Princely Terrain: Amber, Jaipur and Shekhawati by Shikha Jain - 2005

Shubhi Publications, 2005. First edition. Hardcover. New. 25 x 32 cm. For centuries, tales of the heroic Rajputs and their exploits have drawn curious travellers to the medieval townships of Rajasthan. The first in a series of seven volumes dedicated to the Rajput settlements sprawled across the Aravalli hills and the Thar Desert, `Princely Terrain: Amber, Jaipur and Shekhawati` focuses on the Kachchwaha Rajput clan and their kingdom, Dhoondhar. Authored by various eminent scholars and architects, the essays featured in this volume encompass the evolution of the Kachchwaha architectural idiom, the creation of the capital at Jaipur and the impact that it in turn had on the later architecture of the region. The first section of the book, `Before Jaipur`, begins with the Ghat Ki Guni- located on the Jaipur-Agra Highway, this little known area served as the gateway to the Dhoondhar Empire. Also discussed is the foundation of the Dhoondhar Empire and their first capital at Amber. Replete with anecdotes about the founders of the empire, their ambitions, achievements and contributions in the Mughal era, this section provides a glimpse into the early history of Kachchwaha rule. Echoing the shift of the Kachchwaha capital from Amber to Jaipur, the second section moves from the Aravallis to the plains at its base. Featured here are essays about the conception and design of Jaipur by the then ruler, Sawai Jai Singh II. In addition to its famed palaces and havelis, this 18th century capital is also distinguished by its exceptionally astute town planning. In the light of existent controversies regarding the influence of architectural treatises such as the Vastushastra in the town`s design, this section reinterprets the genesis of Jaipur and charts its subsequent development. An article has also been devoted to Gaitor - a memorial to the glory of the Kachchwaha rulers, the site is renown for its intricately carved chhatris, each of which is dedicated to a particular ruler. The final section examines the post Jaipur scenario a period when Jaipur had come to be the landmark in town planning and a source of inspiration in the development of the nearby towns of Shekhawati. Also included are essays analysing the continuing applicability of Jaipur`s plan form viz. its translation into the contemporary settlement of Vidyadharnagar, and finally, the pressing need for conservation efforts directed at historic settlements such as Amber and Jaipur. Together, the various essays present a cohesive biography of the cities of the Kachchwahas - beginning with their origin and ending with their present avatars. Contributors Ajay Khare is Professor, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi and is the author of Temple Architecture of Eastern India (Shubhi, 2005). Rima Hooja is currently the Academic Director, University of Minnesota. She has authored a number of books including Prince, Patriot, Parliamentarian (HarperCollins, 1997). Rakesh Hooja is, the Chairman & Managing Director, Rajasthan State Industrial Development & Investment Corporation and Associate Editor of the Indian Book Chronicle since 1985. V N Bahadur has headed several government departments of Rajasthan as an IAS (Indian Administrative Services) Officer. His work on the baolis (step wells) of Dhoondhar has been widely published by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. Nand Kishore Pareekh (late) was a noted historian of Jaipur, He was a journalist with the local daily newspaper Rajasthan Patrika for several years. An excerpt is included from his book ‘Rajdurbar aur Raniwas’ (Rajasthan Patrika, 1984) Jaipur. J P Singh has served in a number of government departments at Jaipur as an RAS (Rajasthan Administrative Services) Officer and is the author of a comprehensive documentary of the Cenotaphs of Rajasthan. Maria Sgroi Dufresne is an urban planner who has extensively researched the town planning of the Shekhawati region of Rajas Printed Pages: 230. Princely Terrain: Amber, Jaipur and ShekhawatiShikha Jain9788182900516