Palaquins

Palanquins were a popular means of travel and circumambabulate for the ladies of the nobility upto the second quarter of the 20th century. They were also used by male nobility and royals on special occasions.

Palanquins have been referred in Davnagri as palki and palyank in Sanskrit. smaller palakis were called the dolis or dola, mostly covered, thus, ment for ladies

'in the strict Rajput parada( veil) system palakis with cover were used to carry ladies. Attractive covers of these palakis have metal screens to peep out side.

'The palakis carrying royal ladies were accompanied by either her relatives or elderly Rajput men. At destination point or deori or darikhana (waiting room) iabadta( pronouncement) was called for and thereafter bandobast (neccesary arrangements) according to royal etiquettes was announced then only the rider emerged from the palanquin.

'Palanquin bearers mostly hailed from the eastern part of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Orrisa. A palanquin was carried by four or more men each having a special stick to support themselves and for a firm grip as well. In Marwar these palanquin bearers were called Mehers.

This gallery displays one of the richest collections of palanquins in Rajasthan. On display are palanquins for ladies as well as men; the covered palanquins were used for the ladies and open for men. Pinjas, the covered palanquin is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, it is beautifully decorated with lacquer paintwork. Rajat khasa, the beautiful lotus shaped royal silver palanquin used by the maharajas is indeed awe inspiring and a fine piece of art.