The Royal Cenotaphs
of Gaitore,
Jaipur, Rajasthan 

The Royal cenotaphs of Gaitore called ‘Gaitore ki Chattriyan’ are located on the outskirts of the old city of Jaipur on the royal cremation ground. The ground was designated in the 18th century by Sawai Jaisingh the founder of the city as a cremation ground. The cenotaphs commemorate the Kacchwahas a Rajput clan that ruled the region. The cenotaphs are designed as a set of pavilions in the landscape to commemorate the dead kings. They are made of sandstone or marble with high plinths and dome-like umbrellas called chhatris. They act as a memorial as well as a community gathering space. The intricate carvings on the cenotaphs depict life during wars, festivities and mundane everyday activities. This is a unique type developed in South Asia, where a memorial and a community space is designed as a set of pavilions in a garden.