Bundi Palace, Rajasthan
‘Picturesque, enchanting and magnificent.’ These would be just some superlatives that compliment the lingering medieval flavour that Bundi in Hadoti region holds.
The entrancing land of Palaces, stunning stepwalls or baoris and miniature paintings seems frozen in time. Bundi, also claims a take on the foundations of an authentic school of miniature painting.
An of beat destination ruled by the Hada Chauhans, Bundi is a rich repository on Indian art, culture and heritage and is frequented by domestic as well as international tourist.
It has magnificient medieval forts and palaces, miniature paintings, temples with intricately carved out idols and chattris, fabulous stepwalls and a picturesque lake.
The Bundi Palace
The Bundi Palace is situated adjacent to the Taragarh fort. This outstanding palace, built during the 16th and 17th centuries is a classic Rajasthani architecture. Only part of the palace is open to the public.
The quarried stone Bundi Palace is known for it’s traditional murals. Just one look at the monument will soak you with the royal opulence and splendour, an innate part of the lifestyle of the royals. Intricately engraved brackets, pillers, balconies, sculpted elephants and the extraordinary craftsmanship will catch your attention here.
The palace is entered through the Hathi Pole (Elephant Gate) into a small courtyard. You then come to the Ratan Daulat, the Diwan-i-am (Hall of Public Audience), where there is a marble throne. The highlight of this palace is the beautiful murals that carry the spectators back into the time of Bundi royalty.
Chitrashala
The silent, secret garden, with it’s elegant formal layout still visible through the tangle of wild-roses and weeds is the most enchanting place at the Bundi Palace. Showcasing the Bundi genre of miniature art, the walls and the ceiling are festooned with pictures out of the Ragmala and Raaslila-the story of Radha-Krishna.
Then there are hunting and court scenes, festivals, processions, animal and bird life that spring back images of all that was a part of the artist’s acuity then. The vibrant blue, green and turquoise on white with touches of terracotta yellow lend an arresting view.
The Bundi style of painting famous for its Rang Yojna infuses life in every bit and corner of Chitrashala. If you are an art connoisseur you could visit Bundi just for a glimpse of the miniature artwork that holds inspiration to people from world over.
