Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri tomb of queen Moosi, Alwar

Moosi Maharani ki Chhatr.www.indiamike.com

Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, Alwar, Rajadthan.
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The term "chhatri"  meaning umbrella or canopy is a typical Rajasthani architecture  commonly found in  memorials for kings and royalty. It is commonly associated with  palaces and  forts, to demarcate funerary sites.  Chhatris are normally elevated, dome-shaped pavilions used as an integral part in Indian architecture,  depicting   elements of dignity, pride and honor in the Jat, Maratha and Rajput architecture. Subsequently, they became part and parcel of  numerous buildings  in Maratha ruled regions. Mogul rulers, impressed by the elegance of chhatri, later adopted it in Mogul buildings, as one will come across  this impressive  piece of architecture  in such famous buildings as the Taj Mahal in Agra and  in Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.

Why is it widely used in many  historical  Rajasthani  buildings?  It is mainly used to highlight the uniqueness of Rajasthani architecture and the ruling classes'  pride place in the Rajasthani society.

Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is a tomb of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh and his queen Rani Moosi built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. www.letsseeindia.com

Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri,  situated outside the main palace of Alwar, is an outstanding building built by Vinay Singh in the memory of Alwar’s ruler, Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his queen. Here Chhatri with wonderful  cenotaph houses the tomb of the Maharajah and his queen. Queen Moosi, as it was a wont among Royal Rajput women in the olden days, committed Sati - willfully jumping into the funeral pyre of their husband after his death. Committing Sati by women in the royal household was an honor in those days and this custom had been followed for centuries by numerous royal families in other regions as well  across India, including Tamil Nadu. During the British rule, this custom was abolished once and for all. 

Maharani Chhatri, Alwar, Ràjasthàn.www.indiamike.com

The two-story  impressive structure, supported by sandstone pillars, is stunningly beautiful especiallyduring the sunset, with Aravalli mountains forming the backdrop. The top floor is made of nicely carved  marbles.  Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri with elegant cenotaph is a major tourist attraction in Alwar. The ceilings in the interior parts  adorned with  numerous attractive paintings and frescoes , depicting various  events from the Hindu mythology.

This monument famous for the domed roofs and extravacant artistic carvings, nestled in a picturesque ambiance of lush green Aravali ranges is indeed worth visiting. There is a huge water kund known as Sagar is located  here with  steps on three sides. Several temples are also located on the banks of the kund.  Incidentally during the British rule Alwar was the capital in the region of Mewar.

Ref:
http://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/travel/moosimaharani-ki-chhatri-a-beautiful-cenotaph-in-alwar