The Train Saloons
The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Alwar,
Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar,
Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi, and Udaipur.
The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural ethos of the state, represented
through the use of furniture, handicrafts, paintings and furnishings.The ceiling
in the lounge is of particular interest. Each coupe is different but the overall
ambience of the decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity.
Each saloon has cream yellow color on its exterior walls and bear the Coat of
Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely states, along with the name.
Alwar Saloon
Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.The ceiling of the Alwar
Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils
in relief, depicting a hunting scene.
The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge.Subtle tones of pink enhance
the romantic ambience of the lounge.
Bharatpur Saloon
Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologists paradise, and
well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to
over 376 avian species.
Echoing the vividness of nature’s gift to Bharatpur the relief work on
this coach depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of
the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blind.
The ‘nature’ theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work
depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror.
The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder
of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.
Bikaner Saloon
The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of
Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas
depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camel back. The artwork in
the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art style.
Bundi Saloon
The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting
is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis
for the colour scheme and overall decor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
Dholpur Saloon
The rails in the coach are made in teak ply to depict the fine craftsmanship
as done in stone. The Dholpur crest decorates the valance in zardozi work.
Jaipur Saloon
The ceiling of the state lounge has been created using the famed ‘Phad’
or foil work, depicting festivals like Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali etc. The
royal emblem of the state is worked out in Zardozi work on the valance.
The walls have been decorated with miniature paintings of the famous Jaipur
style of painting. The ceilings have painted frescoes, done in complimentary
colours, reflecting the state’s colour scheme of Blue & Gold.
Jaisalmer Saloon
There are intricately carved jharokhas on the lounge ceiling. It is done on
teak wood with a mirror backing.
The famous Jawahar Niwas facade has been depicted in the state lounge using
cone, metal, copper and silver medium.
The royal insignia adorns the valance of the blind. The colour scheme reflects
the beige of the desert sands.
Jhalwar Saloon
The ceiling has been worked out in a medium used by the local inhabitants of
Jhalawar to decorate their home. A play of colours and mirror work has been
used in the medium of Plaster of Paris to create a unique ambience.
The royal insignia of the erstwhile state in Zardozi work is seen on the valance
along with handicrafts supporting the table tops of the state lounge.
Jodhpur Saloon
Mughal influenced designs of the Moti Mahal recreated in mother of pearl work
on the ceiling. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance along with the
miniature paintings in the lounge which is typical of the Jodhpur School of
art.
Kishangarh Saloon
The Banio Thani paintings of the state with their exaggerated features like
eyes and long fingers, are well-known.
One of these famous paintings is recreated on the ceiling in acrylic, painted
with enamel and foil. The crest appears in zardozi work on the blinds of the
window with the Kishangarh School of Art highlighted in an artwork on the wall
of the state lounge.
Kota Saloon
Kota is well known for Kota school of design. These elements have served as
the basis for designing the décor of this coach. The distinctive features
of the Kota school of art can be seen in the oil paintings titled "Raja
aur Praja" (The Monarch and his subjects on the ceiling. It depicts Raja
Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota amidst a royal procession.
Sirohi Saloon
This erstwhile state has earned an enviable reputation the world over for its
gold fort and with coloured glass work that is done near Pratapgarh. The style
of work has a typically Indo-European flavour as European influence is quite
conspicuous.
The rooms highlight this style through the framed works of art done in the same
styles through the framed works of art done in the same styles. The ambience
and colour scheme has also been designed in keeping with this school of Art.
The Gold foil and glass work also has semi precious stones embedded in it, and
has been done in a mix media created from cone and paint embossed particle boards.
The royal insignia has been placed prominently. Mounted miniatures done in the
Sirohi school style lend a unique character to the décor.
Udaipur Saloon
The state lounge and bedrooms take their colour schemes-dominant blue and white.
The lounge décor is influenced by the ‘Mor Chowk’ or the Peacock
Court. The medium used is a combination of relief work and Patra or oxidized
white metal work. The royal crest of the state, in alluring zardozi work is
set on the valance of the blinds.
