"Artistic Tributes To Bikaneri Royalty"

At Sagar-a small village 7 km from Bikaner stand the historical and artistic cenotaphs of Bikaner royal family. Made of marble and red sand stone, these cenotaphs-the final resting place for the Bikaner royalty, are popularly called ‘chhataries’. ‘Chhataries’ of Rao Kalyan Singh (1539-1571 AD) to Maharaja Karni Singh are erected here. Early ‘chhataries’ were made of red sand stone.

The Mughal influence is clearly visible on ‘chhataries’. The ‘chhataries’ of Maharaja Gaj Singh is the largest one among the cenotaphs. The ‘chhataries ‘of Raja Sur Singh and Ram Singh are excellent specimens of the bygone art. Raja Surat Singh’s ‘chhatari’, made of marble, reflects the Mughal architecture. Raja Surat Singh’s ‘chhatari’ fascinates the visitors as one can view beautiful paintings inside the dome. Maharaja Karni Singh’s (an ace shooter) ‘chhatari’ is strongly influenced by modern architecture.

Maharaja Anup Singh’s ‘chhatari ‘ (built in 1698 AD) is the best example of mingling of the Mughal and the Rajput architecture. The ‘chhataries’ of male royal are larger than that of female. Besides, it has a vertical memorial slab on which a man on horseback and women can be seen. The memorial built for a minor is without canopy. 

Countless myths are associated with these ‘chhataries’ and the old-timers of Sagar fondly tell fascinating myths about them. It is these myths, which give this place a supernatural character. A number of Ranis burnt themselves on the pyre of their royals spouse. Such women are worshipped here as Sati.

The ‘chhataries’ of Sagar reflect art and architecture of a bygone era and they need to be protected and cared by the concerned department.