Md Omar Faruq at 15:46, 27 March 2026

2026-03-27T15:46:15Z

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{{Short description|Elevated, dome-shaped pavilions in Indian architecture}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Redirect|Chattri|the monument in England|Chattri, Brighton}}
[[File:Jaisalmer-6.jpg|thumb|270px|Chhatris up close at [[Bada Bagh]], [[Rajasthan]]]]

[[File:Audienzhalle.jpg|thumb|Chhatri set atop each corner of the Hall of Audience in [[Fatehpur Sikri]] palace complex.]]
'''''Chhatri''''' are semi-open, elevated, dome-shaped [[pavilion]]s used as an element in [[Indo-Islamic architecture]]<ref name="chattri"/> and [[Indian architecture]]. They are most commonly of square, octagonal, and round shapes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Jain |first=Kulbhushan |title=Paradigms of Indian Architecture |publisher=Routledge |year=1998 |isbn=9781315026923 |edition=1st |pages=173 |language=English |chapter=Spatial Organisation and Aesthetic Expression in the Traditional Architecture of Rajasthan}}</ref>

Originating as a canopy above [[Mazar (mausoleum)|tombs]], they largely serve as decorative elements as opposed to functional elements.<ref name="chattri"/><ref name=":0" /> The earliest examples of chhatri being used in the [[Indian subcontinent]] were found in the [[Shrine of Ibrahim]] in [[Bhadreswar, Kutch|Bhadreswar]], constructed between 1159 and 1175 AD.<ref name="chattri">{{citation|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/41928225|title= On the History of Style of the Tomb "Chattris" in the Islamic Architecture of Sind |journal=Central Asiatic Journal|author= Salome Zajadacz-Hastenrath|year= 2000 |volume= 44 |issue= 1 |pages= 131–157 |jstor= 41928225 }}</ref>

Chhatri are found particularly within [[Mughal architecture]] came from [[Bengal Deltaic Architecture]].The artisans and architects of bengal brought this feature to the Darbar of powerful officials both hindu and muslim. The most notable surviving examples today are to be found at [[Humayun's Tomb]] in [[Delhi]] and the [[Taj Mahal]] in [[Agra]]. The [[Berar Sultanate]] in the [[Deccan sultanates|Deccan]] added chhatris on buildings in its various capitals.<ref>{{cite book|author=Navina Najat Haidar, Marika Sardar|title=Sultans of Deccan India, 1500–1700: Opulence and Fantasy|date=13 April 2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oi4nBwAAQBAJ&q=chhatri+deccan&pg=PA51|page=51|publisher=[[Metropolitan Museum of Art]]|isbn=9780300211108}}</ref> Chhatri have also been used in [[Rajasthan]] and other parts of the [[Indian subcontinent]] by both [[Muslim]] and [[Hindu]] rulers.

They are primarily used to manipulate skylines, an important aspect of Bengal architecture.<ref name=":0" /> For instance, they may be added to building roofs, and larger chhatri may be used as cenotaphs.<ref name=":0" /> Its origins are, however, [[Architecture of Rajasthan|Rajastani]]. While chhatri in [[Shekhawati]] may consist of a simple structure of one dome raised by four pillars to a building containing many domes and a basement with several rooms. In some places, the interior of the chhatri is painted in the same manner as the ''[[haveli]]'' (mansions) of the region.

==In Rajasthan==
Many other chhatri exist in other parts of Rajasthan. Their locations include:
*[[Jaipur]] – Gaitore Cenotaphs of the Maharajas of [[Jaipur]]. Set in a narrow valley, the cenotaphs of the former rulers of Jaipur consist of the somewhat typical chhatri or umbrella-shaped memorials. Sawai [[Jai Singh II]]'s Chhatri is particularly noteworthy because of the carvings that have been used to embellish it.
*[[Jodhpur]] – [[Jaswant Thada]], the white marble chhatri of Maharaja [[Jaswant Singh II]]. The Panchkunda Ki Chhatriyan at [[Mandore]] are a group of chhatri built on early cremation grounds of Marwar royal family.
*[[Bharatpur, India|Bharatpur]]- the cenotaphs of the members of the Jat royal family of Bharatpur, who perished whilst fighting against the British in 1825, are erected in the town of [[Govardhan hill|Govardhan]]. The chhatri of [[Maharaja Suraj Mal]] of Bharatpur has fine frescos illuminating the life of Surajmal, vividly depicting darbar and hunting scenes, royal processions and wars.
*[[Udaipur]]- Flanked by a row of enormous stone elephants, the [[Lake Pichola]] island has an impressive chhatri carved from gray blue stone, built by Maharana Jagat Singh.
*[[Haldighati]] – A beautiful Chhatri with white marble columns, dedicated to [[Rana Pratap]], stands here. [[Chetak Smarak]], the cenotaph dedicated to [[Chetak (horse)|Chetak]], Rana Pratap's famous horse, is also noteworthy.
*[[Alwar]] – Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is a beautiful red sandstone and white marble cenotaph of the rulers of Alwar.
*[[Bundi]] – Suraj Chhatri and Mordi Ki Chhatri, [[Chaurasi Khambon ki Chhatri, Bundi]] and Nath Ji ki Chhatri are located in Bundi. Rani Shyam Kumari wife of Raja Chhatrasal on the northern hill constructed the Suraj Chhatri and Mayuri the second wife of Chhatrasal on the southern hill erected Mordi Ki Chhatri.
* [[Jaisalmer]] – [[Bada Bagh]], a complex with chhatris of [[Jai Singh II]] (d. 1743) and subsequent Maharajas of Jaisalmer.
*[[Bikaner]] – Devi Kund near Bikaner is the royal crematorium place with a number of cenotaphs. The chhatri of Maharaja Surat Singh is most imposing. It has the spectacular [[Rajput painting]]s on the ceilings.
*[[Ramgarh, Rajasthan|Ramgarh]] – Seth Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri
*[[Nagaur]] – Nath Ji ki Chhatri, Amar Singh Rathore-ki-Chhatri
<gallery widths="200" heights="200">
File:Bairisal Borj (Jaisalmer Fort), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India (2012).jpg| A 12th-century chatri, Jaisalmir
File:Bada Bagh 03.jpg|Bada Bagh at Jaisalmer
File:Chhatri at Rajgarh.jpg|Chhatri at Rajgarh, Rajasthan
File:Cenotaph of Musi Maharani.jpg|Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri, [[Alwar]]
File:Barah Khamba Gumbat, Hindaun.jpg|Barah Khamba Chhatri at [[Jalsen Talab]] in [[Hindaun]]
</gallery>

===In Shekhawati===
Some of the best-known chhatri in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan are located in the following cities and towns:

*[[Ramgarh, Rajasthan|Ramgarh]] – Ram Gopal Poddar Chhatri
*[[Laxmangarh]] - Churiwala ki Chhatri
* Bissau – The Raj ki Chhatri of the [[Shekhawat]] Thakurs
*[[Parsurampura]] – Thakur Sardul Singh Shekhawat's chhatri
*[[Jhunjhunu]] – Chhatri of [[Shekhawat]] Rulers
*[[Dundlod]] – The beautiful chhatri of Ram Dutt Goenka
*[[Mukungarh]] – Shivdutta Ganeriwala Chhatri
*[[Churu, Rajasthan|Churu]] – Taknet Chhatri
*[[Mahansar]] – The Sahaj Ram Poddar Chhatri
*[[Udaipurwati]] – Joki Das Shah ki Chhatri
*[[Fatehpur, Shekhawati|Fatehpur]] – Jagan Nath Singhania Chhatri

==In Madhya Pradesh==
[[File:Chhatri of Vithoji 03.jpg|thumb|upright|Chhatri of [[Vithoji Rao Holkar|Vithoji]] in [[Maheshwar]].]]
The region of [[Madhya Pradesh]] is the site of several other notable chhatri of its famous [[Maratha]] rulers:

*[[Shujalpur]] – Tomb of [[Ranoji Scindia]], founder of the Scindia dynasty. Situated at Ranoganj, Shujalpur to [[Akodia]] Road.
*[[Shivpuri]] – Intricately embellished marble chhatri erected by Scindia rulers in Shivpuri.
*[[Gwalior]] – Shrimati Balabai Maharaj Ladojirao Shitole Chhatri
*[[Gwalior]] – Rajrajendra Ramchandrarao Narsingh Shitole and wife Gunwantyaraje Ramchandrarao Shitole (princess of Gwalior) Chatri
*[[Orchha]] – Elaborate chhatri of local [[Hindu king]]s
*[[Gohad]] – The Jat rulers of Gohad constructed the chhatri of [[Maharaja Bhim Singh Rana]] on the Gwalior Fort.
*[[Indore]] and [[Maheshwar]] – Chhatri of [[House of Holkar|Holkar]] rulers.
*[[Alampur, Madhya Pradesh|Alampur]] – Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar built the chhatri of Malhar Rao Holkar at Alampur in Bhind district in 1766.
{|
|-
|
[[File:Indore Krishnapura Chhatri.JPG|thumb|150px|[[Krishnapura Chhatri]], [[Indore]]]]
| [[File:Chhatri Indore.JPG|thumb|150px|Bolia Maharaj Ki Chhatri, [[Indore]]]]
| [[File:Krishnapura Chhatri on Khan Riverbank.JPG|thumb|150px|Krishnapura Chhatri, [[Indore]]]]
| [[File:Krishnapura Chhatri from inside.JPG|thumb|140px|Inside view of Krishnapur Chhatri, [[Indore]]]]
|
|}

==Mughal architecture==
[[File:Dome Chhatris Spires - Taj Mahal - Agra 2014-05-14 3805.JPG|left|thumb|Dome-Shaped Chhatris Spires on the [[Taj Mahal]].]]
Chhatri were features in many buildings of [[Mughal architecture]]:
*The [[Taj Mahal]] has four Chhatris surrounding the Main Dome
*[[Humayun's Tomb]] has several Chhatris near the dome.
*The [[Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri]] is crowned with a domed chhatri that overlooks the men's area.<ref name="panchmahal">{{cite book|author=Andrew Petersen|title=Dictionary of Islamic Architecture|date=11 March 2002|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eIaEAgAAQBAJ&q=chatri+pavilion+islamic+architecture&pg=PA83|page=83|isbn=9781134613663}}</ref>

==In Kutch==
[[File:Rao Lakhaji Chhatri.JPG|thumb|Rao Lakhaji Chhatri [[Bhuj]]]]
Chhatri can also be found in the outskirts of [[Bhuj]] city belonging mainly to [[Jadeja]] rulers of Kutch. The chhatri of Rao Lakhpatji is very famous for its intricate designs and carvings. Most of them but have been destroyed in the [[2001 Gujarat earthquake]]. The restoration work is going on.

==Outside India==
[[File:Tomb of Raja Rammohun Roy in Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol, England.jpg|thumb|Chhatri of [[Ram Mohan Roy]] in [[Arnos Vale Cemetery]], Bristol, England]]
There are two notable chhatri in the [[United Kingdom]], a country with strong historical links to India. One is a [[Chattri (Brighton)|cenotaph in Brighton]], dedicated to the Indian soldiers who died in the [[First World War]].

The other is in [[Arnos Vale Cemetery]] near [[Bristol]] and is a memorial to the distinguished Indian reformer [[Raja Ram Mohan Roy]], who died in that city.

== Major Chhattris ==
[[File:Rashtrapati Bhavan.jpg|right|thumb|250x250px|Chhatari of [[Rashtrapati Bhavan|President's House]]]]
[[File:Cenotaph of Musi Maharani.jpg|right|thumb|250x250px|Chhatri of Musi Rani of [[Alwar]]]]

'''84 Khambho ki Chhatri'''- memorial of Shatrusal (1631 AD), [[Bundi district|Bundi]] ruler - contemporary of [[Shah Jahan]] . Built in the memory of Rao Raja Aniruddh Singh's nursemaid Deva, near Devpura village of [[Bundi district|Bundi]] .

=== Chhataris of Kesarbagh ===

Kesarbagh, located about 4-5 kilometers from [[Bundi district|Bundi]], has 66 chhatris of rulers of [[Bundi district|Bundi]] and royal families. The oldest among these is chhatri of Maharaj Kumar Dadu and the newest is the chhatri of Maharaja Raja Vishnu Singh.

=== Musi Maharani ki chhatri ===

Their canopy is located in [[Rajasthan]]'s [[Alwar|Alvar]] The canopy of 60 the pillars of Hindu architecture on the south side of Sagar below the Bala Durg was built in the memory of the Musi Queen of Maharaja Bakhtar Singh during the period of Maharaja Vinay Singh. The upper storey of this canopy, built of white marble and red sandstone, is also decorated with mural paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

=== Chhataris of Tehla ===

These chhatris are also located in Alwar district of Rajasthan.

The Mishraji Chhatri located here is particularly renowned; it was constructed around 1432 CE.

The dome of this chhatri is supported by eight upright, square pillars. The distinguishing feature of this chhatri is the unparalleled ornamentation of its mural paintings.

==See also==
*[[Cenotaph]]
*[[Chahartaq (architecture)]]
*[[Cupola]]
*[[Jaswant Ki Chhatri]]
*[[Roof lantern]]
*[[Chattri, Brighton]], a memorial to Indian soldiers

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Chhatri}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20041211053752/http://archnet.org/library/dictionary/entry.tcl?entry_id=DIA0072 ArchNet Dictionary of Islamic Architecture: Chatri]
*[http://www.columbia.edu/itc/mealac/pritchett/00routesdata/1500_1599/orchha/chhatris/chhatris.html Images of old chhatris] Columbia University

{{Islamic architecture}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord missing|Rajasthan}}

[[Category:Architecture of Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Architecture in India]]
[[Category:Maratha architecture]]
[[Category:Mughal architecture elements]]
[[Category:Monuments and memorials in India]]
[[Category:Hindi words and phrases]]
[[Category:Cenotaphs in India]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Rajasthan]]
[[Category:Hindu architecture]]
[[Category:Islamic architectural elements]]

Chhatri - Revision history

Md Omar Faruq at 15:46, 27 March 2026