The Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur was built by the Jat monarchs of Bharatpur. In line with the name, this fort stood sturdily facing countless British invasions and annoyed them as they could not conquer this brawny fort at all. The meaning of the word ‘Lohagarh’ is “fortification of iron” and the fort was according to what the name advocate- practically indisputable!! The Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur is secluded by profound moats on every side. There is a saying that the fort could drop only when a huge crocodile gulps down all the water of the moat. Jat rulers never trusted in carelessness. Hence, whilst several other frail forts were destructed easily, Lohargarh stood firm for eternity. This fort gave the entire Bharatpur town a complete protection. Lohagarh is a memorial never to be missed when you are on tour to Rajasthan. The fort stands as a living proof to the gallantry and bravery of the Jat sovereigns of Bharatpur.
The golden history of Lohargarh fort:
Positioned in the city of Bharatpur in Rajasthan, Lohagarh Fort was established in the first half of 18th century by King (Maharaja) Suraj Mal, the originator of Bharatpur. The past indicates that Maharaja Suraj Mal utilized all his influence and prosperity to raise an assortment of palaces and forts across his empire. The Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur, Rajasthan is one among them. Being one of the powerful forts ever established in India, Lohagarh endured repetitive invasions from the British forces that were led by ‘Lord Lake’ in the year 1805. In contrast to other forts in Rajasthan, Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur has no ostentation connected with its brilliant architecture. As an alternative, the fort produces an atmosphere of unquestionable power and glory. Maharaja Suraj Mal constructed 2 towers inside the battlements of the fort, one is the Jawahar Burj and the other one is the Fateh Burj. He built these forts to commemorate his triumphs over the British and Mughals.
Lohagarh Fort was bordered and secluded by profound moats. In fact, there is a fable linked with the moats. It is assumed that the gate of Lohagarh Fort formerly was the procession of the Chittorgarh fort, but was expeled by Sultan Alauddin Khilji of Delhi. During the last stages of 17th century, the gate was again brought back by the triumphant Jat military forces to Bharatpur from Delhi. The gate in the north side is known as “Ashtdhaatu (8 metalled)” gate whereas the other gate facing the south is known as “Chowburja (4-pillared)” gate.
Palaces and towers of Lohagarh Fort:
Lohagarh Fort in Bharatpur or the ‘Iron Fort’ is one of the premium architectural wonders in entire Rajasthan. The Ashtdhaatu doorway is ornamented with images of giant elephants. A number of charming monuments inside the Lohagarh Fort Bharatpur comprise Mahal Khas, Kishori Mahal, Kothi Khas and Moti Mahal. Lohagarh fort, one of the brawny forts in Rajasthan, was able to fruitfully prevent countless British invasions. Moti Mahal and towers such as Fateh Burj and Jawahar Burj were raised to honor the triumph over the Mughals and British defence forces. The Mahal Khas palace stands inside the Lohagarh as a stronghold in the walled conurbation of Bharatpur. The Kamra Palace that’s adjacent to the Badan Singh Palace was the area for storing all the arsenal and assets of the fort. The British realm laid blockade to the Lohagarh fort for about 4 times but had to hoist the blockade on all events.
State Archaeological Museum:
The durbar hall of the Badan Singh Palace and the Kamra Palace were rehabilitated into the State Archaeological Museum in the year 1944. The museum dwells a fascinating anthology of sculptural findings of eastern part of Rajasthan where a few pieces dates back to the 2nd century.
Ways of transportation to Lohagarh fort:
Sightseers who would like to admire the Lohagarh fort can travel through the local transport accessible from the main Jaipur or Agra road. Travelers can also benefit from the choice of reaching Bharatpur using rail transportation that leaves from New Delhi.