CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHAEOLOGY

The Old Kacheri (also known as the Haveli of Chaudhary Kashi Ram) is a late Mughal-period courthouse complex located at Andooa Patti, Hodal, in Palwal district, Haryana. Tentatively dated to around 1750 CE and attributed to Chaudhary Kashi Ram Sorot, the structure appears to have functioned as an izlaas khas (courtroom) or local judicial hall. Constructed of lakhori bricks, sandstone, and lime mortar, the complex features a prominent double-storeyed gateway on its northeast facade, reflecting elements of late Mughal domestic and administrative architecture. 

A part of primary school now, the complex comprises a tomb, Masjid and an entrance gateway within a walled enclosure. Masjid forms a part of the wall facing the courtyard, while the tomb is located in the center of the courtyard. The entrance gateway leads into the courtyard and provided access to the tomb and Masjid. It is a single storied, square structure constructed of red and buff stone where the exteriors are is left unplastered. Interior space is covered with a dome resting on an octagonal base topped with an inverted lotus; the walls are plastered and adorned with niches of various sizes at different levels. The exterior of this structure are fairly simple with entrance and exit recessed archways and a band of crenellations at parapet level. The Masjid is a single storied, rectangular pillared hall constructed of stone and delineated into three bays. A flat ceiling with three domes covers the interior space; the domes are ribbed and topped with inverted lotus. Main façade is formed by a series of arches topped with a row of brackets supporting a continuous chajja and a decorative parapet above. The Tomb is a square structure located on a raised platform. A continuous chajjas runs around the structure supported over brackets. Interior space is covered with a ribbed dome, resting on an octagonal drum. The parapet and the octagonal drum are embellished with detailing in plaster.

The Helical stepwell is situated at the foot of a hill near the town of Pavagadh. It is altogether a small monument, measuring in all not more than 19 metres. It consists mainly of the shaft of the well, and a short entrance staircase which leads into a spiral stairway. This spiral stairway is attached to the wall of the well and descends downwards like the ‘coils of a snake’. The idea of circumambulation is expressed in the spiral stairway. This stepwell reflects the very early stage of stepwell architecture.

Reference: Jain-Neubauer, Jutta. The Stepwells of Gujarat: In Art-historical Perspective, 2003.

Himachal Pradesh (Architectural Drawings)

Hot Springs is the main feature of this town, where the main tank is called the shiv kund and has been used by Rishis in the past. The tank is considered sacred by the Hindus and is visited by people who on solar and lunar eclipse to take a dip in the holy water. This place was also mentioned by Akbar during one of his visits as best in the suburbs of Delhi. It was re-discovered in 1872 by the British who developed the surrounding tank after realizing its medicinal value. The main structure over the spring is octagonal shaped and covered with a dome, topped with an inverted lotus and a finial. Water from here is delivered into a large cistern. A number of concrete pools receive water from the spring. Today, the domed structure and the tanks have been altered and several other buildings have sprung up around it

Humayun’s Tomb at Nizamuddin East, South-East Delhi, is a Mughal-period imperial mausoleum commissioned by Biga Begam (Haji Begum), the widow of Emperor Humayun, with construction beginning in 1565 CE under the patronage of Emperor Akbar and designed by the architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyath. Built of local quartzite, red sandstone, marble, lime mortar, and plaster, the monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (Delhi Circle) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.