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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 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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The Fort of Jaisalmer – Sonar (Golden Fort)

Sep 6

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Jaisalmer Fort - Sonar, The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer Fort - Sonar, The Golden Fort

Jaisalmer, the desert city in north-western part of Rajasthan, is the capital of proud Bhati Rajpoots who maintain a glorious record of unsurpassed gallantry. The fort was erected in 1155 A.D. by Rawal Jaisal and was named after its founder.

Architecture and Location

The fort of the desert is erected on an almost insulated peak, 250 feet in height. A strong embattled wall runs round the summit of the hill. The height of the hill from see level is 959 feet. The base of the hill is surrounded by wall of massive solid stones upon which the hill projects and supports the rampart. This forms a double line of defense.

Attractions and Monuments of the Jaisalmer Fort

A serpentine narrow ascent leads to the fort along where four gates are thrown named Akhyapol, Surajpol, Ganeshpol and Hawapol. Crossing these gates one reaches a spacious enclosure within the fort. There are  splendid palaces Rana Mahal, Gaj Vilas, and Moti Mahal inside the fort, whose faces are relieved by balconies and cupolas with finely executed carvings and stone traceries.

The wall paintings of Radha and Lord Krishna depicted in various posturess are nicely executed pieces of art. The art of carving exhibited  on the front portion of palaces are also very impressive.

Several temples are situated within the fort, the most important being that of Tikamji and the Goddess Bhagawati which was erected in 1912-1913 A.D. In front of the palaces, the temples of Bhagawan Adinarayan and Sakti stand flanked by jain temples. These temples contain a fine piece of sculpture with mythological details and dancing figures. The pleasant style of construction attracts visitors from a great distance.

In the lower part of the fort near the city ramparts stands the tower of Badal Vilas built by Maharawa Barisal. This seven storeyed building is one among the great attraction of the fort. There are numerous towers with embrasures for discharging cannon shots. Amar Bazar Pol in the west and Gharsisar gatr in the east are prominent entrances to the city which is built of yellow stones.

Gharsisar tank three miles in length and one mile in breadth presents a charming view having a great portal on it’s western ghat. Amar Sagar and Moolraj Sagar surrounded by rich garden full of fruit trees are other things of attraction.

The fort of Jaisalmer looks very attractive due to the uniformity of construction, the level of crest being of non-varying eminence. The construction of 99 towers in a short circumference augments the defending capacity of the fort. The early morning rays dawn on the fort, casts a midas touch. As far as your eyes takes you, the yellow sand stone fort turns magical golden yellow lending the fort its name Sonar or the Golden Fort.

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The Fort of Jalore

Sep 5

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Fort of Jalore, Rajasthan 

 

Fort of Jalore, Rajasthan

 

The fort of Jalore has a proud, chequered historical past and beares a great name. It was one of the most famous strong holds of the Chouhans in the Western  Rajpootana between Gujrat and Rajasthan border. 

The eastern and southern part of the Jalore district is comprised of rocky terrain of the ‘Sunda’ hill which is covered with a dense forest.

Dharvarsha and Munja, the most powerful Parmar rulers who constructed the fort of Jalore in the later part of the 10th century. There is an inscription in Jalore fort at Shiva temple which give the date of dedication of the temple as samvat 1015 (958 A.D.) . It may safely be assumed that the dedication wither marked the completion or construction of the fort.

Location and Area Covered by the Fort

The famous Jalore fort crowns the crest of the Songiri hill with eminence of 2408 feet,  which spread as a great barrier on one side  of  the Jalore town. The top side of the hill is steep and narrow except at the site of the forty where a spacious space measuring 800 yards by 400 yards has been surrounded by high walls.

The fortress is approachable from one side only and have four stupendous gates. The peculiarity of the mode of construction of this gateway is noteworthy. A huge semi-circled wall nearly twenty feet high and 10 to 15 feet thick shields the gateway from without. This wall of barbican is particularly meant to prevent direct shelling of the gateway by the enemies.

Important Monuments in the fort

The fort has been constructed in the usual Hindu style. In the enclosure very big and spacious, stand the mosque of a malik shah, a Mohammadan saint. The mosque have been built by allauddin khilzi when he occupied the fort. This three-domed mosque contains many pillars slight and simple and encloses a space of moderate dimensions.

At some distance of the mosque stands two-storeyed Jain temple comprising of three inner portions. It belongs to the 17th century A.D. There are other four Jain Temples in the fort built from time to time.

A beautiful ‘Kund’ full of the brim with water is another attraction of the fort. Cannon pieces are lying scatteredin the fort lamenating over the lost grandeur. At places near rampart huge plateforms of mud covered with stones at the top are constructed for the gun positions.

There is a very famous couplet on the tongues of the people of the western rajasthan which contains a challenge thrown down to no less a  person than the mighty allauddin by the Songaras of Jalore.  The couplet roughly means, “Let the sky be torn as under, the earth turn upside down, let the iron armour be cut in to pieces, heads, body fighting alone, but Jalore still would not Surrender.”

This completes our brief on Jalore fort, we would be back tommorrow with another of the walled structure famous for their architecture and monuments. Keep coming back as Rajasthan is one place where kingdoms are older than centuries but customs of those dynasties are still followed in some parts.

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