Jaswant Ki Chhatri, Memorial cenotaph in Rajwara, Balkeshwar, India.
Jaswant Ki Chhatri is a cenotaph supported by twelve red sandstone pillars that hold aloft a domed pavilion with intricate stone lattice patterns. The rectangular structure displays carefully carved details throughout that showcase the craftsmanship of its builders.
The memorial was built between 1644 and 1658 by Raja Jaswant Singh to honor Rani Hada, who died following her husband's passing at Agra Fort. This period during the Mughal era witnessed major construction projects and the blending of different architectural styles.
The memorial became a place where women brought traditional wedding offerings and prayed for blessings in their married lives. This practice reveals how the cenotaph was woven into the spiritual life of local communities.
The memorial is open to visitors year-round and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. It sits near the Yamuna River and is easy to reach, with visits most comfortable during cooler months.
The eastern face features three entrances with staircases that once descended directly to the river and are framed by octagonal towers topped with small domes. This connection to the Yamuna shows that access to the water was once an important part of how people experienced the memorial.
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