Situated on the
banks of the river Khan, Chhatri
Baug are the tombs erected in memory of the dead Holkar
rulers and their families. It consists of seven Chhatri’s (tombs)
and they are housed in two compounds. The chhatris are dome shaped structures
having different designs with
pyramidal spires on top. The most attractive and largest one among them
is the tomb of Malhar Rao Holkar I, the founder of the Holkar dynasty.
The other important tombs are
that of Rani Ahilya Bai Holkar,
her son Male Rao Holkar with
a 12-sided pavilion on a low plinth, Maharaja Hari Rao Holkar IV
Tukoji Rao II and his son Shivaji Rao. These tombs are
connected by a common rectangle prayer hall on a high platform along the
garbha grihas which contains
skillfully carved arches and pillars and the statues of the rulers.
The inner sanctum of the Chhatri Baug is locked and most of the
chhatris are now in ruins. There is a ritual of offering bhog at all chhatris
which still continues.
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