INTERIOR AND ARCHITECTURE OF RAJASTHAN

SUBMITED BY- PANKAJ KUSHWAH

2ND SEMESTER ITM
UNIVERCITY RAIPUR
Introduction-
Rajasthan, the ‘Land of Kings’ as it is often dubbed, is one of the most visited states in India. With its luxurious palaces, historic forts
and plethora of cultural offerings, it wins over hearts at first glance.
In Rajasthan, stunning handicrafts and fine arts were developed and nurtured through patronage by the maharajas.

Rajasthan, is also called “The Abode of the Rajas,” was formerly called Rajputana, “The Country of the Rajput’s”.

Rajasthan has a rich history. the place had been used by pandavas. It also had been ruled by Mohm Khan and his nephew Fateh khan
who founded Fatehpur.
Later it all came under Rao Shekh and his descendants.

Location
Rajasthan state is, located in the north-western part of the Indian. It is bounded to the Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh Madhya
Pradesh, Gujarat, Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. The capital city is Jaipur.
 Climate in Rajasthan
Temperature
Maximum temperature in summers rises up to 50°C while night temperatures
fall to 20°C. winter days are temperate around 8°C while night temperatures
reduce to just above freezing

Rain
Annual rainfall is 64.9cm falling largely in the months of July-October.

Humidity
Apart from monsoon season, RH is terribly low- categorizing the climate as Hot
Dry.

Wind
The winds temperature is hot in summers while very cold in winters. The only
times when winds are preferred inside the building are summer nights and
monsoon days.
temperature map of rajasthan
Sandstorms
Dust storms and sandstorms are very common both during day and night
 (Map of Rajasthan)

Architecture In Rajasthan
Rajasthan is the most beautiful and vibrant state or our country. The unique characteristic of its architecture is very popular in
the whole world. The Rajasthan architecture is significantly depending on Rajput architecture school which was mixture of
Mughal and Hindu structural design.
Grand Havelis, astonishing forts and elaborately carved temples are the vital portion of architectural heritage of Rajasthan.
Rajput’s carries the credit of creative builders.
The state of Rajasthan hosts few of splendid palaces and forts of the whole world. Ornamented Havelis, elaborately carved temples
and also magnificent forts are part of the Rajasthan’s architectural heritage.

The artistic builders of Rajput designed major architectural styles which are located in cities like Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jaipur and
Jodhpur. The most significant architectural designs in Rajasthan include Jantar Mantar, Dilwara Temples, Lake Palace Hotel, City
Palaces, Chittorgarh Fort and Jaisalmer and nawalgarh Havelis.

Culture of Rajasthan

Rajasthan has many beautiful Nuha artistic and cultural traditions which
reflect the ancient Indian way of life.

It is also a tourism destination with lots of tourist attractions and good

tourist facilities. This historical state of India attracts tourists and
vacationers with its rich culture, tradition, heritage, and monuments. It
has also some sanctuaries & national parks.

1. Music and dance

The Ghoomar dance from Jodhpur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk music is a vital part
of Rajasthani culture. Kathputali, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindar, Kachchhighori, Tejaji,parth dance etc. are the examples of the
traditional Rajasthani culture.
1. Arts and crafts
Rajasthan is famous for textiles, semi-precious stones and handicrafts, and for its traditional and colourful art. Rajasthani furniture
has intricate carvings and bright colours. Block prints, tie and dye prints, Bagaru prints, Sanganer prints and Zari embroidery are
major export products from Rajasthan.

(Rajasthani Marble painting)

 Features of Rajasthani interior and Architecture

1. Colours
In Rajasthan you will find how colours are a very integral part of the
traditional Rajasthani house, which has splashes of vibrant and royal
colours on almost every element of the interiors. Oranges and pinks are
the predominant colours, while emerald greens and peacock blues are a
regal affair. Bright yellows and sky blue are also crucial for the interiors.

2. Furniture
In Rajasthan they use low bedding for seating and regal looking chairs
and tables with ornate stands of wood, swings and armchairs.
Beds must have lofty backrests, each ornately carved in wood planks. Add
divans with beautiful cushions and patterned covers for a perfect
Rajasthani setting.
3. Stonework
Rajasthan is known for the treasure trove of the several kinds of stones
available here. Be it gorgeous white marbles or beautifully coloured
sandstone, the incomparable beauty of the many mansions and palaces
owe their beauty to these stunning stones.
Jodhpur Sandstone Available in red, pink, greenish, yellow, grey and
brown colour. Kota and Jaisalmer sandstone is also quite popular.

4. Fabrics
The Bandhej and the Leheriya fabrics are famous in Rajasthan.
These fabrics, which vary extremely in colours and patterns, are
used in home furnishings and clothes too.
5. Block prints in home decor
Block prints is used on walls to narrate beautiful scenes and
stories. Block printing is a traditional handicraft of Rajasthan.

6. Art of Miniature Paintings

The state is known for miniature paintings of portraying, the

life of Rajput's and mythological stories.
7. Chhatris
The Chhatris are the elevated pavilions in dome shape and
are the best illustrations of the architecture of Rajasthan.
The Chhatri stands as a symbol of honor and pride. There
are various significant chhatris present in cities of Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Haldighati, Udaipur, Bikaner etc.

8. Jharokha
Jharokha is the form of overhanging enfolded balcony generally used in
temples, havelis and palaces situated in Rajasthan. The Jharokha
balcony is basically stone window. Jharokhas projects from wall plane
and are generally employed for additional architectural beauty to the
mansions or for any other specific reasons. During earlier days, women
with purdah use to visualize outside events by hiding themselves inside
this dress. The overhanging balcony is a vital structure of Rajasthani
architecture fulfilling the duty as decoration instrument and also as a
sight-seeing platform.
 9. Courtyards
The heart of the Haveli is a courtyard, the center point from where all
spaces originated. The courtyard provided the transition between the
public and the private spaces of the Haveli.
The sprawling havelis had large open to air courtyards between
two parts of the building and the courtyard spoke of a very soft
and delightful ambience with fountains for birds, with spices and
dried food laid out in the sun, and for rituals, marriages, festivals
and social gatherings. Courtyards, nearly square in shape give
connectivity to area.

10. Chandni
 11. Entrance to the Inner Courtyard
In many cultures, entrances are intentionally indirect in order to achieve greater privacy. On the other hand, there and the outside. In
yet another form, an entrance may be the prelude through which one is introduced to the interior right from the first step. Whereas in
havelis, there are numerous barriers and courtyards which serve as privacy and security forms of keeping women and children safe from
outsiders.

(Rampuria Havelis of Bikaner) (Baba Haveli, Jaipur)

12. Beautifully crafted arches (Gokhras)
CHARACTERISTICS OF HAVELI

• Socio-Cultural Aspects: The chowk or courtyard served as the centre for various ceremonies and the rituals. The
sacred Tulsi plant was placed here and worshipped daily to bring prosperity to the house.

• Security and Privacy: The chowk, at times, separated areas for men and women, and provided them with privacy.

• Climate: Treating open space in building design to respond to the local climate. Air movement caused by temperature
differences is utilized in the natural ventilation of building.

• Different Activities At Different Times: The use of the court in the day time, mostly by women to carry out their work,
interact with other women in private open space. Mansions of merchant class had more than one courtyard.

• Articulation Of Space: In Mor chowk, City Palace, Udaipur, there is the concept of courtyard as a dancing hall. Similarly, in
Havelis, a courtyard has several functions, commonly used for weddings and festive occasions
 Famous buildings of Rajasthan
1. Amer Fort
Amer Fort or Amber Fort is a fort located in Amer, Rajasthan, India. And built by Raja Man Singh in the 16th century.
2. Jaigarh Fort
Jaigarh Fort is situated on the promontory called the Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) of the Aravalli range; it overlooks the Amer Fort and
the Maota Lake, near Amer in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. The fort was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 to protect the Amer Fort and the
architecture of Amer fort and Jaigarh fort are same.
3. City Palace: The Royal Abode
Located in Jaipur, built by Raja Sawai Jai Singh, the City Palace reflects the amazing blend of Rajasthani tradition and Mughal
architecture.
4. Chittorgarh Fort, udaipur
Built by Chitrangad, the Mori Rajputana ruler, this historical place in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The fort is lauded with its magnificent
architecture, glorious Rajputana history and the bloody sieges and jauhars. The ‘Kirti Stambh’ and ‘Vijay Stambh’ are main attractions
of the Fort.
5. Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace, located in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India, is one of the world's largest private residences. A part of the palace is
managed by Taj Hotels.
6. Hawa Mahal
Hawa Mahal also called the 'Palace Of The Winds', is an important landmark in the beautiful Pink City of Jaipur. It is located in the
heart of the city and is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural history. It is one of the remarkable gems of the Rajput style of
architecture in India.
7. Jal Mahal: Beautiful Half-Submerged Palace

Jal Mahal is situated in the centre of the Man Sagar Lake

and is amongst the most beautiful historical places in
Rajasthan.

8. Kumbhalgarh Fort: Birth Place Of Maharana Pratap

It was built in 15th century and is the second largest fort in the
world of its kind. The fort has a lot of significance amongst Rajput
as was the birth place of their favourite Maharana Pratap.
Located in Aravalli.
 What is traditional interior design?

The traditional design offers a combination of comfortable furniture, and old style design furniture. In traditional interior design they
use traditional interior and architecture elements.

In Rajasthan the features are-

1. Regal colours 2. The furniture 3. Stonework 4. Fabrics 5. Block prints in home decor 7. Chhatris

8. Jharokha etc…

what is modern interior design?

Modern interior design is a style of decor that focuses on minimalism, neutral colours, clean design lines and environmentally-
friendly materials.

Characteristics of Modern Interior Design

• Structural elements (such as concrete or beams) often left exposed

• Emphasis on horizontal and vertical lines with fewer curves
• Lack of fussiness
• Low, horizontal furnishings with clean lines
• Natural light
• Natural materials such as unpainted wood, metals, leather, and Natural fibers
• Neutral colour palette
• Reflective surfaces such as steel, chrome, or glass
• Natural woods and wood veneers.

(Example of modern house)

 Anandilal Poddar Haveli, Nawalgarh

Information about Poddar haveli-

Nawalgarh is one of the beautiful destinations

in Rajasthan famous for its grand Havelis. The
Anandilal Poddar Haveli is one of them which
reflect the rich grandeur and splendor of the
Rajput era.

Situated in the heart of the city.

A Museum is built inside the Anandilal Poddar Haveli, which is
another major attraction for the visitors here. This part of
Haveli was converted into Museum by Mr. Kantikumar R.
Poddar who is the grandson of Anandilal Poddar. It is divided
into several sections displaying musical instrument, kitchen
utensils, jewellery items, gems etc. Apart from these, the
Museum also exhibits artifacts which reflect Rajput culture
and traditions. It has big living rooms with huge windows for
adequate light and air.

The front portion of the Haveli measures to 110ft. x 25ft.

which is surrounded by beautiful frescos. The top balcony is
well designed with the help of pillars and arches. All the walls
of the courtyard and baithaks are fully covered with beautiful
paintings. The ceilings, gates, and passages are specially
decorated with rare and exquisite murals. The fresco designed
gate between the outer and inner courtyard.
• building Type - Residential Buildings

• Life style in havelis-

Havelis is a symbol of power and Prestige.
Life in the Haveli revolved around the householder’s wife, who
oversaw the kitchen activities, managed finances, and organised
festivals and celebrations.
And courtyard plays a important roll in havelis life.

• Role of climate in defining the interior space-

In Rajasthan the roof and wall heated for several hours by solar radiation. Which effect the interior space of the house to reduce
the temperature they use several techniques.

1. Orientation of the building- The longer axis of havelis is oriented in the east west direction for less exposure to solar
radiation.

2. Courtyard- Courtyard is very important techniques to reduce temperature courtyard behaves differently in summer. In
Rajasthani haveli there are two courtyard inner and outdoor courtyard.
3. Walls- Massive walls use in havelis and wall is made of mud. Mud has thermal properties to cool down the interior space.
Stones is also use for making walls.

4. Shading- They use texture wall, chajjas, jharokh, to reduce direct contact from sunlight . In Rajasthan the street are shade
because of the width and hight of the havelis.

5. Roofs- The thickness of roof is 14” to 18” and made of stone, timber, mud.
6. Entrance- The entrance in east facing and covered by first floor of the building.
7. ventilation- courtyard provide air, light and ventilation in the house. It has large capacity to act as heat dump and to make the
adjoining rooms well ventilated. Widows also.

8. Ceilings- the Greater ceiling heights of 14 feet to 18 feet provide greater volume in the room and reduce the impact of solar
heating. It also improves environmental conditions in summer time by permitting warm air to rise. And Greater room height also
permits the provision of natural ventilators for effective ventilation in the room by eliminating hot air and by promoting air circulation
and ventilation in the Haveli.

9. Jaali- The jaali helps in lowering the temperature by compressing the air through the holes.
10. Surface texture and Colour- Colours and textures are known to have important role in making the building sustainable by limiting
and reflecting the heat gain or heat loss. Light colours are known to large reflectors of heat and minimiser of heat gain whereas darker
colours promote heat gain through walls. Accordingly, colours and textures have important role in rationalising heat gain and heat loss in
the building. Accordingly , textured surfaces have been used in the exterior finish of the Haveli facades exposed to sun. The walls in
Havelis are finished with lime and stucco plaster . The façades of the Havelis are treated with stucco on motifs and floral patterns made
up of lime plaster. The external surface of the Haveli is painted with light colures that reflect solar radiation in order to have minimum
heat absorption.
• Basic features

1) Door

The doors is important part of interiors. Doorways separate the interior spaces from outdoor spaces. In podar haveli you see traditional
style doors and above the door they have roshan daan for light and ventilation. Columns in the side of the doors.
2. Windows
Windows are made of wood . and By side of
windows they make paintings of soldiers,
maharajas.

3. Columns
In havelis columns are made of stones and covered by plaster of limestone or polished. On columns they make different type design.
Pattern of flowers, leaf’s and paintings of traditional dance or story's of Rajput’s etc…
4. Floor
Pattern floors those made of sand stone, marble, kota
stone. The courtyard floor of podar is made of kota stone.

5. Roof-
In havelis they use massive thick roof. Materials for roof
stones, wood, mud.
6. Ceiling
On ceiling in the podar haveli they make paintings of lord Krishna and Radha. In centre of the ceiling they made a pattern by using
flowers and leaf’s. in this you can easily see the traditional Rajasthani dress, jewellery and art.
Colours – red, green, yellow, white, blue, green, pink etc…
7. Chhatris (chajja)
The Chhatris are the elevated pavilions in Rajasthani house. The Chhatri stands as a symbol of honor and pride. The chhatris is made of
sandstone they engraved sand stone. The design of chhatris is simple as compere to other haveli of Rajasthan.
 8. Entrance
The podar haveli has large wooden gate as their main entrance and The gate with iron/brass nails was made for the purpose of security.
Even the elephant cannot break it. Both side of entrance gate have chabutras for waiting or other works. Above the entrance gate they
created different types of pattern, textures, physical texture and paintings of Ram Sita vivah, story of little Krishna, lord Shiva etc…
Sculpture of lord Ganesha and they use semi circular archs.

(Entrance of podar haveli)

7. Walls
Semi circular arches are heavily used in podar haveli. On exterior walls you see paintings of gods, soldiers, maharajas,
traditional dance, ancestors of the family, trains, army and patterns. The design of walls, columns and ceilings are same.
The pattern and paintings use in house show the rhythm and emphasis.
 Interior in podar haveli

The main baithak (drawing room), equipped office decorated Gadda (bed) wrapped in Chundri (bedsheet) along-with the
ancient hukka (smoking pipe) and indigenous hand fan and on walls they created flower pot and traditional dances form
of Rajasthan.
Colour of walls and column are same as exterior walls and column and different shades of red is used for bed and pillow.

(Drawing room)
Rooms for private meetings and discussions. On floor carpet was use and In first image you see chairs and centre table made of solid
wood and littlie bit ornamented and the 2nd room is for the minister to check accounts in this room they use bed with pillows and 2
tables.
(Balcony)
• Elements of Interior design in podar haveli -

1. Colour
In podar haveli they decorated wall with painting and in paintings they use variety of colours. In paintings they showcases the
life of Rajput's.
2. Texture
Physical texture and visual texture are used.

3. Form
Geometric and natural forms.

4. Light
Natural or man-made light is a critical aspect of any space. Without it,
all of the other elements would not be able
Plan of podar haveli
Elevation
Materials -
Fired bricks, sandstone, marble, wood, plaster and granite are commonly used materials. Decorative aspects are influenced by local
culture and traditions. Resources available Stone was locally available in abundance. Sand was there all over. Mud and clay were
scarce and were preciously used for agriculture. Lime quarries were not very near but an easy access to them was secured. The use
of stone was economical and climatically appropriate, thus we find all buildings unanimously in stone constructed with lime mortar .
 Raj Shikhar Villa

Location: Priyadarshi Marg, Tilak Nagar,

Jaipur, Rajasthan

Type: Residential

Design Ethos: Indian / Asian Tropical Design

Total Area: 11,795 Sq. Ft.

Courtyard is not present in modern house

Remarkable presence of the past marks the jointly owned home of Mr. Arun Palawat ( a Connoisseur of
traditional Indian apparel brand ‘ Zari’) and his two sons. From the innumerable interior design styles now
influencing our country, we may call it CONTEMPORARY INDO ASIAN STYLE, where ‘old soul’ of many unique
local decorative techniques are huge and readily available to create a young structure of a modern home. It
recalls the sort of scale, warmth and thorough bred Indian leaning taste that used to mark the homes of
Indian royalty.

The project is not afraid but proudly announces the treasure of a rich vibrant colour palate, bold prints and
patterns, heavy drapes, ornate mirrors and delicate chandeliers, opulent authentic silver furniture, intricate
original miniatures, thikdi and fresco decoration, stone textures and carvings, old qaaleens and ivory
artifacts.
A Pichhwai painting customized on a 20’ high wall of the central living room with the whole colour palate
derived out of the unique blue Krishna cow and its saffron legs, intrigues and surprises all who enter.
The project marks the era of appreciating Indian roots in contemporary interior design practice.
 Living room
The pichwai art leads the theme of with the blue and saffron of the cows reflected in fabric and flooring is wooden, patterned carpet
and same traditional style furniture. It also reflects the Indian style of the house brings the outdoors into house. Windows are very big.
Colour theme- The furniture is dark brown and wall penals are also brown and same is light brown. flooring is cream colour . Bedsheets
are blue.
 Drawing room

The bohemian crystal chandelier, bone-inlay table, exquisite miniatures, ivory artifacts, authentic silver furniture, with antiqued mirror
cladded wall and an a old haveli ceiling makes this house a true Rajasthani house.
 Bedroom
An interesting mix of pattern and motif flowing from wooden sofa jaali to centre table, walls, bedsheets, to a jaali pattern on the
curtain the blue colour of the thikdi motif expresses itself in the blue distressed finish furniture and the blue lamp.
 Foyer Bathroom
In havelis the jaali use for privacy and control the Ethnic inlay motif merged with modern interiors
temperature. In modern house they use sliding jaali of a bathroom to create traditional interior design.
to separates the entry foyer with the formal
drawing room.
 Spa
Walls of the spa finished with wood and granite and mirror is engraved. Bird artifacts soothe the experience of the spa. In old
havelis you don’t see any spa. Furniture made of solid dark brown wood and the table is ornated. And look traditional.
 Study room
Double facing four pestered day bed makes the interior
In study room they use light cream royal colour and on
interact with the exterior.
walls they create flower pattern and bird cage. Old style
furniture.
Materials Used to Build a House

Wood
Wood offers a wonderful natural advantage. Wood construction has been the primary source of building for a lot of houses in
the rural area. Wood has high tensile strength, is lightweight, and can support itself. Wood is also electrical resistance, so
they are more stable and safe. They also absorb the sound, so it makes a great material for city living and the workspace.
Plus, wood provides a fresh scent and aesthetic appearance that can elevate your real estate value. The only issue with wood
is that it can result in deforestation due to the cutting of trees, can easily be damaged, and requires expensive maintenance.

Plastic
Plastic is a wonderful material to be used for your house. This is mainly because they could be molded in any shape or form,
are hard and heat resistant, immune to water damage, and affordable. However the main issue is that it is not
biodegradable, causes pollution, and flammable.

Glass
Glass can provide an elegant look for any urban dwelling. It provides an amazing aesthetic appearance in the exterior, more
lights, privacy, and UV resistant. Unfortunately, glass materials are expensive, requires high maintenance, and have some
security issues.
Cement
The cement is for strength and resilience to any house construction. They can help accumulate to provide an excellent warming
and cooling system. They are strong and can easily be manufactured. However, there are some issues such as high carbon
footprint, prone to cracks, and can suck up dirt and dampness.

Bricks and Blocks

Bricks and blocks are made of clay and mode. They come in several shapes and forms. They have been used in the construction
industry for such a long time. Their major advantage is that they are thermally stable, made from local material, affordable,
offers a wide range of moisture, insulation, and residents. Unfortunately, they can damage the environment and can lead to
construction loss.

Concrete
Concrete is an excellent source for building a home. They are the foundations for many reservoirs, beaches, highways, and
parking structure. They are strong and versatile and can be used in various structures at home

Metal
Aluminium and steel play a huge role in house construction. They are flexible and resilient, fire resistant, and weatherproof. The
only problem is that they are prone to rust, difficult to seal together, and are very expensive etc…
Elements Podar haveli nawalgarh Raj Shikhar Villa
Courtyards o x

arches o x

Jharokha o x

Stonework o o

Chhatris o o

Art of Miniature Paintings o x

Traditional style Furniture o o

Surface texture and Colour o x

Ornated Columns o x

Paintings on Entrance o x
Spa x o
Study room x o
Paintings on walls o x
Roshan daan o x
Thank you!