chatri

Chatri, also spelled chhatri, is an architectural element common in the Indian subcontinent. The word derives from Sanskrit chatra, meaning umbrella or parasol. In architecture, a chatri is a small pavilion or dome-shaped canopy, typically supported by slender columns, and crowned with a domed or inverted-cone cap. It is umbrella-like in form and serves both decorative and symbolic purposes.

Chatris are commonly found atop pavilions on temples, palaces, forts, and tombs, and are especially characteristic of Rajput and Mughal architecture. They often mark important corners, gatehouses, or cenotaphs, and the royal or sacred status of a structure is signaled by rows or clusters of chatris. In cenotaph precincts, white marble or sandstone chatris form a distinctive skyline.

Design variations range from simple four-pole pavilions to multi-tiered, multi-domed structures with ornate brackets, jalis, and finials. The canopy is typically shallowly curved, and the supporting columns may be plain or richly carved. Materials include sandstone, marble, and metal, reflecting local architectural traditions.

Historically, chatris date from medieval and early-modern periods and became widespread in regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Deccan. Today the motif remains a common decorative element in Indian architecture and landscape design, used for gazebos, garden pavilions, and memorials, preserving its associations with shade, shelter, and regal symbolism.