Topkhana, Jalore, Rajasthan, India.
The Cannonry or Artillery itself is a beautiful ancient edifice that is far from the reach of most tourists, while it is very easy to access here as it is situated in the Jalore Township below the Suvwarnagiri mount. Popularly it’s known as Topkhana.
Raja Bhoj the glorious and aristocratic ruler of parmar dynasty built this building in 10th century as a Sanskrit School. He was a great and renowned scholar of Sanskirt,ancient Indian Language. Its pillars bear inscriptions related to Jain and Hindu temple in later period, Muslim rulers of Jalore during the medieval period converted it to a mosque. Still deep insight of sculptures will bring the fact in notice. During the reign of Rathores who were the rulers of Marwar, its premises were used to store the Artillery, so it has got the name Topkhana. The lotus motifs and other ornamental carvings on its inside and upper portions are remarkable and worth seeing.
When I took a closer look at the carved figures of the pavilion built in the courtyard, and also of the main hall this fact was revealed at many points, especially on the top figures of the pillar capitals, which are the Guardian of the temple or building known as Yaksha, as these bodies are neither heavenly nor worldly.
This is an ancient heritage and popular attraction known as Topkhana, situated in the Central Jalore. This monument was built by Parmara Raja Bhoj in 10th century as a Sanskrit School. He was a scholar of Sanskrit. Later in Medieval period this was converted to mosque. . Later it was used as Topkhana by Rathores were Marwar Rulers. It’s having a very attractive architecture and decorative work of secular architectural style.
A grand arch gate for entrance which is having marble claddings, projected borders and decorated with magnificent carvings. The upper floor of this gate has a projected balcony in the centre, and perforated screens either side of the balcony. I was surprised for a moment, after crossing the entrance. It is indeed a magnificent building, the first glimpse of it has mesmerized me. On either side of the entrance, corridors are built, having richly carved stone pillars, decorated stone beams which are exposed, and roof is having many small domes, their ceilings are corbelled type which are exquisitely carved, courtyard is in the middle cannons are displayed in the centre, and main hall in the west. The main hall has three decorated marble’s archways in the central part before the entrance, and similar archways on either side of the central which are lower than the central built on either side, above these lower archways small arches like windows in the center, built in the middle of the attractive stone lattice, their top is in level of the central archway. Second stage is bordered with decorated Cornish and richly carved portion above which the same arch openings like windows. Either side of the these archways and arches grand latticed structure which are having different motifs. These seems to be remains of walled structure which were having marble claddings. Roof of the wall is supported by carved stone pillars and exposed beams and ceilings are superb. Roof is having many domes and the central dome is larger. This edifice is not having any sanctum or Altar but like in mosques central Mihrab is there, which is highly decorated by carvings. In later period someone carved the Pindika and Linga in this Mihrab like a sketch.
Artwork is similar to of Dilwara temples situated in Mount Abu Rajasthan. There is no entry fee and it’s always guarded by the security persons. It can be visited from 8 am to 5 pm. This is a masterpiece and major tourists attraction. Excessive use of Marble and fine carvings are spectacular.
