Ratnavati Girl's School: Like An Oval In The Sand

Priyanka Rout

Ratnavati Girl's School: Like An Oval In The Sand

In the sands of Jaisalmer stands an architectural marvel that brought together an architect from New York, local stoneworkers, hundred of girls, and last but not least, an opportunity for a new economic avenue. This oval-shaped oasis is known as Ratnavati Girl's High School.

Rani Ratnavati Girl’s School: An epitome of awe-inspiring architecture; Image Source: ArchDaily

"What's so special in a school?"- one might ask. There are plenty of reasons that I could bring forth to show you why this school is so special. An architecture that heals protects, and nurtures- Ratnavati Girl's High School is the Gyaan Center in Jaisalmer. The school's name was an honor to Rajkumari Ratnavati of Jaisalmer and the daughter of Raja Maharawal Ratan Singh. She is known as the heroic child who, in the absence of her father, foiled the opponents' efforts with her pure knowledge and alacrity.

Ratnavati is an inspiration to those girls who have no access to basic amenities but still don't stop on their path to success. The legends of her fortitude continue to reverberate throughout the desert state, inspiring one and all to remain bold and follow their strength and courage when the battle gets difficult. And this school was built with the sole purpose of encouraging the kids to get going even when the hurdles are enormous.

After its name, one of the most exciting things about this school is its architecture. An oval-shaped oasis rises from the desert in Jaisalmer. Even when sunlight passes through its jalis, it fades into the surrounding dunes, almost as though it evolved from the changing sands. When the Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School opens its doors, it is filled with the voices of 400 girls ranging from kindergarten to class ten.

It was critical to Kellogg that the community be included in a facility designed for the community. The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School is constructed of hand-carved Jaisalmer sandstone by local artisans. They are using local materials to build infrastructure reduced carbon emissions. Kellogg opted to install a solar panel parasol on the rooftop as a cooling system in an area where temperatures may reach 120 degrees. The canopy and jalis both keep the heat out, and the structure's elliptical form also contributes to sustainability by producing a cooling screen of airflow.

Visitors are met by a grand staircase and a wall adorned with diyas, little stone flower medallions that represent each classroom and the project's supporters. Winding halls lead to classes, a computer center, and an expansive patio, all outfitted with locally manufactured rosewood furniture and typical Charpai woven seats. A parapet barrier is also depicted as a reimagining of the Jallis, which were initially used to conceal ladies for privacy. The design team used local traditional water gathering techniques to optimize rainfall and recycle greywater in the school.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, a well-known Indian fashion designer, was commissioned to design the uniforms for the pupils at The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girl's School. Mukherjee utilized Ajrak, a native cloth from the area that is square with natural colors using an ancient process. They were created to showcase the region's craft tradition, highlighting the beauty and strength inherent in the crafts while also providing a stronger feeling of community, connection, and pride for their home.

It is a vast yet fundamental architectural masterpiece that blends in with its surroundings and aesthetically attracts the viewer with its colors, textures, and the curved form's gradually receding boundaries. The rooms around the center's enormous courtyard provide a total enclosure to the user, providing a sense of safety and warmth horizontally while also providing a sense of freedom and exposure to the sky vertically.

The oval-shaped structure, which represents both womanhood and the planes of the area's great dunes, makes a significant contribution to an environment that "would not only empower young women with techniques to even further their learning and autonomy but will also raise public awareness related to the issue faced by women in India on a worldwide scale," according to Kellogg. "The school will provide a haven for girls from one of the world's most economically disadvantaged and geographically isolated areas."

Rajasthan is the third most populous Indian state, with a population of 56,507,188 people and a male literacy rate of 79.19 percent; however, it has the lowest female literacy rate of 52.66 percent. Furthermore, 80 percent of Rajasthan's population lives in rural regions like Jaisalmer, where female literacy is barely 32 percent. Women spend the majority of their time at home performing household responsibilities.

These figures show that females in Jaisalmer's remote Thar Desert region suffer some of India's most onerous barriers to obtaining education, talents, and other educational possibilities. Furthermore, Rajasthan has a high incidence of child marriages, leading to fewer girls being permitted to attend school and an alarmingly high prevalence of female infanticide, leading to a sex ratio that favors men. This vicious spiral of female infanticide, underage marriage, and illiteracy pushes the entire community, particularly its women, into a state of misery and lack of economic opportunity.

Perhaps this was why Diana Kellogg, a New York-based architect, came forward along with CITTA, an international non-profit organization founded by Michael Daube, to design the Ratnavati Girl's School that will be used to educate and empower tribal girls in Rajasthan's rural areas. The school, located in Kanoi village, is composed of yellow sandstone and lacks air conditioning. Instead, a well-thought-out design structure keeps the sun's harsh rays out, allowing pupils to learn and play to their hearts' content.

"We couldn't be more appreciative to Diana for her time and artistry to make the school a reality," said Michael Daube, Founder & Executive Director of CITTA. "To make a true impact for our students will mean changing attitudes of what girls and women are capable of. This is our first step in that effort."