The Nauchowki — meaning "nine pavilions" — is the ornate northern embankment of Rajsamand Lake, built from white marble and considered one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture in Rajasthan. Nine elaborately carved chhatris (domed kiosks) stand in a row along the embankment, their columns and arches decorated with floral motifs, elephants, and scenes from Hindu mythology. The craftsmanship is exceptional: even after more than 350 years of exposure to sun and monsoon, much of the detail remains crisp and legible.
Set into the embankment are 25 large marble slabs inscribed with the Raj Prashasti, a Sanskrit historical epic commissioned by Maharana Raj Singh I to celebrate the glories of the Mewar dynasty. The text runs to around 1,017 verses — making it reportedly the longest stone inscription in the world. Scholars and historians have used it as a primary source for the history of Mewar.
The Nauchowki is best visited in the early morning, when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Walk the full length of the embankment to appreciate the scale of the engineering as well as the artistry of the carved pavilions.