Chhatris have been an essential part of the royal families of India, especially for the dynasties of Rajasthan. The term Chhatri literally translates into an umbrella and it is derived from the form of the structure which is shaped like one.
The royal chhatris of Bikaner do not disappoint at all are are extremely well preserved. Located at the Devi Kund just outside the city, it's not a very busy place - mostly just locals come there. The most prominent chhatri here is that of Maharaja Surat Singh.
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| Sunset at the Chhatris |
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| I love these columns! |
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| And the pigeons :) |
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| Marking at one of the chhatris |
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| Lovely light that day... |
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| Sundown at the cenotaphs |
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| Pigeons add perfection to any shots! |
Now Chattri or a cenotaph have been a part of cultures for thousands of years and have evolved in shape and form over all these years, but their purpose has always been the same. It comes from Greek words and means an empty tomb. If you have been to the Taj Mahal you will know what I mean by this. There is a grave like structure on the ground level and the actual grave is down below. The structure on the top is a cenotaph.
In Hinduism its a bit different as we don't bury the dead, but burn them and then spread their ashes in the river (most of the times). The Kings were usually cremated at the Chattri and then their ashes thrown in a river or a pond, and a memorial made in their memory. These are spread across the state around every major dynasty and are preserved with fervour by the local population. It's considered a sacred spot and you are expected to walk barefoot if you wish to walk around in the complex.
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