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The Fort of Chomuhagarh, Rajasthan

Sep 22

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The Fort of Chomuhagarh - Solid Gates

The Fort of Chomuhagarh - Solid Gates

Location and Geography

The fort of Chomuhagarh is situated 21 miles from Jaipur in the north west and perhaps stands next only to Bharatpur fort on account of abnormal depth and breadth of the ditches which surround it from four sides. The fort also known by the name of Dharadhargarh holds unique position in Rajasthan among the ground forts. All precautions had been taken by the builder in erecting this fort at Chomu.

The present site of the fort was selected by Baba Venidas, a brahmin in the service of the father of Karan Singh, the Rao of Chomu. Accordingly in 1595 A.D., Rao Karan Singh of Nathawat clan who ruled over Hadota started the building of the fort, which took two years to complete.

Architecture and Attractions of Chomuhagarh

Rao Karan Singh had only built female apartment protected by the rampart wall between two corner bastions of the fort side. The bunch of the trees still survives growing over the rampart walls and revives the memory of the builder of the fort. The trees of Kair and Kheri covered it from the view and due to its erection at a strategically important site, cannon balls passed over the fort without harming the structure.

The rampart walls of the fort are very massive with slight forward projection at the top having bastions at each end. A vast solid ditch surrounds the rampart wall, the width of which being 80 feet. In olden times the ditch remained full of water. In the northern side of the spacious enclosure stands a temple erected by the Kamadars of Nathavatas in 1756 A.D.

The construction of the rampart wall at the top resembles the leaf of the lotus having embrasures and holes in it. Every leaf has such five loopholes through which discharge of bullets and arrows landed on the onrushing armies.

The entire town is situated bounded by the circumvallation which closely resembles the rampart wall, which has a slight curvature at every gate providing safeguard for the gate and concealing it from the fort. The entire wall stands intact pierced by four huge gates, Baori, Pijala, Holi and Rawan.

The fort has two moderately built gates, the first Dhruvapol, facing the west was erected by Krishna singh. The other gate through which the inner portion is reached, is known by Ganeshpol, and was erected by Rao Raghunath Singh. Krishna Niwas, Ratan Niwas, are prominent among a cluster of places which all represent Indo-Muslim style of architecture.

Some walls have been dug in the moat and water is drawn up by an indigenous system. From this portion the water is again lifted up by a huge rope working on a pulley. The wells being in the bed of the ditch receive ample supply through parcolation, even in the dry weather.

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The Fort of Kota

Sep 20

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Kota Fort, Rajasthan

Kota Fort, Rajasthan

About Kota City

Kota, situated on the eastern bank of the Chambal at a distance of 120 miles from Ajmer stands enclosed by a massive wall on the southern extremity of which the fort lies on a moderate eminence. The city of Kota is surrounded by huge rampart wall of unusual height, sixty to seventy feet on three sides. Chambal, the boon of Rajasthan which flows western side forms a natural unsurpassable moat to the fort as well as to the city.

Geography and Architecture of Kota Fort

The fort is situated on the southern extremity of the rampart walls on the land of moderate eminence, was built by Madhosingh in 1631 A.D. These massive and vast embattled wall of Kota Fort stands pierced with six gates among which Surajpol , Kishorpur, Palanpol, Kaithunipol are very imposing.

The main gate in the castle is built in the usual style and flanked by projecting balconies. The bastions to the southern side are massive, huge and vast while those erected to the north are marked by their rather slender form and upward height. These were erected in this particular way to afford special protection againest the enemy attack .

A circle of these bastions is formed here and it gives this portion the shape of a fort within fort.The space between the series of towers stands duly protected by the embattled wall crowning the palaces. Some towers connected with the ramparts are also thrown along the way of the fort.

Attractions of Kota Fort

The Kota Fort is known for its Durbar Hall which has beautiful paintings and mirror work and has doors of ebony and ivory. There are exquisite miniature paintings housed within the Durbar Hall. The Maharajas of Kota later abandoned the fort and build various palaces.

The palaces of kota situated within the four walls of the Castle stands as an admirable mixture of Indo-Muslim style of architecture. The small turrents, cupolas and minarets, slightly projecting eaves, balconies, canopy like roofs of the palaces, all put together present a charming picture over looking the purple water of the fast flowing turbulent Chambal below.

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The Fort of Jhalawar- Gagron Fort

Sep 19

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The Fort of Jhalawar - Gagron Fort

The Fort of Jhalawar - Gagron Fort

The Gagron fort stands majestically on the crest of a hill at the confluence of the Kalisind and the Ahurivers. The former surrounding it from three sides provides an unsurpassable barrier.

Location and Architecture

The valley near Gagron is full three miles wide, the soil fertile and the scenery highly picturesque. The forest of each side echoed with screams of the peacocks, the calls of partridge, and the note of jungle cock who was crowing his motives as the sun gladdened hi retreat.

The fort of Gagron situated among such natural environs is regarded as one of the most important forts of Rajasthan. The fort was constructed by the Dod Rajputs in whose possession it remained up to the 12th century, A.D. The fort is also called Dodgarh after its founder.

The pecularity of the fort is its natural defence consisting of mountainous ranges covered with forests through which gushes out the on-rushing water of the rivers. It present a bold and striking object.

The parrots of Gagron are famous allover Rajasthan. The Mosque of Mithashah built in hindu style of architecture contains an inscription in persian. The inscription pertains to the Rao of Bikaner who was the Mughal Governor of the fort. Another inscription denotes the construction of a cenotaph by Main Ishan.

The icons of Durga, Ganesha and Shiva are erected in a temple built in the ancient style. This fort has been a central place place of activity and it’s solidity of natural defenses baffled the Zeal of the invader.

According to Tod, a traveler, “Independent of ancient association, there is a wild grandeur about Gagron, which makes it well worthy of visit and the views from the north side must be still finer than from ather point.” The turbulent kalisind forces its passage from the rocky mountains and dains forest to the valley of great depth below and presents a very beautiful sight.

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The Fort of Bharatpur- Lohagarh Fort

Sep 17

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Lohagarh - Bharatpur Fort

Lohagarh - Bharatpur Fort

Bharatpur, the city is famous for its historical fort. Suraj Mal, Badan Singh’s Son, and perhaps the greatest ruler of this area, started work on the Bharatpur fort in 1732 A.D. This fort known as Lohagarh or the Iron Fort, took sixty years to build and is still the focal point of the town.

Architecture and Geography

Two huge mud walls one round the other intervened by formidable moat, 150 to 200 feet broad and 50 feet deep surrounds the fort. These moats were filled with water of the Sujan Ganga Nahar, which received supplies from the Kohini Bundh nearby. The marvel lies in the planning of this fort that made it invincible.

The fort has eight bastions and towers and two gates – one in the north is called Ashtadhati and the other to the south is called Lohia gate.

Attractions and Monuments in Lohagarh Fort

There are several places of attraction in the fort, the most prominent being Mahal Khas, Kothi Khas and Kishori Mahal. The museum in the fort contains inscriptions and other exhibits of historical importance. The durbar khas, Silah Khana, the temples of Bihariji and Mohanji are other places of interest.

The impregnability of the fort lies in its mud walls and deep ditches which are far from being fordable. The ditches with its abnormal depth and breadth take the form of rivers.

A bridge built on several gateways leads to the main entrance to the fort. The main gate of the fort is imposing and noted for its solidity. Huge massive round towers of nearly 60 to 80 feet in height stand on both side of the gate connected by a portal. The top of the towers and gate is crowned with parapet with embrasures.

Your trip to Bharatpur would be termed incomplete without a visit to the bird paradise or the Keoladeo Ghana National Park. The recommended tourist season for Bharatpur is mainly between October and March when the birds from Northern Hemisphere fly to India to avoid winter sufferings.

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The Fort of Ranthambore

Sep 16

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The fort of Ranthambore is perhaps the greatest stronghold of Rajasthan. It has an unrivaled historical past full of thrilling deeds of bravery and sacrifice.

Location and Architecture

The fort is situated on an isolated rock 1578 feet above the sea level. The rocky terrain around Ranthambore is full of dense forests. The historic fort is 12.8 km from Sawai Madhopur which is 360 km from Delhi and 132 km from Jaipur. The hill on which the fort stands is one of the highest and rises principally by sheer precipices all around which in themselves constitute sufficient defence.

Attractions of Ranthambore Fort

The curtain walls and the gates are built of dressed stones, coursed but roughly bonded. The main gate of the fort called ‘Bada Darwaja’ is a massive tall structure with projected balconies and is particularly formidable. A stairway rises from the ground level to this gate which is flanked on which sides by huge bastions.

The embattled rampart walls were unusually thick made of stone blocks. Bhairava, Dhikuli and Markati yantras were set on the fort-walls to shower big stones on the besiegers.

There were five big deep tanks in the fort which were kept ready full of water. The fort is approachable through a narrow and sinuous path and is not visible until the end of valley is reached through a series of gateways.

The Ranthambore Fort

The Ranthambore Fort

Scattered about within the fort are temples, shrines, tombs, walled enclosures and court yards, notable among these are the Ganesh Temple, Laxminarayan temple, Brahma and Raghunath temple and the Jain temple.

There are two large sized rooms known as ‘Johara-Bohra’ which were used to store grain. The mausoleum of Pirsadruddin is built on the bank of Ranihar tank. Hamir Mahal, Supari mahal and Badal mahal stands in a dilapidated condition. On the eastern side there is a stream of water named ‘Gupta Ganga’ which flows under ground.

Three huge cenotaphs stands in the front each resting on thirty two red stone pillars. Five big tanks and and several fountains make abundance of water here.

Traditions are eloquent in describing many interesting anecdotes regarding the fort. Dancers sing songs of its glory on ceremonious occasions. It is described as ‘Ranat-Bhanwar’.

Ranthambore is considred the wildlife gateway of Rajasthan, the National Park is the place where you will find the wild animals experiencing their natural habitat. If you wish to find more on Ranthambore National Park, do visit this site. You will find a lot of information about Ranthambore, tourist places, accommodation and other information on Ranthambore.

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The Fort of Nagaur

Sep 15

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The Naguar Fort

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.

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The Fort of Bayana – Bharatpur Fort

Sep 12

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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.

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The Fort of Taragarh – Bundi Fort

Sep 11

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Night View - Fort of Taragarh , Bundi

Night View - Fort of Taragarh , Bundi

Taragarh Fort, the famous stronghold of the Hada Rajputs is situated in bundi.

Location

The Arawali mountain ranges divide Bundi in two parts, one of its highest peak lies at Satur which rises 1795 feet above the sea level. The Taragarh fort is nestled on another peak 1726 feet high passing through the outskirts of the city. The fort which is one of the strong forts of rajasthan, was built by Rao Narsinath in 1354 A.D.

Perched on the peak of rocky terrains and interspersed with deep forests the fort encloses moderate space within its four walls.  Passing over the chaotic rocky masses the strong embattled rampart will high and solid supported by huge bastions at intervals, encloses the multitude within the fort.  From the height of the walls the enchanting underlying area presents an unique picture.

Attractions and Monuments in Taragarh Fort

Through the deep foliage, rising above the battlement of Taragarh, the famous four colonnaded cenotaph of Dahaya bhai catches the eye. Inside the fort you will see huge water reservoirs, built of solid rocks.  It is believed that these reservoirs were constructed for water storage and to supply water to the needy during time of crisis.  It is also said that if these reservoirs were released in full force, the water had the capacity to wash away the people residing beneath.

Bhim Burj is another attraction of the Taragarh Fort.  A massive stone tower which houses the second largest canon of mediaeval India, named Garbha Gunjan.

The city at the foot of the fort is surrounded by circumvallation pierced by four gates named Palanpol, Bhairon Gate,  Chogan Gate,  Sakul Baroi Gate. The attractive stately palaces of Bundi are situated crowning an eminent place on one side of the city. Below the City Palace , a statue of an elephant and horse stand in commemoration of the elephant Shiv Prasad bestowed as a gift on Chhatrasal by the emperor Shahjahan.

The Rangbilas garden and the Art Gallery containing beautiful wall paintings are other attractions of the palaces. The Badal Mahal and the Anirudh Mahal are other fine pieces of architecture. Poolsagar, Nawal sagar and the Hardoli lying far and near the city add greatly to the charm of bundi.

There are lot of other attractions that lies inside this fort of Bundi. The night view depicted by the picture itself presents a very enlightning view. Finally, I would like to mention that tommorrow we will be writing something different than our forts series on Rajasthan. What will it be? Dont guess, visit and find out yourself!!

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The Fort of Bhilwara – Mandalgarh Fort

Sep 10

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The Fort of Bhilwara - Mandalgarh Fort

The Fort of Bhilwara - Mandalgarh Fort

The fort of mandalgarh lies six miles north of bhilwara and crowns a rocky hill which rises 1850 feet above the surrounding land. The fort was built by the Chouhan kings of Ajmer in the 13th century.

The fort is not so formidable but its chief strength lies in barren rocky terrain all around. The small hill of bijassana in the north of the fort in close vicinity detracts from its solidity. The neighbored of this fort is full of disordered heaps of gigantic rocks. The circumference of the massive wall which encircles the crest of the mountain is nearly half a mile.

Fort Attractions and Monuments

Parapets with embrasures and towers in semicircle leaving opening at intervals for canon shots are built at various angles of its fortification. The Sagar and Sagari tanks in the fort are permanent storage of water together with Jasesar tank. On the west side of the fort stands the governor’s residence, palaces of Rathore Ramsingh and Cenotaph of Chanana Gujar. These are pieces of simple execution built according to tents of hindu architecture.

The jain temple erected in Jain style of construction and embellishment , is also an important place of the fort for visitors. There is a cenotaph of Kachhawaha chief, one of the famous Mughal Generals. This is a grand cenotaph the solid roof of which rests on the 32 big pillers.

There is a record of numerous invasions and heroic resistance. No fort can lay claim to eternal invincibility and Mandalgarh is no exception to this rule. During the turbulent times of medieval period, Ranawats, Karnawats established their righs on the land adjoining Mandalgarh. These details throw some light on the system of defence of a fort during the medival periods.

To be truthful, I have never been to Bhilwara or the Mandalgarh Fort but while collating info for this article, I got so engaged that I am soon planning a trip to Mandalgarh. Do comment me on the blog if you interested in accompanying me, I will definitely be a great guide after this blog. This is it for today, will post in some great article again tommorrow, so keep yourself updated.

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The Fort of Amber – Jaipur Fort

Sep 9

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The Amber Fort - Fort of Jaipur

The Amber Fort - Fort of Jaipur

Amber derives its name from Ambikashwar, a title of shiva or from Ambarisha. The oldest inscription found here dates back from 954 A.D. The place was once under the hold of the Mina tribe from whom it was wrested by the Kachhawaha Rajputs in the 11th century.

Location and Architecture

Amber fort is surrounded by chaotic masses of hills of various heights. The adjoining hilly terrain is full of forest and provides ample opportunity of defense. The ascent to the fort leads to the first gate thrown across this way.

After crossing the second gate the way is bifurcated, one leading upward on the right side with a slight ascent. The other goes direct to the small fortified castle called Jaigarh. At some distance from the bifurcation of the path , there stands a gate through which the ascending path leads to jaigarh.

Attractions and Places of Interest

On one bastion of this fort called ‘Deewa Burj’ a high tower stands which was previously used as search light house, indicating location of the Fort.

The Entrance to the great courtyard on the lower terrace of the palace is through an imposing archway. Both sides are covered with the bases of Palaces and barracks. The royal Palace on the left extremity of the enclosure is approached by a long flight of steps through a double gate-way, called Singh Pol, which opens in to Court of Diwan-i-Am. The kali temple is situated behind this pol. The silver plate studded doors of the temple built of white marble is an admirable piece of great beauty.

The Diwan-I-Am, Hall of Audience constructed by Mirza Raja Jaisingh is open from three sides. It has a double line of grey marble and sand stone pillers supporting a vaulted roof. The pillers with its exquisite carving of elephant and fresco paintings are said to have kindled jealousy of Jahangir and ultimately the painting was covered with plaster. The system of inter-columninations of this hall containing 48 columns is a fine admixture of indo-Muslim architecture.

The Ganesh pol built by Mirza RAja Jaisingh in 1639 A.D. is covered with paintings in tempera and covered with mosaics and temper. The royal apartment is decorated with paintings on colored glass pieces.

The Jai Mander, Sheesh Mahal and Jas Mandir have exquisite and delicate decorations in mosaics and marbles alabaster panels inlaid with decorative motifs and have in-lay work of glass. Sohag Mandir has marble screen while Sukh Mandir has doors inlaid with ivory and sandal-wood. The palaces of Raja Man are a fine specimens of ancient system of constructing the building, its walls glancing with bright and subdued colors.

Near the Fort, there lies a group of temples among which the Jagat Siromani temple is noted for its exquisite carving and architecture. A museum, garden and Maota Lake below the fort are other pieces of interest at Amber Fort.

One thing you would definitely notice about Amber Fort is the elephant ride up the fort which is considered the major tourist attraction. Also the elephant festival in the month of march is held at the fort and near by locations which is another great time to visit this fort.

This fort is famous all around the world and to be frank I have been there almost 15 times or more. The main reason behind that is, everytime someone comes from outside, I have to take him to fort and that is why I have a lot of idea about history. Thats it for now, we would continue with our series, so keep yourself updated.

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