Chhatris, Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh India

Shivpuri is famous for graceful,intricately embellishedMarble chhatries (cenotaphs) erected by Scindia Princes. Set in an elaborate Mughal Garden, are the cenotaphs, the royal Chhatries dedicated to Scindias.

The Chhatris of Shivpuri are built of marble. They are very beautifully decorated. The elegance of the embellishments is indeed very admirable. The Chhatris of Madho Rao Scindhia and his queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindhia stand facing each other and there is a water tank in between. The Chhatris are a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. They have shikhara type spires and there are several pavilions that bear close resemblance to Rajput and Mughal pavilions. Life size portraits of the Scindhias are there within the Chhatris and these are religiously worshipped with flowers and incense.

Facing each other across a water tank are the Chhatries of Madhav Rao Scindia and dowager queen Maharani Sakhya Raje Scindia, in a delighful fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles, with their shikhara – type spires and Rajput and Mughal pavilions. Ceremonially attired retainers, with flowers and incense tend to both cenotaph house life-size images of the Scindias, and these religiously, daily.