Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan: History, Art and Architecture

Rajputana was a tribal state before becoming the dominion of small principalities with the advent of Rajputs who initially settled here as affluent feudal lords and rose to the status of Rajas in recognition of their valour and chivalry during Mughal and British period. They provided military assistance to imperial rulers and commanded their army in many expeditions. They built several hill forts and palaces in Rajasthan. The mud, sun-dried earth bricks and wood were the pre-medieval building materials used in the construction of forts which later replaced with dominating red sandstone. Jaisalmer fort is built of yellow sandstone which the district has in abundance. The use of white marble came into fashion during the reign of Shahjahan who built the Taj Mahal. The modern architecture developed during British period which replaced the Mughal type mansions with the gothic structures. A large number of forts and palaces in Rajasthan have been converted into heritage hotels.

The forts, palaces and havelis of Rajasthan embody Mughal-Rajput architecture which developed to a great extent during Mughal period. The forts of Rajasthan have been assaulted several times by Muslim invaders. The strong fort walls are still the mute spectators of the gory past.