Rajasthan Blog

All you need to know about Rajasthan

Posts Tagged rajasthan fort

The Fort of Nagaur

Sep 15

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Bayana – Bharatpur Fort

Sep 12

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Taragarh – Bundi Fort

Sep 11

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

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!!

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Bhilwara – Mandalgarh Fort

Sep 10

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | 3 Comments

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Amber – Jaipur Fort

Sep 9

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Jalore

Sep 5

Posted by mystaterajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Kumbhalgarh – The Fort

Sep 1

Posted by iloverajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

Kumbhalgarh - The Fort in Rajasthan

Kumbhalgarh - The Fort in Rajasthan

Perched on 3568 feet lofty precipitous hill of the Arwallis, the fort of Kumbhalgarh shows its majestic form to the curious visitor from a distance of almost 8 miles or more. Surrounded by the lofty ranges with their summits sparkling in the sun and encircled by the dense fort on its chaotic masses of rocks, Kumbhalgarh is situated at a strategically important place on Mewar – Gujrat border over looking the plains below.

The hill on which this fort Kumbhalgarh stands is one of the highest in the range.  Its solid fortification, soaring height, intricacy of approach and rich growth of forest all around have added to the defences of the fort. Kumbhalgarh is situated 60 miles north of the famous city of lakes Udaipur.  The construction dates back to 1443 AD.

Architecture and Monuments

There are entry gates to the fort named as Aretpol, Hanumanpol, Vijaypol which are part of the first portion of the fort, the second portion fort gates are Bhaironpol, Nimboopol, Chauganpol, Pagarapol and the Ganeshpol. Entering the last gate, the visitors confront with the new palaces built on the ruins of the older palaces. There are numerous temples of varied design and forms inside the fort which definitely marks the breadth of the fort’s area.

Outside the fortess is a fine temple consisting of a square sanctuary with a vaulted dome and a colonade of elegant pillars all around. Narachhali reservoir, Topkhana, Nova choki are other places here which attract eyes. The Mamadeo temple was build by King Kumbha and the history of Mewar is inscribed on the black marble structure.

Maharan Kumbha was a great builder and a lover of art. He has built a large kund (reservoir) inside the fort. One day when he was praying on the edge of it, he was killed by his son Udaikaran. This fort is associated with extraordinary events of history. Its said that there are almost 70 forts in and around the fort . The fort which has been a silent witness to rise and fall of many kingdoms now stands desolate. Though tourists visit the place in numbers because of its historic importance and beautiful architectural designs.

The fort cant be described in words. The Fort and its walls stood so many wars that a visit to such a famous fort becomes must when a tourist visits Rajasthan. Kumbhalgarh with its known history and popular temple architecture is been described in as shortest account as possible. There is another in line to the forts which I will post tommorrow. So stay tuned as our series will be a thrilling experience of travel thorugh the walls and barriers of Rajputana dynasty.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh) – King of all Forts

Aug 31

Posted by iloverajasthan in rajasthan fort | 1 Comment

The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh)

The Fort of Chittor (Chittorgarh)

The fort of Chittor thrills one’s heart with the reminiscence of the heroic deeds. It is the embodiment of Rajput pride and valour of aspiration. It is here in the bosom of this strong hold of rajput glory that noble sentiments, spirit of self renunciation and feeling of preferring dealth to dishonour were nurtured.

Location and Architecture

Chittorgarh is situated at a distance of 631kms (392miles) from Delhi in the state of Rajasthan. This fort, perched on a precipitous rocky hill of 152 feet, was known to be constructed around 7th century by Chitrang Maurya. For eight hundred years this fort has been the capital of Mewar. The fort covers an area of 692 acres. A steep spiral road leads to the fort interrupted by seven fortified and massive gateways. The gates are named Padalpol, Bhairava pol, Hanuman pol, Ganesh pol, Lachhaman pol, Jodala pol and Ram pol.

History and Important Monuments in Fort of Chittor

The important monuments in the fort is the victory tower erected by Rana Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujrat in 1440 AD. He spent rupees 90 lacks in raising this token of victory. Sculptures of Hindu divinity cover the tower which are defaced by Muslim invaders.

The palace of Rana Kumbha is also a noteworthy monument. It bears a testimony to hindu civil architecture. The Chittor fort is the home to the famous Kali temple, one of the oldest temple and belongs to the 8th century AD. Another temple Kumbha Shyam is also a fine piece of architecture. Besides these temples, there are numerous tanks which are noteworthy.

Allaudin Khiji was, the emperor of Delhi was the first to get in the walls of the fort. The soul motive was possession of Padamani, the wife of Rana Ratan Singh.

This fort is a fine sanctury of treasured pieces of Hindu architecture in  both civil and military perspectives. The monuments in the fort are numerous and the details of which is matter of volumes. I suppose this is more than a brief on the most famous of the forts in rajasthan – the fort of chittor. I would be posting again tommorrow with another of a magnificient piece , the walls of Rajputana dynasty, I mean the forts.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Forts in Rajasthan – A Glimpse of Great Walls

Aug 29

Posted by iloverajasthan in rajasthan fort | No Comments

Forts in Rajasthan - Walls to Rajputana Dynasty

Forts in Rajasthan - Walls to Rajputana Dynasty

Rajasthan is the land of forts. Almost every hill has a fortification on its summit. Some stand on the banks of a  river or occupy a kindred site. Most of them perch on the top of a precipitous hill of great height. Their close proximity consolidated the defences of the region and threw an unsurpassable barrier in the way of the enemy.

Concept of Fortification and Stretch in Rajasthan

Many of these forts stand in a delapidated condition today mourning over their lost grandeur but a large number are so well preserved as to retain their medieval defences practically intact. This concept of fortification originates from man’s sense of security. It was this sense of protection which was instrumental in giving rise to the system of fortification.

A large number of forts were built on the far stretched Arawali ranges. In the central and eastern hilly ranges there is an unbreakable double line of forts; in the western part stand the forts of chittor, Mandalgarh, Jahajpur and Bundi while in the eastern part of those Rampura, Rath, Kheri, Tamangarh, Bhansrodgarh, Kota, Indegard, Ranthambhor, Utgir and Bayana etc.

Architectural Designs

Generally a high wall defended by precipies was selected and the side that offered any facility of ascent was cut in to form a steep sinuous path. Many powerful gates were thrown across this path. The curtain walls were protected by wide and deep moats being crossed at the gates by bridges. The battlements had generally two tiers of loopholes and were of great thickness.

Major Forts in Rajasthan

If you start counting the number, there are more than 1000 forts, though there are always some of the mighty and the popular ones. Chittorgarh Fort, Amber Fort,  Nahargarh,  Jaigarh,  Kumbalgarh Fort, Ranthambhor Fort, Jalore Fort,  Bala Fort of Alwar, Taragarh Fort of Ajmer, Bundi Fort, Meherangarh Fort, Achalgarh Fort of Abu, Mandalgarh Fort of Mewar, Fort of Bayana, Fort of Timangarh, Khandar and Shergarh of Hadhoti, Junagarh of Bikaner, Lohagarh of Bharatpur, Sonar Fort of Jaisalmer, Chomu Fort of Jaipur, Gagron Fort and Bhaisrodgarh Fort are the ones that forms the top of the list.

I would be writing a post on all of these forts and may be some of the others not known but unique in their architectural beauty and history. This series of forts is presented for all my traveler friends so that they get enlightened about the very and mighty walls to Kingdom of the Rajputana dynasty.

Tags: , , ,