RAS question
Chattri in Rajasthan refers to:
Correct answer: (B) Cenotaph/memorial of rulers.
In Rajasthan, a chattri is a cenotaph or memorial structure associated with rulers, especially Rajput rulers and warriors.
Explanation
A chattri in Rajasthan is not an ordinary umbrella in this context; it is a memorial form. It is a cenotaph built at the cremation site of Rajput rulers and warriors, with well-known examples at Jaipur's Gaitore and Jodhpur. Rajasthan Tourism, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan lists Gaitore in Jaipur as "Memorials of Kings" and describes its chhatris as cenotaphs in the Rajput architectural style. It also lists Maharani Ki Chhatri as memorials of queens. That is why the exam answer is the memorial or cenotaph of rulers, not a fort, temple, or everyday object.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) A fort is a defensive or royal complex, whereas chhatris in this Rajasthan context are cenotaphs and memorials, including Gaitore as memorials of kings.
- (C) Although the word can literally suggest an umbrella, the Rajasthan art-and-culture context here refers to a memorial cenotaph, not the everyday object.
- (D) A temple is a place of worship, while Rajasthan Tourism examples present chhatris as funerary memorials or cenotaphs.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan's architectural vocabulary, especially Rajput memorial forms. It recurs in RAS because terms such as chhatri, Gaitore and cenotaph link built heritage with dynastic history and art styles.