Forts in Rajasthan - Walls to Rajputana Dynasty
Rajasthan is the land of forts. Almost every hill has a fortification on its summit. Some stand on the banks of a river or occupy a kindred site. Most of them perch on the top of a precipitous hill of great height. Their close proximity consolidated the defences of the region and threw an unsurpassable barrier in the way of the enemy.
Concept of Fortification and Stretch in Rajasthan
Many of these forts stand in a delapidated condition today mourning over their lost grandeur but a large number are so well preserved as to retain their medieval defences practically intact. This concept of fortification originates from man’s sense of security. It was this sense of protection which was instrumental in giving rise to the system of fortification.
A large number of forts were built on the far stretched Arawali ranges. In the central and eastern hilly ranges there is an unbreakable double line of forts; in the western part stand the forts of chittor, Mandalgarh, Jahajpur and Bundi while in the eastern part of those Rampura, Rath, Kheri, Tamangarh, Bhansrodgarh, Kota, Indegard, Ranthambhor, Utgir and Bayana etc.
Architectural Designs
Generally a high wall defended by precipies was selected and the side that offered any facility of ascent was cut in to form a steep sinuous path. Many powerful gates were thrown across this path. The curtain walls were protected by wide and deep moats being crossed at the gates by bridges. The battlements had generally two tiers of loopholes and were of great thickness.
Major Forts in Rajasthan
If you start counting the number, there are more than 1000 forts, though there are always some of the mighty and the popular ones. Chittorgarh Fort, Amber Fort, Nahargarh, Jaigarh, Kumbalgarh Fort, Ranthambhor Fort, Jalore Fort, Bala Fort of Alwar, Taragarh Fort of Ajmer, Bundi Fort, Meherangarh Fort, Achalgarh Fort of Abu, Mandalgarh Fort of Mewar, Fort of Bayana, Fort of Timangarh, Khandar and Shergarh of Hadhoti, Junagarh of Bikaner, Lohagarh of Bharatpur, Sonar Fort of Jaisalmer, Chomu Fort of Jaipur, Gagron Fort and Bhaisrodgarh Fort are the ones that forms the top of the list.
I would be writing a post on all of these forts and may be some of the others not known but unique in their architectural beauty and history. This series of forts is presented for all my traveler friends so that they get enlightened about the very and mighty walls to Kingdom of the Rajputana dynasty.
