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Forts of Rajasthan
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Perched on a 150 m high hill its sprawl is the most formidable and magnificent
fort in Rajasthan. Rao Jodha founded it in 1459 but subsequent rulers of Jodhpur
have also added to it over the centuries. A meandering road leads to the from
the city 5 kms below. Battle scars of canon ball hit by attacking armies of
Jaipur can still be seen on the second gate.
To the left is chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, a soldier who fell on the spot
while defending the fort against the armies of Amber. There are seven gates,
which include Jayapol meaning victory built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate
his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Fattehpol also meaning victory
gate was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh to mark the defeat of Mughals.
And Lohapol meaning iron gate has a moving memorabilia on palm print of the
queens of Maharaja Man Singh who threw themselves on his funeral pyre in an
act of sati [self-immolation]. The palm imprints still attract devotional attention
and are covered by vermilion paste and paper-thin silver foil. Mehrangarh fort
is about 5km from Jodhpur Town. Guarding the city below, crowning a perpendicular
cliff, the fort was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD when he shifted his capital
from Mandore.
Rohet Fort, Near Jodhpur
Built in the 16th century, the Rohet Garh Fort has arched gateways that
lead to a central compound. All the rooms open into this compound. The resort
has a beautiful décor with carved furniture, mementos and paintings.
The dining hall is decorated with a large collection of antique hunting rifles,
shields, spearheads, daggers, tiger skins and trophies.
Luni Fort, Near Jodhpur
Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian
architecture of the last century. The entire fortress is carved out of the famous
red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and
intricate "Jharokas", it exquisitely captures the romance and grace
of a bygone age.
The fort is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards towers, water, wheels,
stables, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic
roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond. The traditional
paintings on the walls harmoniously reflect the skill of the master craftsmen
and the bygone days.
The village of Luni nestles in the shadow of the Fort walls and is a hub
of activity with its many artisans fashioning metal, clay or wood into intricate
forms and demonstrating the skills passed down over the centuries by their
ancestors. The village elders solemnly reflect the changing times under shady
trees, while the children enjoy running around narrow carefree streets. The
women, swaying in their brilliant Rajasthani colours go about their daily
chores to give water and sustenance to the village.
Bila Quila Fort, Alwar
This huge fort,constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire, stretchs
5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, and stands 304 metres
above the city and 595 metres above the sea level. This huge fort has 15 large
and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers
encompassing it.
The fort has several gates - jai pol, Suraj pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan
Pol and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal,
Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples. Babar had spent a night at this
fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son, Humayun. Akbar’s
son , Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his exile. The place
where he stayed is called salim mahal. The fort was finally annexed by maharaja
Pratap singh in 1775 A.D.
This is a huge fort,with its five kms of ramparts stands 300 mts. above the
city.Predating the time of Pratap Singh, it is one of the very few forts in
Rajasthan which was constructed before the rise of Moghuls. Unfortunately,
because the fort now houses a radio transmitter station,it can only be visited
with special permission. The way to the fort goes near the collectrate office
in the city. it is a climb up to the hill with panaromic view all around.
In the way one can see the temple of Godess Karani Mata.
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second
most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the
Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because
of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered.
It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. The fort
also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of sentimental
significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap.
The fort is self-contained and has within its amalgam almost everything to
withstand a long siege. The fort fell only once that too to the combined armies
of Mughal and of Amber for scarcity of drinking water. Many magnificent palaces
an array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque place
is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained
unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most
able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
A high wall and deep moats surround the fort. The 37 bastions guard the fort
and only two gates provide the access inside the fort. The Suraj Pol or the
Sun Gate is the main entrance to the fort. The Junagarh Fort has defied all
the attacks except for the brief stint by Kamaran who captured the fort but
was unable to retain his victory more than 24 hours.
Inside the fort is a profusion of 37 palaces, temples and pavilions that
are marvels in red sandstone construction. The palaces have exquisitely carved
windows, balconies, towers and kiosks.The mirrors, paintings and carved marble
panels in the Moon Palace are a treat for eyes. The Phool Mahal or Flower
Palace was adorned with glasses and mirrors. The victory over Aurangzeb was
celebrated by building the Karan Mahal.
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