The City Palace Preface
Nakkar Khana Ki Chatri and Ghadiyal Ki Chatri
At a glance:
There are two towering minarets with domes on both the sides of Badi Pol (gate) and in one on the east called 'Nakkar khana ki - Chatri'. A drum used to be kept, which was played every time the Maharana's procession went out or came into the Palace. In the west, there is a tower called 'Ghadiyal-ki-Chatri'. A gong that is still hanging was sounded to tell the time to the city dwellers. This is before the advent of watches and clocks in every home. Both these chatris were restored in 2007 and 2009 respectively.
Nakkar Khana Ki Chatri
Playing of drums in a prescribed manner on different occasions is one of the ancient customs in Mewar going back to the days of the battle of Mahabharat between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. During battles, the nagaras (or kettle drums) were mounted on the withers of a Nagara Horse and Damamis would play the drum and lead from the front as the army marched into the battlefield. Kastriya Damami were the keepers and the players of the Mewar Royal Drums.
Nakkar Khana Ki Chatri before restoration work
It was their duty to protect the drum in the battlefield so that it would not fall into the hands of the enemy signaling defeat, because looting and carrying the royal symbols away, as war trophies was regarded as acts of bravery and victory. The Mewar Royal Drum played at the time of war was called 'Ranjeet', made of metal with and buffalo hide.
Nakkar Khana Ki Chatri during restoration work
This drum was never conquered in war. It was mounted on the back of the elephant during war is due to its huge in size. The players of the royal drums called 'Naggarchis' were given living quarters at NavGhat, very close to the Palace . It is also important to note that the nagaras were always placed at the main entrance called Pol (gate) of the Palace. On the east is the Nakkar Khana ki Chatri or Naggar Khana. On the ground floor rests the drum called 'Ranjeet'.
Nakkar Khana Ki Chatri during restoration work
On the first floor there are two base drums called 'Dal Badal' made of alloy with buffalo hide. They were kept in this 'Chatri' and we replayed to announce the departure from and the arrivalof the Maharana's entourage to the Palace. When the Maharana's procession would leave the palace the drum was played three times and on the thir dbeat , the procession would start from the Manek Chowk.
The drum was also played to mark the sovereignty and the independence of the State of Mewar from foreign rule. It also warded off evil and brought good cheer. The drum was also played at times of war as stated above, at times of adversity, on festive and religious occasions, birth in the royal family, marriages, to announce royal proclamations and at times of death.
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