(or cenotaph) Built as memorials (not tombs) for the maharajas. In the Shekhawati region it happened also for the wealthy merchants such as e.g. for the Poddar family ( see Travelogue Day 1-2-3/Ramgarh). A chhatris has one or several domes supported by pillars and which are mostly painted at the inner side and on the walls. Furthermore they stand mostly on a raised platform. The dome of the Poddar chhatri in Ramgarh has beautiful painted scenes from the Ramayana (a heroic poem in from Southeast Asia). Often they make a mysterious impression especially by sunrise. Actually chhatri means "umbrella", because of the shape of the domes.

a pillared canopy on the chabutra

an umbrella - and thus an umbrella-shaped pavilion in an Indian garden. Chhatris were built over funnerary sites and are common in India.