Archive for September 12, 2008
The Fort of Bayana - Bharatpur Fort
The famous fort of Bayana, was built by Maharaja Vijaypal of Yadava clan in 1040 A.D. The antiquity of Bayana goes back to the Gupta period , a tower of victory raised, during the reign of Samudra Gupta lends support to this view.
Location and Geography
Bayana is surrounded by rocky Mountains of moderate eminence, It is enveloped by thickly laid forest which provide ample opportunity of defense. The foundation of the fort is laid on Mani hill in such an inaccessible tract. The outer wall of the fort encircles a vast space and is built strongly with pierced battlements. Passing over the chaotic mass of rocky land, this zigzag way reaches near the main gate where a cluster of towers of various size makes a defense very solid. The opposite of the main gate is guarded by a white semicircular tower. The towers on both sides are very solid and of abnormal breath.
The inner portion of the fort has residential palaces, barracks and temples built in usual style. The second line of defense starts from the main gate and has an upward slant encircling the inner portion of the fort, which rises nearly 500 feet from the plain below.
Attractions and Monuments of Bharatpur Fort
The victory tower erected during the reign of samudra gupta is the first victory tower in rajasthan. Bhimla is another grand eight storeyed tower in the fort.It is a fine specimen of ancient Hindu architecture. The temple of Usha seem to be a curious blending of Jain and Hindu style of architecture.
Lodhi Minar in close vicinity of Usha temple is another monument of importence. Sarai Sadulla, is also of much importance, Akbar’s cenotaph and Jahangir’s gateway, the gateway of islamshah Sur near Bayana, Jhajhari near the tank in the fort all are fine specimens of Mugal architecture. This fort is now in the Bharatpur district and is in a dilapidated condition.
