Jodhpur District's old colonial collectorate building, with native architecture, Rajasthan

Navrang India June 05, 2024
Jodhpur Collectorate building Rajasthan.alamy.com

Jodhpur Collectorate building, an architectural landmark, stands as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The building, constructed in the early 20th century, showcases a blend of native architectural styles and colonial influences. Here are some key details about its history, design, and features:

Historical Context

  • Rajputana and Jodhpur: The region of Rajputana, including Jodhpur, came under British control following the defeat of Rathore nobles, notably led by Thakur Kushal Singh of Auwa. The area experienced significant unrest during the 1857 rebellion against British rule, which was eventually quelled by British forces under Colonel Holmes.
  • Economic Importance: By 1901, Jodhpur was the largest state in Rajputana by land area, covering approximately 93,424 km² and generating substantial revenue for the British Crown.
Post-Independence: After India's independence in 1947, Jodhpur was integrated into the Indian Union. The state of Rajasthan, which includes Jodhpur, was formed in 1956 following the reorganization of states

Jodhpur collectorate building.agefotostock.com

Above image; Jodhpur district Collectorate building, Rajasthan state: Note the chhatri and the battlement atop the structure....................

Architectural Features

  • Structure and Design: The Jodhpur Collectorate is a massive two-story structure with a large porch featuring big arched openings. The third and fourth floors are smaller in comparison to the lower floors. The building is characterized by large, gently recessed windows with extended eaves to reduce sunlight and facilitate water drainage.

Chhatris with  covered dome, India mapsofindia.com

Building with Battlement
Above image: Parapets  above the cornice on the upper floor edges impart the look of  a wall on the castle.................   

Material and Construction

  • Red Sandstone: The building is constructed using red sandstone, a material quarried locally in Rajasthan. This sandstone varies in color from red and brown to pink and has been widely used in historical buildings by the Mughals, Maharajahs of Rajasthan, and the British.
  • Geological Significance: The red-pink sandstone used in the Jodhpur Collectorate belongs to the Ediacaran-Cambrian age Marwar Supergroup, specifically the Jodhpur facies. This stone has been a popular choice for temples, palaces, and other heritage buildings in north-western India due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Interior and Functional Aspects

  • Interior Layout: While specific details about the interior are scarce, the building houses various offices and departments, reflecting its role as an administrative hub for the district. The large front area of the complex provides ample space for administrative activities and public interactions.

Cultural and Architectural Legacy

  • Chhatris in Jodhpur: Notable examples of chhatris in Jodhpur include the Jaswant Thada, a white marble chhatri built in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II, and the Panchkunda Ki Chhatriyan at Mandore, which features a group of chhatris on the cremation grounds of the Marwar royal family.

The Jodhpur Collectorate building, with its red sandstone construction and distinctive chhatri elements, stands as a significant architectural and historical monument in Rajasthan, reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage and colonial past. New Collectorate building is coming up with thee floors above the GF in order to meet additional space for offices like DSO, DRO, etc. with car park facilities, etc.  The outlay is Rs. 20 crore. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jodhpur