Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is one of the biggest forts in India. This fort is also the most stupendous fort in Jodhpur, if truth be told, in the entire state of Rajasthan. The Mehrangarh fort is among the well-liked tourist destinations in India. This splendid fort is positioned at the heart of the city. The fort spreads over 5 km on the top of a 125-metre lofty mountain. The Mehrangarh fort of Rajasthan that is placed on an elevated height of 400 feet above the city is surrounded by impressive strong walls. Inside the defensive borders of the fort, there are a number of palaces, which are famous for their obscure carvings and extensive quads. To our surprise, Mehrangarh Fort has not been taken in a blockade even one time. Unconquerable and strong, exciting terror, esteem, jealousy and horror in friend and enemy identical, Mehrangarh fort of Rajasthan is the fortitude of the Rathores. The word Mehrangarh has derived from the word ‘Mihir' meaning Sun-deity and the word ‘garh' meaning fort. The Sun god has been the principal god of the Rathore reign.
So, meharangarh fort means “Sun-fort”. In keeping with Rajasthani language pronunciation principles, the word ‘Mihirgarh' has been modified to ‘Mehrangarh'.
Ancient times of Meharangarh fort:
The Meharangarh fort was established in the year 1459 by King Rao Jodha after he moved his capital from the Mandore city. Consequently, several add-ons were done by the other Jodhpur emperors over a period of time. Despite the fact that the stronghold was initially instigated by Rao Jodha, the creator of Jodhpur in 1459, the largest part of the fort which is there today dates back to the year 1638 to 1678 during the period of Jaswant Singh. The smears of field gun balls from earlier period battles are still famous on the 2nd gateway of the fortification. The palm impressions that are spread with paper-thin silver foil and vermilion paste on a gateway leading to the interment pyre area, strikes a chord to the visitors of the queens and princesses who committed “Jawhar” (self- suicide) for their companions.
Highlights of Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur:
Several citadels in Meharangarh fort of Rajasthan were built by King Rao Jodha Singh starting from the year 1459 onwards. He built the palaces in a casual prototype for numerous centuries. These palaces have individual architectural aspects, for instance, tapered staircases leading to the regal house, engraved porches and panels, ornately decked walls and radiant tainted glass windows that generate animated mosaics on the floors with the light rays. The walls of the palaces are over 36m elevated and 21m broad which guard some of the most stunning and momentous palaces in Rajasthan. Inside the fort, more than a few vividly crafted and adorned palaces can be spitted. Of all the palaces, the Phool Mahal (Flower Palace), Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Sileh Khana, Daulat Khana and Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) are noteworthy. At present, different buildings within the fort serve as Mehrangarh museum of Rajasthan which boasts a fresh-looking compilation of palanquins, musical instruments, mortars and furniture on the battlements of the fort. The battlements of the fort afford not only the exceptionally maintained canons (together with the celebrated Kilkila) but also a spectacular view of Jodhpur city.
The Seven massive Gateways of Mehrangarh fort:
The entrance to the Mehrangarh fort is through a chain of 7 massive gates. The most renowned gates of the fort are listed below:
- Jai Pol: Jai Pol, the Gate of Victory was constructed in the year n 1806 by Maharaja Man Singh to commemorate his triumph in a confrontation with Bikaner and Jaipur.
- Fateh Pol: Fateh Pol is the western gate of the fort and is known as the victory gate. It was constructed in 1707 to commemorate a success over the mighty Mughal rulers.
- Dedh Kamgra Pol: The Lakhna Pol, also known as the Dedh Kangra Pol was built on in 19th century. This gate comprises a chief historical attraction in Jodhpur. Dedh Kamgra Pol still has the marks of attack by the massive mortar balls.
- Loha Pol: Further than the Lakhna Pol is the Loha Pol, the Iron Gate. This gate dates back to 15th century is the last gate into the chief division of the Mehrangarh fort complex. In the left side, visitors can find the sati marks (palm impressions) of the 15 Queens who sacrificed their precious lives on the funeral pyre of their companion, King Man Singh in the year 1843.
Famous palaces (period rooms) inside Mehrangarh fort:
Other key attractions of Mehrangarh Fort include quite a few gorgeous palaces inside the fort with their rambling and gigantic quads. They are:
- Moti Mahal, The Pearl Palace: Moti Mahal was established by Maharaja Sur Singh between 1595 and 1619. The Moti Mahal is the biggest palaces in the period rooms of Mehrangarh Museum. Moti Mahal boasts 5 niches that lead to the concealed galleries. This is assumed to have built for his 5 royal queens to hear the court schedule.
- Phool Mahal – The Palace Of Flowers: The Phool Mahal was built by Maharaja Abhaya Singh during 1724–1749. One of the majestic and astonishing period rooms of Mehrangarh fort is the Phool Mahal. In all probability, the Phool Mahal was a confidential and fashionable meeting room of enjoyment. Beautiful girls were assumed to perform at this place to please royal Maharajas. The gold for building this palace was fetched from Ahmedabad. The royal pictures, paintings, and the much beloved Raga mala of the Phool Mahal arrived at some stage in the supremacy of Jaswant Singh II.
- Takhat Vilas (Meeting room of Maharaja Takhat Singh): Established and survived by Maharaja Takhat Singh between 1843 and 1873, Takhat Vilas of the Mehrangarh fort is a fascinating amalgamation of modern styles and traditional construction. The glass balls on the ceiling of this palace give evidence to the contemporary epoch that relates to the British period. Maharaja Takhat Singh was the very last emperor of Jodhpur to live in the Mehrangarh Fort.
- Sheesha Mahal, The Hall Of Mirrors: Sheesha Mahal is a good instance of a archetypal Rajput architecture. The mirror-work in this palace comprises huge, noraml pieces, more willingly than an obscure mosaic of minute remains. One more thing is the beautiful mirror-work superimposed in vibrantly hued holy statues that were created with plaster.
- Jhanki Mahal, The Peeping Palace: Jhanki Mahal is the place from where the imperial women observed the representative proceedings that went on in the fort’s courtyard. This palace abodes an affluent compilation of the stately cradles, decked with images of elephant, birds and fairies along with the gilt mirrors.
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