Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort

Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort

 

Location, Monuments and Architectural Beauty in Fort

The fort and city of Jodhpur were founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. This fort is situated on the rocky eminence 400 ft above the city and dominating the surrounding underlying plains. The crest of the hill is crowned with piereced battlements for safe-guarding the fort. Numerous round and square towers and strong walls encircle the edge of the encompassing a space of nearly 4 miles.

Seven barriers are thrown across the ascent which is circutious like the other hill forts. The doors are heavily built having an immense mortal. The Lohapol which is the last gate bears palm marks of some ladies indicating their practising sati on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

There are two small lakes under the walls, Rani Talab and Gulabsagar from the garrison draws water. The buildings and palaces colores in red stone are real fine specimens of civil architecture and showcases the passion of the rules towards architectural designs. The palaces are an excellent models of diversified architecutre and are decorated with finely executed panels, latticed window of delicate design and pierced screens of red stones.

Several huge and extra ordinary length cannons named Kalka, Bhawani and Kilkila lay on the crest of the hill facing the city. In the extremity of this portion a temple of goddess Chamunda Kul Devi is situtated. Jaswant Thara built of white marble near the fort is a fine piece of Indo-Muslim architecture.

History and Invasions of Fort

The fort since its construction has been subjected to enemy attacks from time to time. The mughals and the Marhattas were the chief invaders and at intervals the mutual jealousies brought Jaipur, Bikaner and Udaipur rulers. There were numerous other attacks and attackers involved with fort history and writing in detail would not be of so much interest.

Misc Information about the Fort

The main palaces in the fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. A museum also finds a place inside the fort, displaying a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, etc.

There are many details about this giant fort which needs elaborate articles encompassing volumes. Tommorrow I would be posting about the very famous “Ramdevra Fair” where people are flocking in numbers. The fair is said to be attracting more than 2 million rural and urban crowd and is of great importance from Rajasthan perspective.