Raj Niwas Gallery

The Regal mode of Transport - Tam Jaam and Palanquin Exhibition

The royal life called for an even more regal mode of transport; be it for grand ceremonial processions, devotional visits to shrines, meetings with the general public, or the royal hunts. For royal ladies or brides, there were highly ornate palanquins, locally called Mahajaans. These tended to be more closed as compared to those for the Maharanas, to provide them their privacy. The delicately embroidered curtains and at times, shutter-doors, enabled this. The palanquin would be borne by the handrails that are fitted at either ends of the chamber. Taam- Jams or single-seat sedan chairs and the Takhat (seat placed on raised platform, dating back to the time of Maharana Bheem Singh, r. 1778 - 1828) were borne in a similar fashion, with the handrails. Pharkies and Howdahs are two types of open litters that are mounted on top of the elephant backs; the first being on the occasion of hunting and the second for grand ceremonial processions. Wood has been extensively used in the making of these modes of transport; some have polychrome designs, glasswork, ivory inlay etc. The radiant sun symbol, the emblem of the House of Mewar is popularly used, as also lion and other animal motifs that symbolize power and grandeur, and floral patterns.