The splendour of Rajasthan's richly appointed palaces, majestic forts and traditional mansions is revealed in this lavishly illustrated book. George Michell explores the fascinating royal architecture of this desert state of India from the 15th to the 20th century, focusing on the major capitals of Rajput power - Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner - as well as other centres such as Bundi, Kota, Jaisalmer, Alwar and Shekhawati. Also featured are the Jat states of Bharatpur and Dholpur. Antonio Martinelli's stunning photographs survey architectural developments in Rajasthan over a period of more than five hundred years, providing a detailed visual record of magnificent facades and opulent interiors. His photographs evoke the grandeur of Rajput courtly life at its height, be it imposing darbar halls where maharajas held formal audience, or mirrored apartments where they enjoyed more private entertainments. Though the royal complexes are today shadows of their former glory, the memory of this greatest age in Rajasthan's history and its extraordinary palace architecture endures to the present day.