5 Ways to Infuse a Traditional Rajasthani Flavour Into Your Home
Give your decor timeless appeal with design and architecture elements inspired by the heritage of Rajasthan
The magnificent historic palaces and forts in Rajasthan are testament to the glory of a bygone era. The region’s culture, too, is rich with folk arts and crafts, vivid colours like those of the tie-and-die styles of bandhej and lehariya, and the shimmering folklore from the Thar desert. How about bringing a bit of that traditional Rajasthani eclecticism and opulence into your home? Here are five design elements that will immediately bring you closer to tradition, and to Rajasthan.
2. Jharokhas
Jharokhas are traditional balconies (usually made of stone) that served as viewing platforms in the palaces and havelis (mansions) of Rajasthan and Mughal India. These were primarily used by women in purdah (seclusion from men) to observe the doings in the durbar (court) or outside the palace, without being seen.
In this image, faux jharokhas have been used as a design feature within a double-height space.
Jharokhas are traditional balconies (usually made of stone) that served as viewing platforms in the palaces and havelis (mansions) of Rajasthan and Mughal India. These were primarily used by women in purdah (seclusion from men) to observe the doings in the durbar (court) or outside the palace, without being seen.
In this image, faux jharokhas have been used as a design feature within a double-height space.
Just see how weathered wood jharokhas are restored and converted into a unique seating space.
In this image, a jharokha with a mirror panel inset is flanked by traditional lamps. A two-tone earthy yellow paint is used as an accent to make a dramatic statement.
3. Chhatris or gazebos
The chhatris (umbrellas or canopies) were a symbol of pride and honour, not only in Rajasthan but also in the Marathwada region. They were built as memorials of renowned personalities. These raised pavilions have a polygonal or circular plan with peripheral column supports and a domed roof.
A chhatri can effortlessly lend a traditional look to the outdoors. Here is a classic example of a gazebo designed as the traditional chhatri in pink sandstone and detailed with rich stone carvings.
Tip: Sandstone is available in various shades of beige, pink, red and brown; the colour is dictated by the content of iron oxide.
Browse more pictures of gazebos
The chhatris (umbrellas or canopies) were a symbol of pride and honour, not only in Rajasthan but also in the Marathwada region. They were built as memorials of renowned personalities. These raised pavilions have a polygonal or circular plan with peripheral column supports and a domed roof.
A chhatri can effortlessly lend a traditional look to the outdoors. Here is a classic example of a gazebo designed as the traditional chhatri in pink sandstone and detailed with rich stone carvings.
Tip: Sandstone is available in various shades of beige, pink, red and brown; the colour is dictated by the content of iron oxide.
Browse more pictures of gazebos
See how the profile of each panel of the folding doors here is inspired by the silhouette of the chhatri, which is further covered with a jali.
In this bathroom, the dome shape of the chhatri is used to form the back-panel of a basin counter. The ornamental marble countertop, perforated cabinets and an ethnic rug complete the traditional look of the bathroom.
In the living room shown here, a freestanding panel incorporates cut-outs that imitate the profile of a chhatri. It is hard to miss the teal-blue wallpaper with golden block-prints: it makes a stunning backdrop and adds to the traditional feel.
4. Fluted columns
These columns are a prominent feature in the interiors of havelis and palaces of Rajasthan. A typical fluted column comprises long vertical grooves that run along its length; it is further detailed with floral or lotus patterns on the base and top.
As you see in the picture, columns in white marble combine with marble jalis to impart a sense of grandeur to the space.
These columns are a prominent feature in the interiors of havelis and palaces of Rajasthan. A typical fluted column comprises long vertical grooves that run along its length; it is further detailed with floral or lotus patterns on the base and top.
As you see in the picture, columns in white marble combine with marble jalis to impart a sense of grandeur to the space.
5. Marble inlay
Rajasthan is famous for its intricate marble inlay work – a skilled craft that has been handed over from one generation to the next. The decor of the palaces were given a rich, artistic look with design elements like marble flooring, marble inlay, and murals.
An intricate marble inlay detailed with different colours can be used on the walls or the floor, as in this picture, to amplify the Rajasthani look. This craft is expensive, so in homes it is usually incorporated in areas like the entrance foyer, a double-height lobby or atrium, or a mandir (prayer room), for making maximum visual impact.
Note: Rajasthan has more than 90 per cent of India’s marble reserves and is famous for its milky white makrana marble. This is an excellent material for inlaid marble flooring and temple carvings because of its white colour, high lustre when mirror-polished, and hardness. Makrana marble was used to build the iconic Taj Mahal, which is detailed with inlay work called parchinkari, which uses coloured marble, precious and semi-precious stones to create flower motifs and geometrical patterns.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Tell us:
Do you have any suggestions about how to add a traditional Rajasthani look to a home? Let us know in Comments below.
Rajasthan is famous for its intricate marble inlay work – a skilled craft that has been handed over from one generation to the next. The decor of the palaces were given a rich, artistic look with design elements like marble flooring, marble inlay, and murals.
An intricate marble inlay detailed with different colours can be used on the walls or the floor, as in this picture, to amplify the Rajasthani look. This craft is expensive, so in homes it is usually incorporated in areas like the entrance foyer, a double-height lobby or atrium, or a mandir (prayer room), for making maximum visual impact.
Note: Rajasthan has more than 90 per cent of India’s marble reserves and is famous for its milky white makrana marble. This is an excellent material for inlaid marble flooring and temple carvings because of its white colour, high lustre when mirror-polished, and hardness. Makrana marble was used to build the iconic Taj Mahal, which is detailed with inlay work called parchinkari, which uses coloured marble, precious and semi-precious stones to create flower motifs and geometrical patterns.
Read more:
How to Infuse Traditional Indian Elements Into Your Modern Home
Tell us:
Do you have any suggestions about how to add a traditional Rajasthani look to a home? Let us know in Comments below.
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Jalis are intricately carved lattice screens that allow partial views, excellent ventilation and filtered light that casts myriad shadows throughout the day.
In this example, the arched jalis are carved in sandstone to make an inside-outside connection and to give a quintessential Rajasthani look to the grand entrance foyer. Jalis can also be considered for creating semi-private partitions, skylights, windows and railings.
Tip: These can be easily fabricated in materials like stone, wood, MDF and solid surface with CNC machinery.
Take a look at these reasons to bring jalis into your home