. Each storey is surrounded by peep holes and there have been established the Hindu gods.

(c) Tombs (Chhatris): 

The Chhatris have been built on the tombs of the rulers, feudals and army personnel to commemorate their sacrifices for the defence of the nation.