The Fort of Alwar - Bala Quila

The Fort of Alwar - Bala Quila

Bala Quilia or Alwar fort stands atop hill which is situated in enchanting atmosphere of the Arawalis.

Location and Architecture

The adjoining areas are full of dense forest growth and provides a great view of the city from its watch towers. This fort is said to have been constructed by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1492 A.D after passing several hands.

The fort extends 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west. It is 595 mtrs above see level and 304 mtrs above the city.  The circumference of the fort spreads in 7 miles.

It has 15 large and 51 small towers with 446 loopholes for musketry.  Stupendous towers have been raised at various points in the rampart. The Kabul burj is really imposing the Nogaja and the Hawa Bangla burj also attract attention.  The fort can be entered from six gates namely Jai Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, kishan Pol, Andheri Pol, Suralj Pol.

Attractions of Bala Quila

There are many things of interest in the fort, the Nikumbh palaces being the fine specimens of the Hindu architecture. These old palaces are simple, unadorned and stupendous. Salim Sagar built by Chandakaji is one of the attractions, another one is Surajmahal whose bowshaped roofs and elegant balconies represents the amalgamation of Indo-Muslim art.

The Sitaram Temple built in 1932 is a fine structure. The middle portions of Cenotaph in the fort is constructed with white marble interspersed with black marble pieces. The base and small corner built in red stone gives a magnificent look. There is a lot of history, attacks and rulers involved with Bala Quila and the details would require volumes of text books.

I would end my post about this fort here and would come back tomorrow with another of the gigantic walls. So just keep coming in here to know more and more about our state Rajasthan.