Royal Charm - The Cenotaphs Of Bada Bagh

Rajasthan - that one state in India whose charm, vibrancy and the ever colourful culture will never fail to enchant you. Last year when I visited this state of sun n' sand I made Jaisalmer my stop. Having visited that city earlier number of times, I thought what new I can see around and there I was thrown a surprise in front of me - THE BADA BAGH or the Big Garden.

For people who don't know yet Bada Bagh is that beautiful garden complex which is around 6 km north of Jaisalmer and is known for the set of royal cenotaphs, or the chhatris of Maharajas of Jaisalmer state, starting with Jai Singh II (d. 1743). It was Lunkaran, the son of Maharawal Jaisal Singh, who had built this beautiful garden along with a cenotaph for his father. Later many more cenotaphs were added. The last one that was built here was for Maharaja Jawahar Singh and till date remains unfinished after Indian independence.

With the sun having few hours in hand to set, the very first sight of these royal architectural beauties were a total delight. Standing quietly in isolation these cenotaphs are made of the golden stone of Jaisalmer. The beauty if the place is enhanced by the giant wind turbines that are distinctly placed little far from them. The done shaped cenotaphs are a real delight as you step in. A little walk from the main entry you see them standing in continuation speaking of the era gone by.

These chhatris might appear simple plain Jane from outside and there interior does sees some great fine cravings done in the domes. But like any other pieces of history they are in not much great state. The cenotaphs are placed vertically and most of them have carvings of man on a horse and while few also sees women with folded hands sculpted on them. A local explained to me that the man on the horse symbolises he ruler who died in battle or was murdered.

As the sun prepared itself to bid adieu I watched these cenotaphs from the highest point and as the sunlight fell on these beauties of golden stone they just glow golden and made it a scenic beauty for me to remember. At that point I can only think that life is now or never so better soak yourself most in wherever you are.

Not only the cenotaphs even the view of the Jaisalmer Fort from that point was a sight to watch and feel it. I happen to also see the sun-set point which was just pristine and serene as that's a place which is not much disturbed by tourist.