Cenotaphs to visit in MP

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CENOTAPH OF MAHARAJA CHHATRASAL, CHHATARPUR

Built in 18th century the monument (Maqbara) of Bundelkhad Kesari Maharaja Chhatrasal is an octagonal structure. As you enter you are greeted by a spherical verandah. Its upper portion is decorated with coloured wall paintings which are enthralling. The Samadhi of Maharaja Chhatrasal is situated in the middle with the pradakshina (ambulatory) path around the same. The shikhara (peak) is dome-shaped with shades built all around it. The structure was built of stone, bricks and lime and still stands the test of time.

CHHATRI OF PRATAP SINGH, CHHATARPUR

The samadhi of former ruler of the Chhatarpur state is a state protected monument. It was built in the later part of 19th century commemorating Maharaja Pratap Singh. The monument represents a beautiful blend of Bundeli and Rajput styles. An urn containing the ashes of Maharaja Pratap Singh Dev is placed in the garbha-griha.

BUNDELA CHHATRIES, ORCHHA

Orchha was founded in 16th century by the Bundela Rajputs. The Bundelas were fierce Rajput rulers who occupied the hidden city of Orchha. In fact the word Orchha means "Hidden". The Bundelkhand style of architecture was at its peak during the era giving birth to fairytale-like palaces and temples. Orchha is known for its chhatris (cenotaphs) designed in the memory of late rulers and noblemen.

Unlike other cenotaphs, which are in the form of temples, the one in Orchhha is an exception. There are fifteen cenotaphs of the Bundela rulers and members of their family standing proudly on the southern bank of the Betwa river. The chhatris rise on a square platform with the sanctum having a similar shape. The sanctum holds the ashes of the cremated princes and princesses. As you enter you the first chhatri greets you with a marble statue of Madhukar Shah and his wife. As you stroll down to the far end, by the riverside, you would witness the square chattri dedicated to Bir Singh Deo.

You could take a raft down the Betwa river to get a better view at the Chattris.

CHHATRIS OF KRISHNAPURA

These are exquisite cenotaphs of the three later Holkar rulers. These memorials in stone are gracefully poised on the banks of the Khan river with their pyramidal spires tapering into soaring kalashas. These are memorials built on the cremation spots of the Holkar rulers of Indore. Facing west is the cenotaph built over the ashes of another woman ruler of Malwa, Maharani Krishnabai. The other two Chhatris are of Tukoji Rao II and Shivaji Rao, father and son, and are linked by a common oblong prayer hall with ornately carved arches and pillars on a high platform along the garbha grihas containing life size statues of these rulers. A breathtaking sight at night when illuminated, the Chhatris glow etherally against the dark of the sky. An artificial lake is created in this stretch of the otherwise dry Khan river, complete with a fountain, well laid gardens on both banks and boating facility.

MAUSOLEUMS OF MOHAMMED GHAUS & TANSEN, GWALIOR

Mohammed Ghaus's monumental tomb is a massive sandstone structure with rising towers on the four corners, crowned by cupolas and a huge central dome. The outer walls are made of exquisite cut stone grilles. Some distance away is Tansen's mausoleum which is equally revered. The great Tansen once graced the courts of Emporer Akbar with his spellbinding voice. His captivating voice and style went on to influences varied genres to come. In fact he is the father of the Hindustani classical style. The tomb of Tansen built in early Mughal architectural style is surrounded by lush gardens. Though it is architecturally mediocre (compared to other wonders) the monument is home to finest music festivals in India. You will find a lot of musicians singing semi-religious songs (ghazals) which adds splendour in the air.

CHHATRIS OF SHIVPURI

Set in a formal Mughal garden, with quiet nooks under flowering trees, intersected by pathways with ornamental balustrades and illuminated by Victorian lamps, is the complex in which the cenotaphs of the Scindias are set. Facing each other across a water tank are the Chhatris of Madho Rao Scindia and the dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia, synthesising the architectural idioms of Hindu and Islamic styles with their shikhara-type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions.