From Mohaṇ Bārī in Āmber to the Sajjan Niwās Bāgh of Udaipūr: The Evolution of Paradise Garden Landscapes in Medieval Rājasthān

Rajput gardens in Rajasthan developed into important architectural and cultural spaces between the late sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, yet their regional character has received less attention than that of their Mughal counterparts. This study examines how Rajput rulers adopted, adapted, and transformed elements of the Mughal chahārbāgh (paradise garden) tradition within their own architectural and environmental settings. It focuses on the spatial layout, water management systems, connections to palace complexes and the relationship between gardens and their surrounding landscapes at Amber, Jaipur, Udaipūr (Mewar region), Mandor, Nagaur, Jaisalmer, and Bikāner in Marwar region. The study combines historical accounts, architectural evidence, field observations and comparative analysis. The findings show that Rajput gardens were shaped by local terrain, climatic conditions, water availability, political circumstances and the choices of individual patrons. Rather than merely imitating Mughal gardens or serving as representations of Islamic paradise, they acquired distinct regional forms and fulfilled practical, aesthetic, recreational and political functions. The study, therefore, contributes to a broader understanding of Rajput architectural culture by highlighting gardens as dynamic spaces where environmental adaptation, royal patronage, and cultural exchange came together.