The city of Nagaur near Jodhpur, Rajasthan is a safe and sound desert conurbation. This place is positioned at a distance of about 135 km north-east of Jodhpur city. Nagaur is placed in the middle of Jodhpur and Bikaner cities. The city of Nagaur dates back to 4th century AD and was under the control of Mughals. Today, the Nagaur Fort that was built using “Rajput-Mughal” structural design has urbanized into a tourist hub with an innovative approach known as “Scholars Retreat”. This fort includes 4 major palaces namely Bhakhat Singh Mahal, Akbari Mahal, Abohawa Mahal and Hadi Rani Mahal. These palaces boast wonderful frescoes that date back 17th-19th centuries. The wall paintings are on diverse themes such as rag-ragini, the life of a woman, type of weather and plants.
Historical significance of Naguar Fort:
The Nagaur fort in Jodhpur is historically significant. It is a Sandy fort that is centrally placed and dates back to the 12nd century. Naguar Fort has witnessed several combats in the ancient times. The walls of Naguar fort are soaring. It boasts a huge property with several palaces and temples inside. The History of Nagaur has represented as an imperial place of several tales of gratifying realms. There are several historical places such as Temples, Mosques and Forts which roundabout as a glowing destination for the society.
Ahhichatragarh Fort or Naguar Fort:
At heart, there are 2 major forts in Nagaur region. One is the Ahhichatragarh Fort and other one is Kuchaman fort. Ahhichatragarh Fort, also called as Nagaur Fort can be found at the center of Nagaur city. The city of Nagaur had witnessed the courage of “Rao Amar Singh Rathor” who confronted the powerful Mughal kingdom. Nagaur fort was constructed by the originators of Nagaur (the Nagavanshis) in line with the Vaastu shastra. This fort has dual walls and is bordered by a profound surge. The frontier of this fort is around 5000 ft lengthwise. The Naguar fort has 2 parallel frontier walls and 28 security towers.
The key magnetism of Nagaur city is the Ahhichatragarh Fort (or Naguar Fort). It is a standard size fortification. The famous Mughal Kings Shahjahan and Akbar built this fort. In the inner part of the Ahhichatragarh Fort one can see a beautiful Mughal Garden that holds on to its novel lovely appearance even today. The 5 domed mosque constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar dominates the well-maintained landscape of the Fort. Also, gorgeous paintings never forget to adorn the ceilings of the palaces and walls of the fort.
The huge Nagaur Fort possesses several wonderful stories of valor of the former emperors of Rajasthan.
Lovely Palaces of Naguar Fort:
The Naguar fort boasts six beautiful fortresses such as Deepak Mahal, Hadi Rani Mahal, Akbari Mahal, Bakhat Singh Palace, Rani Mahal and Amar Singh Mahal.
- Hadi Rani Mahal : Even though the Naguar fort is literally in a ruined condition, it has some fine-looking palaces. Hadi Rani Mahal is one of the most marvelously festooned palaces of the fort. This palace has brilliantly engraved designs throughout its ceilings and walls. Moreover, it is overstated by wonderful mural portraits that showcase the images of “Maharani Hadi Rani” (one of the famous queens of Nagaur) together with her entourage. Hadi Rani Mahal also has a charming frescoed upper limit which is a great pleasure to observe.
- Bhakt Singh Palace : Even though there is a violent history behind Bhakt Singh Palace, this place is worth visiting. Bhakt Singh was the monarch of Nagaur in early 18th century. Abhay Singh, brother of Bhakt Singh was the successor who is distinct to the Jodhpur throne. Abhay Singh was influenced by the Mughal emperors to become the sovereign by assassinating his father. Abhay Singh passed this plan and wicked task to his brother Bhakt singh and assured him to award Nagaur if, he kills their father. Bhakt eagerly accepted to the plan and killed his father. He also became the sovereign of Nagaur. The, he established a marvelous palace inside the primeval fort to live happily.
- Deepak Mahal: Almost all walls of Deepak Mahal in Naguar fort is decked out with superb floral designs. In rain scorched Nagaur, Deepak Mahal is like a gasp of fresh air. This place has painted portraits of stunning flowers & shrubs. Deepak Mahal symbolizes a daydream for the locals of Nagaur.
- Akbari Mahal : Akbari Mahal was basically constructed in the reminiscence of the re-conquer of Nagaur city by the mighty Mughals from the Ajmer governor in the year 1556. The fine art & architecture of Akbari Mahal represents a convergence of both Mughal and Rajput art. If truth be told, the Mughal style of construction and their influence can be observed in several huge palaces and spectator areas.
- Amar Singh Mahal : Naguar fort also dwells the Amar Singh Mahal. This Mahal is which is ornamented from ceiling to floor with intricately engraved designs. Amar Singh was the emperor of Nagaur city at the time of the Shah Jahan’s supremacy to take revenge for the bereavement of Salabat Khan, a Mughal noble. Amar Singh Mahal is an appropriate honor to his reminiscence. Albeit Amar Singh was cremated on the Yamuna River banks, his wives willingly committed self-immolation (Sati) in Nagaur city. One can find their hand and palm impressions in the vicinity even today.
- Rani Mahal : The Rani Mahal in Naguar fort was perceptibly the home of the wives of the Naguar emperors. Baradari is in the women residences which were one more dwelling where the stately women lived once. This place also has a swimming pool.
The extraordinary frescoes and paintings in Naguar Fort:
The colossal shielding walls of the remarkable Nagaur Fort include a prehistoric complex of luxuriantly painted mosques, palaces, obscure baoris (reservoirs), temples, fountains, water systems, pleasure gardens and open terraces that dates back to the ancient Mughal era. Several delicate portraits embellish numerous ceilings and walls of the palaces. In addition, the old city boasts a number of mosques, together with a mosque that was custom-built by King Akbar.
Remarkable Royal Gateways of the Naguar Fort:
Naguar Fort has the following 3 stately gateways for entry:
- Sireh Pole (Main Entrance Gate) : This is the farthest gate of the Fort that has weighty wooden doorways that has iron thorns to stop the elephant attacks.
- Beech Ka Pole(Center Gate) : This is the 2nd gate of entrance of the Fort
- Kacheri Pole (Court Gate) : This last gateway dwelled the judiciary of Nagaur in olden times.
The gateways to the Naguar fort are not really small. They are huge stone configurations with unbreakable doors to defend against the attack of elephants and even the field gun shots. More often than not, there are jagged parapets at the pinnacle of the gateways from where archers are able to shoot at their enemies.
Temples in Naguar Fort:
Naguar Fort also has 2 temples. One is the Krishna Mandir and other one is the Ganesh temple. The decors of Krishna temple is adorned with portraits from archaic images of buffaloes and cows (as Lord Krishna was a cowherd). Gorgeous wall paintings of Lord Krishna along with delightful Gopikas are also there. The Ganesh Mandir possesses a brick-red front elevation. The inner chamber dwells a marble figurine of Ganesh.
Shah Jahani Mosque:
The Naguar Fort has the Shah Jahani Mosque, constructed by the Mughal King Shah Jahan when the city of Nagaur was under the control of Mughal Kingdom.
Aga Khan Award:
This 12th century Nagaur Fort, which has been under the major architectural maintenance of the private domain has been shortlisted in the contender list for the “Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2013”. This award is bestowed in credit of architectural superiority in the area of historic safeguarding, reprocess, area maintenance, and landscape design and enhancement of the surroundings.