Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri

This can be called Alwar’s most artistic monument and the most regal as well, replete with a fascinating story. Maharaja Vinay Singh of Alwar built this double-storeyed cenotaph in 1815 in memory of his father Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh. It is also known as Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri after the king’s mistress, who performed sati here when he died. After the sati, she came to be accepted as king’s wife. It is an elegant monument, shaped like a flower and built with a blend of brown sandstone and white marble. The first storey is made in sandstone while the upper storey and chhatris (cenotaphs) are made in white marble. Its carved pavilion has domed arches with exquisite floral tracery and patterns. There are intricate designs that shine brilliantly under sunlight. Bala Qila, on a hilltop, can also be seen from Bakhtawar Ki Chhatri.
The colourful circular ceiling is an important part of Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri and is adorned with fading gold leaf paintings of mythological characters and scenes. Footsteps of Maharaja and Moosi Rani are carved in marble inside the cenotaph, and locals pay homage to them.