Archive for September 15, 2008
The Fort of Nagaur
The Naguar Fort
The fort of Nagaur is one of the greatest ground forts of Rajasthan. In view of its solidity, massiveness of construction and rich historical associations, perhaps it is unrivaled in Rajasthan among the ground forts. The fort was constructed in 1154 A.D by Sardars of Someshwar, the father of great Chohan ruler Prithviraj III.
Location and Architecture
Unlike other great strongholds which crown the crest of hills, the fort of Nagaur is a ground fort built on a eminent place in Nagaur. Two huge octagonal towers with the pierced battlements have been joined by an arch below which a gateway is built. The upper portion of the arch has a roof ling with three balconies. The height of the doors is such as to admin an elephant with its riders, again there is cenotaph like construction on the roof of this door also. A staircase running across the wall in front the door leads to the upper chamber built over the door.
The first rampart starts from the towers of the main gate, massive, huge and high it covers an area of 5000 feet and is distributed in 28 bastions of unusual height. The inner fortification is again strengthened by throwing third gate through the ascent. Here again nearly 40 feet high rampart wall spreads on both sides giving the inner portion a shape of the fort within fort.
Attractions of Nagaur Fort
The main attraction of the fort is the beautiful fountain which stands in the middle of a spacious ground with no less than seventeen sub- heads. There is a spacious meeting hall, which has beautiful floral paintings all around. On the left of this, is a place of several columns and a room with beautiful glass inlay work and paintings.
On the right side, the inner compartment called ‘Ranwas’ which is approached by a flight of steps. Small water tanks interconnected by short channels are object of admiration and thus provides a good example of means of luxury invented by the ingenunity of that age. A Mosque all in decay and a temple of kalka at the back portion are the main places of worship in the fort.
