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Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur is one of the largest forts in forts. It is also the most magnificent fort in Jodhpur, infact, in the whole Rajasthan. The fort is amongst the popular tourist places in India. It is situated on a 150 m high hill. It was founded by Rao Jodha in 1459. The Mehrangarh Fort can be reached from the city, 5 kms below, through a circular road.
Seven gates have to be crossed to reach the fort. The gates still bear the marks of the various battles fought in the bygone era. Its second gate still stands witness to canon ball hits by attacking armies of Jaipur during wars. One of the gates is Jayapol, meaning victory. It was built by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his victories over Jaipur and Bikaner armies. Another gate, Fattehpol, again meaning victory, was built by Maharaja Ajit Singh as a celebration for defeating the Mughals.
Other attractions of Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan include several palaces inside the fort, with their sprawling and huge courtyards. One of the fort's palaces, The Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, has the royal throne of Jodhpur, the Sringar Chowki. The fort also has galleries, temples, etc. To the left of the Mehrangarh Fort is the Chhatri of a soldier, Kirat Singh Soda. It is the spot where he fell while defending the fort against the armies of Amber.
History of Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh means ‘Fort of the sun’. The fort is perched on a rocky cliff called ‘Bhakur-chiria’ which means ‘mountain of birds’. The construction of the fort was started by Rao Jodha in the mid-fifteenth century.
A lot of additions and alterations were made in the later centuries by the subsequent rulers too. This resulted in different styles and architecture in the various parts of the fort.
Museum inside Mehrangarh Fort exhibits various items like palanquins, textiles, paintings, decorative arts and furniture etc that were used by the royal family during the 17th, 18th and 19th century.
Most of these items are a part of Maharaja Gaj Singh II’s personal collection. Maharaja Gaj Singh II is the current head of the Rathore clan and the custodian of the Mehrangarh Fort.
Architecture
Mehrangarh fort is a magnificent edifice of 68-ft wide and 117-ft elevated walls.
There are seven gates of entry to the fort. The most famous among them is the Jaya Pol meaning victory, constructed by Maharaja Man Singh to celebrate his success over the armies of Jaipur and Bikaner. Fatteh Pol, which also means victory gate, was raised by Maharaja Ajit Singh to celebrate the defeat of the Mughals. Dedh Kamgra Pol, still bear the mutilations of cannonballs. Loha Pol, another gate to the fort have the handprints (sati marks) of the ranis who immolated themselves on the funeral pyre of their husband, Maharaja Man Singh.
Impressive cenotaphs dot the fort which testify the valor of the Rathore kings of Jodhpur. The chhatri of Kirat Singh Soda, the honorable soldier who died guarding the fort against the Amber armies is a wonderful specimen.
The brilliant craftsmanship is exhibited by the fascinating sandstone palaces within the Fort. Explore the grand palaces like the Moti Mahal or the Pearl Palace, where you can marvel at the royal throne of Jodhpur known as the Sringar Chowki. The Phool Mahal has a beautiful ceiling adorned by gold filigree work. The Umaid Villas showcase beautiful Rajput miniature paintings while the Ajit Villas displays the musical instruments and the royal attires. The Rang Mahal, Chandan Mahal and Maan Vilas are exquisite splendors.
The fort also encloses the Mehrangarh Fort Museum. It has all exhibits of the olden days, like the royal palanquins, miniature paintings, furniture, and historic armory etc.
Jodhpur Tourism Popularly known as the “Blue City”, Jodhpur has a bluish landscape and is noted for its majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Jodhpur and is listed under the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Encircled with seven strong gates, Mehrangarh Fort showcases an antique collection of paintings, armours, palanquins, treasure, turbans and folk musical instruments. Jaswant Thada is another delight in Jodhpur. This white-marbled marvel is a memorial dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh, built by his son in 1899. Jaswant Thada is a traditional cremation ground of Jodhpur rulers and is also a notable architectural landmark of Jodhpur.
Another epitome of inspiring architecture is Umaid Bhavan Palace, which has now turned into a five-star hotel by the Taj Group of Hotels and Resorts. Balsamand Lake and Kaylana Lake are amongst the most relaxing spots of the city, bestowed with awe-inspiring views and serenity. Gangaur Festival is an important festival of Udaipur, which is celebrated by women for a blissful marital life.
If you want to know more about Jodhpur, how to reach it, the best time to visit, where to eat and stay, and some useful travel tips, here is our comprehensively curated Jodhpur travel guide.
