RAJKUMARI RATNAVATI GIRL’S SCHOOL
An Architectural and Social Beacon in the Thar Desert
The Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School stands as a striking symbol of female empowerment and resilience amidst the desert sands of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Designed by Diana Kellogg Architects for the non-profit CITTA India, this oval-shaped sandstone structure welcomes over 400 girls from below the poverty line, an area where female literacy barely exceeds 36%.
Unique Design & Sustainable Features
Oval Shape Symbolizing Empowerment: The school’s distinctive elliptical form was inspired by symbols of femininity and infinity. It blends seamlessly with the flowing dunes and fortresses of Rajasthan.
Sustainable Construction: Crafted from locally sourced, hand-carved golden Jaisalmer sandstone, it uses thick walls and traditional lime plaster for natural cooling—no air conditioning required, despite desert extremes.
Passive Cooling & Water Harvesting: Jali (lattice) screens and strategic vents optimize airflow, while the open courtyard collects rainwater—a critical feature for arid regions.
Solar Power: Rooftop solar panels power classrooms and fans, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Community Participation: Local artisans, often fathers of students, built the school, ensuring skills and economic benefits stay within the community.
Education & Empowerment Beyond Academics
Curriculum: Serving girls from kindergarten to 10th grade, the school combines academic education with traditional Rajasthani crafts—embroidery, weaving, and artistry—uplifting local heritage while fostering independence.
The GYAAN Center: This educational campus will ultimately comprise three buildings—the school, a performance and exhibition hall, and a women’s cooperative for vocational training.
Support Services: The school provides free mid-day meals to ease family burdens and ensures accessibility with a dedicated transport bus for students from remote villages.
Cultural Identity: Students proudly wear uniforms designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, featuring Ajrak, a local artisan print.
Recognition & Impact
Celebrated globally, the school has won awards such as the Architectural Digest India AD100 and the 2023 AIA Architecture Award for its innovative, sustainable design and social impact.
The project is hailed as a model for bottom-up, community-centric education that directly challenges cycles of gender inequality, poverty, and limited opportunity in Rajasthan.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: Where is Rajkumari Ratnavati Girls School located?
It is located near Kanoi village in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, bordering the Desert National Park.
Q2: Who founded and designed the school?
The school was initiated by CITTA India, designed by Diana Kellogg Architects, and built by local stone artisans.
Q3: What is unique about the school’s construction?
Its oval-shaped architecture uses local golden sandstone, passive cooling, rainwater harvesting, and solar power—making it environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.
Q4: How many students does the school serve and what is taught?
The campus accommodates 400 girls from kindergarten to 10th grade, teaching both standard academics and regional crafts like weaving and embroidery.
Q5: How does the school address community needs?
It equips girls for economic independence, engages local artisans, supports traditional skills, and includes a cooperative for women’s vocational training.
Q6: What recognitions has the school received?
The school has won major national and international architectural awards for design innovation and social impact.
Q7: How does the school support student nutrition and accessibility?
Mid-day meals are provided, and transportation facilities bring students from remote hamlets to the school.
Published on: August 6, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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