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The Fort of Hanumangarh – Bhatner Fort

Sep 30

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

The fort of bhatner is situated at a distance of 144 miles in north- east of Bikaner on the northern extremity of Rajasthan. Traditions ascribe the laying of foundation of this fort by Changej Khan, but it is probable that Sardar Jajaluddin have built this fort. The area surrounding the fort which now forms an integral part of the Ganganagar District was an independent colony under the name of Bhattinagar.

This fort was regarded as one of the most important strongholds of the country. The fort had attained great historical celebrity from its position, being in the route of invasion from the central Asia to India. During the medieval time this great fort provided surest means of defense and proved as a strong bulwark against enemy attack.

Geography of Hanumangarh Fort

The massive and solid ramparts of the fort encloses an area of 52 bighs of land having gorgeous bastions at intervals.  Standing on moderate elevation the fort has rounded bastions in the embattled rampart walls and many imposing gates. The fort had ample storage of water collected in the 52 kunds within its four walls. This supply of rainy water lasted for complete one year for a large garrison.

Attractions and Monuments of Hanumangarh Fort

On gate of the fort belongs to the early period and looks very old. The other lofty gate was erected by Rao Manohar Kachhawa under orders of the Mughal ruler. The elegantly designed minarets of old times was replaced during renovation. The Jain ‘pasara’ is a building of old time in the fort. Three statues standing inside the fort also lay claim to antiquity each bearing an inscription.

The fort was famous in whole of country on account of its invincibility.  Varios clans such as Bhatti, Sohias, Chayab, Rathore possession over this fort which was regarded as the key to the desert land lying south of it, and the whole of northen Rajasthan. The heap of two great columns built of backed mud together with the life size statues are still visible in the fort. The mosque of Sherkhan, the Governer of the fort and nephew of Balvan also forms a part of numerous old structure in the fort.

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The Fort of Fatehpur

Sep 29

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

The fort of Fatehpur was a great stronghold of the Kayam Khanis who were originally the Chohans of Dadrewa. The fort was founded by Fatan Khan in 1451 A.D.

Geography of Fatehpur Fort

The site of the fort is surrounded by thick growth of trees. High sand dunes enveloped this place from all sides leaving no spacious passage through them. Thus protected by forest and sand dunes the fort was regarded as one of the most defensible fort of the desert area. The fort encloses a space of nearly 7000 feet in length and half of it in breadth.

A massive and gorgeous rampart wall with battlements encircles the fort having huge bastions at each corner. The thickness of the rampart wall is from 15 to 25 feet and the height nearly 20 to 50 feet. A solid deep ditch protected the fort from four sides leaving a gap of 20 feet between itself and rampart wall.

Attractions and Monuments in Fatehpur Fort

The first gate facing the south is of moderate size built in the usual way. Rampart wall spreads from this gate on two sides in a semi – circle. The other gate more massive and bigger facing the east.Through this gate the spacious enclosure of the palaces are erected. Towering over the rampart wall stands the famous palace of Telin. This palace is a beautiful piece of fusion of indo- Muslim art.

The Telin’s palace with its elagently carved projected balconies and short columns stands a monument to the earthy passion which devour the high and the low alike. At some distance from palace, the inner apartment for ladies are erected.

These structures are marked for their simplicity of design and exquisiteness of exudation. Projected  balconies in the side wall of palaces are still intact below which on the supporting stones floral designs are carved. The palaces are seemingly built of Khatu’s yellow stone that was regarded ideal for carving.

Some buildings lay buried in a half ruined condition. A modern looking small palace which stands in lose vicinity to the palaces was erected by the Rajpoots when they took possession of the fort.

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The Fort of Jaipur – Nahargarh Fort

Sep 8

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

The Fort of Jaipur - Nahargarh Fort

The Fort of Jaipur - Nahargarh Fort

Jaipur is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills which are crowned with forts and fortification strengthening the defense of city.

The grand and imposing fort of Nahargarh stands perching a precipitous hill to the north west of the city. It was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh in1734 A.D to provide a line of defense against enemy attack.

Location and Architecture

The eminence of the hill on which Nahargarh is situated is by no means small. This fort crowns the highest surrounding peak which commands a panoramic view of the city. The density of the forest which is an unfailing accompaniment of mountainous region is conspicuous by absence here.

A Jeepable circuitous ascent leads to the fort. It takes half an hour to reach the first gate. The pierced battlements and towers, add to the solidity and defense accompanying by a 10 feet broad wall walk along the walls. Trees of various kinds provide a pleasant relief from the drabness of the rocks and sooth the eye with its all pervading greenness.

On entering ,the main portion of the forts starts on the right side one narrow way presumably built for carrying guns to the rampart leads to bastions of this side. Below the high embattled rampart lies the depth of the terrain engulfed with the density of the forest and presents a charming view.

Attractions and Places of Interest

Sudarshan temple , Silahkhana and barracks for soldiers and a tank have been constructed here. Slightly descending from here a stone pavement leads to the palaces of the fort. The peculiarity of the nine palaces named Suraj Prakash, Khushal Prakash, Jawahar Prakash , Lalit Prakash , Laxmi Prakash , Anand Prakash , Chand Prakash , Ratan Prakash , and Vasant Prakash  lies in their uniformity, and sublimity of construction.These palaces are connected with one another through a narrow passage on the upper side.

The hawa mandir , drawing room of Madhosingh , the place of armory are other places of interest. The fort was held mysterios and had numerous talks to its credit. the treasure of the rulers was kept here and even the highest official of the state was not allowed to go to the dort without being blind – folded.

There is a famous tank kept on the top of the Nahargarh which is said to be of the famous south Indian ruler Tipu Sultan. There is also a small art and historic gallery which exhibits the swords, clothes and other accessories of the kingdom reign. Jaipur’s Nahargarh Fort is counted as one of the major tourist attractions of the Pink City.

This is all we have for Nahargarh, though there is a secret I personally wish to share. I visited Nahargarh around 3 months back, and just around the bushes, I had a glimse of a leopard. Do you think, I am joking, you can ask the hundreds of villagers who stay besides and how they are terrified because of these beasts.

As usual, I again promise to return tommorrow with something that enlightens you about my state – the desert state of rajasthan.

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The Fort of Jodhpur – Meherangarh Fort

Sep 3

Posted by iloverajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort

Jodhpur Meherangarh Fort

 

Location, Monuments and Architectural Beauty in Fort

The fort and city of Jodhpur were founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD. This fort is situated on the rocky eminence 400 ft above the city and dominating the surrounding underlying plains. The crest of the hill is crowned with piereced battlements for safe-guarding the fort. Numerous round and square towers and strong walls encircle the edge of the encompassing a space of nearly 4 miles.

Seven barriers are thrown across the ascent which is circutious like the other hill forts. The doors are heavily built having an immense mortal. The Lohapol which is the last gate bears palm marks of some ladies indicating their practising sati on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

There are two small lakes under the walls, Rani Talab and Gulabsagar from the garrison draws water. The buildings and palaces colores in red stone are real fine specimens of civil architecture and showcases the passion of the rules towards architectural designs. The palaces are an excellent models of diversified architecutre and are decorated with finely executed panels, latticed window of delicate design and pierced screens of red stones.

Several huge and extra ordinary length cannons named Kalka, Bhawani and Kilkila lay on the crest of the hill facing the city. In the extremity of this portion a temple of goddess Chamunda Kul Devi is situtated. Jaswant Thara built of white marble near the fort is a fine piece of Indo-Muslim architecture.

History and Invasions of Fort

The fort since its construction has been subjected to enemy attacks from time to time. The mughals and the Marhattas were the chief invaders and at intervals the mutual jealousies brought Jaipur, Bikaner and Udaipur rulers. There were numerous other attacks and attackers involved with fort history and writing in detail would not be of so much interest.

Misc Information about the Fort

The main palaces in the fort are Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Takht Vilas and Jhanki Mahal. A museum also finds a place inside the fort, displaying a rich collection of old royal palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes, etc.

There are many details about this giant fort which needs elaborate articles encompassing volumes. Tommorrow I would be posting about the very famous “Ramdevra Fair” where people are flocking in numbers. The fair is said to be attracting more than 2 million rural and urban crowd and is of great importance from Rajasthan perspective.

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