Nau Chowki Ghat

Nau Chowki Ghat is a historic white marble embankment located at the southern end of Rajsamand Lake near Kankroli in Rajasthan. Built in the 17th century by Maharana Raj Singh I, it features nine intricately carved marble pavilions and terraced ghats leading to the water. The structure is named after the sacred number nine in Indian philosophy, with dimensions based on multiples of nine. It served as a site for royal ceremonies including Tula-daan (weighing against gold) and showcases detailed carvings of Hindu deities, dancers, and celestial motifs.

Visitors can explore the pristine white marble embankment with its nine carved pavilions and stepped ghats descending to Rajsamand Lake. The site features intricate stone carvings depicting Hindu gods, dancers, birds, animals, and floral patterns. Three surviving toranas (ornamental arches) mark where royal charity ceremonies were performed. The location offers scenic lake views framed by the Aravalli Hills, particularly striking during sunrise and sunset. Visitors can walk along the marble terraces, admire the architectural details, and enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.

Built between 1662 and 1676 AD by Maharana Raj Singh I of Mewar as part of a famine relief project that provided employment to the local population. The construction cost was approximately 15 million rupees and employed over 60,000 workers. The embankment was designed around the sacred number nine in Indian philosophy, representing the nine planets. The dam originally measured 999 feet in length and 99 feet in breadth. Royal Tula-daan ceremonies were performed here where rulers weighed themselves against gold and distributed the equivalent value in charity. Princess Charumati commissioned ornamental arches and pavilions as gratitude to Maharana Raj Singh I for protecting her from forced marriage to Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.