The City Palace Preface

Chitram Ki Burj

Chitram Ki Burj is the small square room crowned with a dome on the south side of Dilkhushal Mahal, the north and the south doors of which opens into the Dilkhushal Mahal and the semi-covered area of the Kishan Vilas Sat Tanka respectively.

The wall paintings in the Chitram ki Burj are of very high artistic and historic significance, recording a particular period in the history of Mewar.

The room was built in the early 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh (r. 1620-1628), the 56th Custodian of House of Mewar, while the Mewar paintings that cover the interior walls are attributed to 19th century, to the reign of Maharana Bheem Singh (r. 1778 - 1828 CE), the 67th Custodian of House of Mewar. However, some of the paintings depict specific incidents that may belong to the earlier 17th century period of Maharana Sangram Singh II.

Further research by conservators and art historians will help reveal more details about the paintings in Chitram ki Burj, including dates. The interior of the Chitram ki Burj is full of colorful paintings that depict the city, palace spaces and rituals from the period of the contemporary Maharanas. The roof has a foliated dome renovated by Maharana Sangram Singh II (r. 1710 - 1734 CE), the 61st Custodian of House of Mewar, in the 18th century.

Another layer of brightly coloured paintings is observed in the ceiling areas in the Nathdwara pichwai style from the time of Maharana Bheem Singh.

Chitram Ki Burj

Paintings inside Chitram Ki Burj