Archive for September 25, 2008
The Fort of Ajmer - Taragarh Fort
The Fort of Ajmer - Taragarh Fort
The massive Taragarh Fort of Ajmer, one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan, was constructed by Raja Ajaipal Chauhan.
Location and Geography
The fort is situated on the crest of a hill 2855 feet above the sea level and 1300 feet from the plain. It is also known as the Garh Beetali and spread over 32 hectares with about 32 tanks.
The curtain wall encloses avast space. The embattled parapet built of huge stone blocks is 20 feet thick at the base. Round towers are built at every declivity in the hill sides. Its principal strength lies in ruggedness and acclivity of the hill upon which it is situated. Passing through a rugged land full of hills of small eminence, a narrow tress over both sides of the narrow rocky ascent present a lovely sight.
Attractions and Monuments of Taragarh Fort
The massive fort surrounded by a thick stone wall has six gates with the main gate named ‘Laxmi gate’ surmounted with exquisitely carved stone elephant. The second gate known as ‘Phuta Darwaja’ is as strong and solid as main gate. The second line of defense starts with the embattled parapet on both sides of this gate. Other gates named ‘Bhawani Pol’, ‘Hathi Pol’, ‘Arkat ka Darwaja’ are thrown across the ascent.
Many bastions have been raised in the crenelated rampart wall called Ghenga Darwaja, Gugandi, Nakarchi ka burj, Bandra Burj, Imali ka burj and Fateh Burj etc. Here is situated the holy Dargah of a great martyr and saint Hazrat Meeran Sahib Khing Sawar. The magnificent fort is known for its water harvesting system with several massive stone reservoirs that were used for water storage.
The Taragarh fort has a special place in the history of Ajmer as it was an important military hub during the Mughal reign in the region. This grand fort served as a sanatorium during the British domination in this region.
The fort was the key to Rajputana and for this very reason was attacked many a times. From Roshan Ali, Sahabuddin Gauri to Bahadur Shah and Sher Shah, several armies invaded the fort. The fort was convereted to sanitorium for European troops during the British Raj.
We complete our post on Taragarh fort here and promise to come back as usual !!
