To which religion, do the Chatris belong?

These Chhatris belong to Hindu religion, especially the Marathas.

What is the use of chhatris?

The Krishnapura Chhatris is an empty tomb that is made in an honour of a person whose remains are elsewhere or it can be an initial tomb for a person who is buried elsewhere.

Who built the Chhatris and why?

The Chhatris were built by Holkars to pay homage to their ancestors.

The Oldest Krishnapura Chhatris Of Holkar Dynasty Indore

Indore is a city that was developed under the reign of Malhar Rao Holkar and Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Most of the structures were restored by her. Today, they are a symbol of heritage in India, and talking about heritage, do you know about Krishnapura Chhatris, built by Holkars to pay homage to deceased royal family members? Let’s find out more about Krishnapura Chhatris Indore.

About Krishnapura Chhatris Indore

The Krishnapura Chhatris is a tomb with three chhatris located at the heart of Indore. These structures were developed by Holkars as cenotaphs. A cenotaph is an empty tomb made in honour of a person whose remains are elsewhere. It can also be an initial tomb for a person who has been buried elsewhere. The three chhatris of Krishnapura Chhatris are located near Rajwada Palace Indore, which was constructed by Malhar Rao Holkar.

History Of Krishnapura Chhatris

Looking at the history of Krishnapura Chhatris, the powerful royal family named Holkars developed these three structures or Chhatris. It is believed that the Holkars originally belonged to the minor communities, especially ‘Dhangars” from Maharashtra, and being in the Maratha empire, they fought massive battles with the Mughals and the British East India Company after a few years. The Marathas collapsed in 1818 in the Anglo-Maratha War. They built relations with the East India Company in Indore, which developed a Holkar Dynasty and ruled Indore till Indian Independence.

The Krishnapura Chhatris were constructed by Holkars in the 19th century to honour the deceased members of the Holkar family. These Chhatris are named after Krishna Bai Holkar, the wife of military leader Yashwantrao Holkar and the mother of Malhar Rao Holkar II. These Chhatris are built over the spot where the rulers of Indore were cremated.

Architecture of Krishnapura Chhatris

Looking at the architecture of Krishnapura Chhatris, you will see that the complex showcases the Maratha style of architecture, and it is made up of various types of stones that enhance the beauty of the complex. However, some parts of the complex were previously compromised due to natural disasters, and later on, they were restored. These complexes are located near River Kanh’s bank, which makes the complex look more pretty. Inside the complex of Krishnapura Chhatris, you will find three Chhatris and five cenotaphs. You can also see the carvings of gods and goddesses sculpted on the complex’s exterior.

How To Reach Krishnapura Chhatris

Now you know about this beautiful complex of Indore, you must be wondering how to reach Krishnapura Chhatris then here are some ways that you can choose:

1. By Road

The highways and roadways of Indore and other cities of Madhya Pradesh are well maintained and connected; hence, you can take any private buses or state buses or self-drive to Indore, and then you can visit the Krishnapura Chhatris which is near Rajwada Palace, Indore.

2. By Railway

Suppose you are planning to visit Krishnapura Chhatris via Railway. In that case, the nearest railway station is Indore Junction Railway Station, approximately 4 km from the complex. From here, you can choose any cab, auto-rickshaw or city bus that is convenient for you.

3. By Airlines

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport is the nearest airport from where you can choose any cab, app-based ride, or auto-rickshaw to reach your destination in Indore. The city’s complex is known to everyone, so anyone can quickly drop you there.

Best Time To Visit Krishna Chhatris

The complex is open from 5:00 am to 7:00 pm every day. Still, the best time to visit Krishna Chhatris is from October to March since the climate is a bit cooler and comfortable to explore.

Places To Visit Near Krishnapura Chhatris

You have visited the Krishnapura Chhatris and fell in love with the architecture of the complex. Still, if you want to visit nearby places, here are some places you can see in Indore.

1. Lal Bagh Palace, Indore

Suppose you are looking for a royal place to visit in Indore. In that case, the Lal Bagh Palace is one of the best places to visit near Krishnapura Chhatris. The Palace was built by Maharaja Shivaji Rao Holkar in 1921, which stands as a symbol of royal legacy. The Palace is also known for its rooms, which are decorated in the Rococo style of architecture.

2. Annapurna Temple, Indore

After Lal Bagh palace, you can also visit the Annapurna Temple to seek the blessing of Goddess Annapurna, who is believed to be the Goddess of food and nourishment. The temple was established in the 9th century; however, it was restored by Mahamandaleshwar Swami Prabananadagiri Maharaj in 1959. The temple resembles the architecture of Meenakshi Temple, which is located in Madurai. It is a temple that showcases the Aryan-Dravdian style of architecture.

3. Sarafa Bazaar

If you are in Indore, then how can you forget about shopping? Regarding shopping, the Sarafa Bazaar is a well-known place in Indore. People of Indore say it’s a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. The Sarafa bazaar is a busy market that transforms from a Jewellery market at noon to a street food market at night. Here, you can shop for some jewellery for yourself and your loved ones or taste local delicacies such as Bhutte Ka Kees, Jalebi, Khopra Patties, etc., at the street food market.

Restaurants Near Krishnapura Chhatris

You have visited the Krishna Chhatris and explored nearby places, but why forget about your stomach and stay hungry? Here are some of the restaurants nearby that you can choose to visit nearby

1. Aroo, Indore

Suppose you are looking for a family restaurant nearby. In that case, you can visit Aroo restaurant in Indore, one of the best restaurants near Krishnapura Chhatris. This place is known for its value for food services and is suitable for meals with a comfortable ambience.

2. Choice Chinese Center, Indore

If you are not interested in “roj ki roti-sabji” and looking for something different, you can visit the Choice Chinese Center near Krishna Chhatris. The name itself suggests that it is known for its wide range of Chinese food at an affordable price. You can try their soups, noodles, and ramen, and even they offer some Indian menus.

Top Hotels Near Krishnapura Chhatris

Explore the Chattris and the places nearby and fill your stomach with scrumptious food, but where to stay is another question. Here are some of the hotels where you can rest:

1. Cosmopolitan Hotel, Indore

The Cosmopolitan Hotel is one of the top hotels near Krishnapura Chhatris of Indore. This hotel is known for its value-for-money services. It provides amenities such as premium rooms, free high-speed internet, airport transportation, etc.

2. HRJ Sarovar Portico, Indore

Approximately 1 km from Krishna Chhatris, you can visit the HRJ Sarovar Portico. It is known for its exemplary services on a budget and is an ideal place for families to stay. They provide free parking, premium rooms, high-speed internet, gymnasiums, complimentary breakfast and much more.

Conclusion

The Krishnapura Chhatris symbolises the sacrifices made by the royal members of the Holkar Dynasty to develop Indore. Whether you are a history and heritage enthusiast or a regular traveller, the beauty of this architectural marvel will take your breath away. So whenever you are in Indore, do not forget to visit the Krishnapura Chhatris to pay homage to the Holkar family.

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Krishnapura Chhatris Of Indore: A Homage To Holkar Dynasty